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The 2025 CMA Awards brought more than big wins to Bridgestone Arena last night — they delivered a red-carpet lineup packed with personality, polish, and plenty of country flair. From Lainey Wilson’s turquoise hosting look to bold statements in lace, leather, velvet, and custom Western couture, the carpet showcased the genre’s evolving style. Inside the show, Wilson swept Entertainer, Female Vocalist, and Album of the Year, while Ella Langley and Riley Green claimed three major trophies for their chart-topping duet. Here’s a look at the stars who set the tone before the first award was even announced.
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson lit up the 2025 CMA Awards carpet in a turquoise, jewel-studded jumpsuit with a plunging neckline, sweeping cape, and metallic cowboy hat—an unmistakably “Lainey” statement look. Inside the show, the host dominated the night with a high-energy opening medley and a trio of major wins: Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Whirlwind, cementing her status as country’s reigning powerhouse.
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini turned heads at the 2025 CMA Awards in a sheer red gown topped with a dramatic sculptural rosette and matching crimson heels. Inside the show, she delivered one of the night’s standout performances with her emotional single “I Sit in Parks,” staged on a rain-kissed swing that became an instant CMA moment. Her bold fashion and cinematic performance kept her firmly in the night’s spotlight.
Ella Langley
Ella Langley lit up the 2025 CMA Awards—onstage and on the carpet. She arrived in a fiery sheer red lace gown that instantly became one of the night’s standout looks. Inside the arena, she and Riley Green dominated, winning Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and
Music Video of the Year for their smash duet “You Look Like You Love Me,” marking Langley’s biggest career night yet.
Megan Moroney
Megan Moroney commanded the 2025 CMA Awards carpet in a black satin gown featuring a crystal-studded corset, thigh-high slit, sweeping cape, and opera-length gloves—one of the night’s most glamorous looks. Onstage, she delivered a cinematic performance of “6 Months Later,” shedding a pink robe to reveal a sparkling mini dress amid a bedroom-themed set. With six nominations and major buzz, Moroney proved she’s one of country’s brightest rising stars.
Asher Angel
Actor-singer Asher Angel — known for Disney Channel’s Andi Mack and his role as Billy Batson in Shazam! — made a bold CMA Awards appearance as he leans further into his music career. He wore a mustard-velvet suit over a white tank with layered gold chains, a look that sparked plenty of carpet commentary for its striking color and texture. His clean-shaven face, however, suggested he’s still easing into full country-artist territory.
Brett Young and Taylor Mills
Brett Young and wife Taylor Mills bring one of Nashville’s sweetest long-game love stories to the carpet. After rekindling their relationship, they married in 2018 and now share daughters Presley and Rowan. At the 2025 CMA Awards, Young kept it classic in a black textured jacket, button-up, dark jeans, and a gold “B” belt buckle, while Mills wore a fitted sheer black dress with bold floral accents and loose waves.
MŌRIAH
MŌRIAH brought a striking blend of Latin heritage and country style to the 2025 CMA Awards carpet in a custom cowhide skirt by Westerly USA, a KUG corset, and a sombrero de charro by Marquez Clásico. She accessorized with VSA Designs earrings, an Alexis Bittar clutch, and Old Gringo boots. Styled by Stephanij Style with glam from Frenchy’s Brush and The Blonde Collective, the look felt both modern and authentically her.
Shaboozey
Shaboozey brought his signature blend of country grit and hip-hop swagger to the 2025 CMA Awards carpet in light-wash jeans, a white tank, and a black embroidered jacket topped with a cream cowboy hat and a standout chandelier earring by Savannah Friedkin. Not one to miss a fashion trend, he doubled up, stacking two western belts. Onstage, he joined Stephen Wilson Jr. for a moving performance of “Took a Walk,” further highlighting his status as one of the genre’s most distinct new voices.
The War and Treaty
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter continue to hold a singular place in country music—blending soul, gospel, Americana, and traditional country while pushing the genre toward greater depth, diversity, and emotional honesty. At the 2025 CMA Awards, the duo arrived in unified Western elegance: Michael in a black Western-style jacket with white embroidery and a flat-brimmed cowboy hat, and Tanya in a sleek black strapless mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline, statement earrings, and a matching black cowboy hat.