Ella Langley and Riley Green made a splash at the 59th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, taking home Single of the Year for their hit “You Look Like You Love Me.”
“I wasn’t expecting to get up here so early tonight,” said Langley, 26, during her acceptance speech. “This song just keeps on giving because the fans keep listening to it. And I wouldn’t be here without people like Will Bundy and Jim Cooley working on the record, Riley singing the second verse… wow, I get a little confused and excited up here!”
She added warmly, “Thank you so much. This means the world to all of us.”
Riley Green, 37, praised his collaborator, saying, “I’m just so glad to be part of this song. Ella handles herself so well and keeps country music really country. Proud of you, and thank you to everyone who made this a hit.”
Other Big Wins of the Night
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Brooks & Dunn were named Vocal Duo of the Year, marking their 16th win in the category. Ronnie Dunn said, “I’m emotional. Every sold-out show is surreal… we’ll take this and try to make you proud.” Kix Brooks added, “This is too good! Thank you very much.”
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Zach Top was named New Artist of the Year. “I’m so thankful to be included with such great artists,” he said. “This is my first CMA win ever, so it’s a big deal to me.”
Host Lainey Wilson Shines
Lainey Wilson, who also served as host, shared a heartfelt message with the audience:
“Welcome to the CMA Awards! I grew up in Baskin, Louisiana, population 175. Growing up, there were two things my family never missed: bull riding and the CMA Awards. To be asked to host this legendary event is making little Lainey — who used to sit too close to the TV — really, really proud.”
Wilson was also nominated for Entertainer of the Year alongside Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and 2024 winner Morgan Wallen.
The night also featured special moments, including Vince Gill receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, making the 2025 CMA Awards an unforgettable celebration of country music’s past, present, and future.
