Country Music's Biggest Stars Shine at the 59th Annual CMA Awards: Who Was Missing and Who Took Home the Trophies

Country Music's Biggest Stars Shine at the 59th Annual CMA Awards: Who Was Missing and Who Took Home the Trophies

Country music’s biggest stars gathered at the 59th annual CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, but some notable names were missing from the event. Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany Aldean, chose not to attend the awards show, with Brittany sharing on social media that they were not feeling the love from the CMA. Despite Aldean’s successful career with 30 No. 1 hits, he has only received two CMA trophies. The couple was instead enjoying a family trip in Miami during the ceremony. Other artists who were absent from the CMAs included Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, and Kane Brown.

Lainey Wilson had a big night at the 2025 CMA Awards, serving as the solo host and winning Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. Other winners at the event included Ella Langley, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, The Red Clay Strays, Brooks & Dunn, Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Zach Top, and Paul Franklin.