CMA Awards 2025 Recap: Lainey's Crown, The Biggest Snubs, and the New King of Vocals

The 59th Annual CMA Awards are over, and the dust is still settling in Nashville. Jrod breaks down the three-hour spectacle, from the biggest wins that shifted the genre to the snubs and controversies that social media can't stop talking about. Inside this episode: Lainey Wilson's Reign: She walked away with Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year, but did the triple win while hosting taint the victory? We analyze the reaction and whether she deserves the crown. The Vocalist Upset: Why Cody Johnson's Male Vocalist win was the biggest correction in years, and what it signals for traditional country music. The Snub: We dive deep into the artists who went home empty-handed—starting with a major nominee—and what their loss means for their current chart momentum. Best on Stage: We break down the absolute standout performances, including Kelsea Ballerini’s cinematic moment, the genre-blending performance of Luke Combs & BigXthaPlug, and the emotional, career-defining tribute to Vince Gill. The Controversy: The truth about the "rigged" claims, the performance we wish we could forget, and the continuous Morgan Wallen vs. Awards Show tension. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices