A Look Back at the Best Performances from the 2025 CMA Awards

Old Dominion Celebrates 10 Years With a Medley of Hits

Country group Old Dominion marked a decade of music with a vibrant performance featuring a medley of their hits, including “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “Snap Back,” “Hotel Key,” and “One Man Band.” The audience enthusiastically sang along, underscoring the band’s strong connection with their fans and a remarkable catalog developed over the years. However, some attendees expressed a desire to hear tracks from their newly released album, Barbara.

BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs Offer a Hip-Hop/Country Fusion

BigXthaPlug, known for his Billboard Hot 100 hit “All The Way,” showcased his album I Hope You’re Happy, which blends country and hip-hop elements. He was joined by Luke Combs, who opened the show earlier in the evening. Their joint performance of “Pray Hard” highlighted the powerful vocals of both artists, although at times the sound levels created a challenging balance.

Kenny Chesney Celebrates Milestone Year With Energetic CMAs Performance

Newly inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Kenny Chesney captivated the audience with a retrospective of his most beloved hits, including “American Kids” and the island-inspired “When The Sun Goes Down.” He concluded the performance with a heartfelt tribute to the late songwriter Brett James, stating, “Brett James, we love you,” while images of James were displayed behind him. Attendees noted a missed opportunity for showcasing some of Chesney’s newer works.

Kelsea Ballerini Offers Elegant Performance of “I Sit in Parks”

Kelsea Ballerini delivered a theatrical and elegant performance of her ballad “I Sit in Parks,” from her EP Mount Pleasant. Dressed in a simple red gown and seated on a swing, she sang about the conflict between family desires and career ambitions. The performance featured a stormy backdrop, adding a poetic visual to her emotive delivery.

Tucker Wetmore Brings Confidence on ‘Wind Up Missin’ You’

Tucker Wetmore captivated the audience with his hit “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Beginning his performance seated on a stool, he quickly exuded charisma and confidence, fully engaging the crowd. The song has reached the top five on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, solidifying his place in the genre.

The Red Clay Strays’ Rock-Fueled ‘People Hatin’

The Red Clay Strays, hailing from Alabama, delivered a powerful performance of their latest release “People Hatin’” at the CMAs. While the vocals occasionally faltered in clarity, the band’s dynamic guitar work and energetic percussion showcased their exceptional musical talent.

Riley Green Brings Sultry ‘Worst Way’

Riley Green captivated the audience with a sultry rendition of his song “Worst Way.” The understated stage design allowed the raw emotion of his straightforward country vocal performance to take center stage, emphasizing Green’s powerful but measured delivery.

Lainey Wilson Gives a ‘Ring Finger’

After winning the album of the year award for her project Whirlwind, Lainey Wilson performed “Ring Finger” in a shimmering outfit, accompanied by dancers. Her energetic performance transformed a song about heartbreak and betrayal into an empowering celebration of resilience.

Luke Combs’ Fiery Performance Opener

Luke Combs opened the CMAs with an electrifying performance of “Back in the Saddle,” a track currently in the top ten on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. Using plumes of fire and fireworks to enhance the spectacle, Combs showcased his grizzled determination on stage.

Megan Moroney Ushers In ‘Cloud 9’ With a Pink-Toned Performance

Megan Moroney’s performance, coinciding with the launch of her upcoming album Cloud 9, was a vibrant spectacle bathed in pink. She began in a cozy setting, dressed in a fluffy robe while performing “Six Months Later.” Midway through, she revealed a sparkling sequined pink dress, transitioning into a lively dance routine with her dancers.

Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’

Ella Langley showcased her new fan favorite, “Choosin’ Texas,” accompanied by dancers and a set design celebrating the Lone Star State. The song narrates a tale of love lost to a Texan woman, blending old-school charm with Langley’s deep twang. The performance also featured a nod to co-writer Miranda Lambert, who proudly waved a Texas flag from the audience.

Lainey Wilson Honors Country Hits With Star-Packed Medley

Lainey Wilson ignited the evening with an energetic medley of hits, highlighting the camaraderie among artists in the crowd. She mingled with several performers, offering renditions of classics like “Need You Now” and “Girl Crush,” while also partnering with Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban for memorable collaborations throughout the night.

Stephen Wilson Jr.’s Version of ‘Stand By Me’ Gains Standing Ovation

Rising artist Stephen Wilson Jr. captivated the audience with his rendition of “Stand By Me” during the CMAs. His heartfelt performance prompted fans to illuminate the venue with their cell phone lights, culminating in a standing ovation.

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton Bring a ’70s Fusion

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton brought a nostalgic ’70s vibe to the CMAs stage with their performance of “A Song to Sing.” The duo’s harmonies, enhanced by retro-inspired outfits and glamorous disco balls, created a captivating atmosphere.

Zach Top Brings ’90s Country Power to His CMAs Performance

Zach Top’s performance at the CMA Awards was infused with ’90s country influences, honoring his lifelong devotion to music. He opened with “Guitar,” from his album Ain’t In It For My Health, delivering intricate acoustic guitar work while performing on a guitar-shaped stage.

Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. Garner Standing Ovation For Powerful Collab

Stephen Wilson Jr. returned to the stage alongside Shaboozey for a powerful collaboration on “Took a Walk,” from the film The Long Walk. The performance transformed the stage into a picturesque field, resonating with themes of exhaustion, loyalty, and resilience, ultimately earning a standing ovation from the audience.

Brandi Carlile, Patty Loveless Honor Vince Gill

Vince Gill received the prestigious CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award this year, marked by a heartfelt tribute from Brandi Carlile. She performed “When I Call Your Name,” soon joined by Patty Loveless, who originally harmonized on the track upon its release in 1990.

“Congratulations, Vinny. I love you brother,” Loveless said, before surprise guest George Strait lauded Gill’s immense talent, stating, “He can sing higher than anybody I know. He’s in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and he plays with the Eagles…I could’ve just said that.”

Chris Stapleton and His Band Offer a Bluesy Jam Session

Chris Stapleton brought a bluesy flair to the CMAs with a harmonica-heavy rendition of “Bad As I Used to Be,” a track featured in the upcoming F1 movie. Joined by his band, including wife Morgane, Stapleton delivered a high-energy jam session defined by his powerful vocals.