Yesterday (November 19), country music’s biggest names dusted off their boots and grabbed their tallest Stetson hat for the 2025 CMA Awards. As dozens of the genre’s titans and rising acts eagerly awaited the announcement of category winners, Lainey Wilson celebrated everyone’s contributions.
As the host with the most and fellow 2025 CMA Awards nominee, Wilson kicked off the night right. Joined on the Bridgestone Arena stage with guitarist Charlie Worsham, Wilson jumped things off with a warm cover of Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse.”
During the 2025 CMA Awards backstage TikTok livestream hosted by Lauren Alaina and HaleyyBaylee, Worsham gushed about joining Wilson for the set.
Wilson’s festive medley didn’t end there. She then transitioned into a kick ass interpretation of Brooks & Dunn’s “Hillybilly Deluxe.” With everyone stomping along, Wilson slowed things down with a performance of Ella Langley & Riley Green’s “you look like you love me.”
To make the moment even sweeter, Wilson sought out Langley from the crowd to perform it to her as the songwriter danced and lip-synced along.
Keeping up the tender moment spotlighting women musicians, Wilson headed over to Gretchen Wilson as she belted out her beloved tune “Redneck Woman,” then switched to Lady A’s “Need You Now.”
Wilson’s cover of “Gunpowder and Lead” by Miranda Lambert even brought the singer to her feet as she joyfully joined in.
The party continued as Wilson pulled Shaboozey from the crowd to perform a piece of his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Then Wilson turned her attention to Little Big Town as she covered their breakout tune “Girl Crush.” To the surprise of onlookers, Little Big Town quickly joined in, making it a vocal mashup to remember.
To close the medley, Wilson called in the big guns, Keith Urban, to perform his record “Where the Blacktop Ends.” With his guitar in hand, Urban dazzled the crowd, earning a standing ovation on the stage, receiving a standing round of applause. Wilson and Urban ended the set face-to-face, smiling, their smiles warm enough to warm the coldest heart.
Watch Lainey Wilson’s opening medley performance at the 2025 CMA Awards below. View the full list of winners from the 2025 CMA Awards here.
The 2025 CMA Awards are now available for rewatch exclusively on Hulu. Find more information here.