Riley Green Heads Into the 2025 CMA Awards Feeling Honored and Grateful
Riley Green is entering the 2025 CMA Awards as a four-time nominee and one of the night’s most anticipated performers. Alongside fellow Alabama native Ella Langley, he’s up for Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for their smash duet “You Look Like You Love Me.” The pair also earned a nomination for Musical Event of the Year for their collaboration “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
A Childhood Dream Becoming Reality
Green has been watching “Country Music’s Biggest Night” since he was a kid, so stepping into the show not as a fan at home, but as a major part of the event, isn’t something he takes lightly.
When asked whether the excitement of four nominations has sunk in, he admitted to Country Now, “Not really.”
“It’s something you grow up watching,” he said. “Being such a big fan of country music, getting to actually attend, be nominated, and perform—it’s incredible.”
Performing “Worst Way” — But Not Recreating the Music Video
Fans are eagerly waiting to see Green take the Bridgestone Arena stage on Wednesday, November 19, where he’ll perform his chart-topping, self-penned hit “Worst Way.”
However, he joked that he won’t be attempting to recreate the steamy visuals from the music video.
“It’d be hard to top that one… plus my mom’s gonna watch,” he laughed.
Although his mother won’t be walking the red carpet with him, Green says she’ll be well taken care of.
“She was at my house in Nashville this weekend with family. I never know what they’re up to,” he joked. “They might have a better seat than me.”
What He’ll Wear on the Red Carpet
As for his red carpet look, Green teased that fans might see him rock suspenders—along with his signature cowboy hat, of course.
“I tried some stuff on today,” he said. “I think I’m gonna try to make some suspenders work. Seems fun.”
A Star-Studded Performance Lineup
Green joins an impressive list of performers already announced, including:
Kelsea Ballerini
Brandi Carlile
Kenny Chesney
Miranda Lambert
Patty Loveless
Old Dominion
The Red Clay Strays
Chris Stapleton
BigXThaPlug
Luke Combs
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Lainey Wilson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the CMA Awards will air live from Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00–11:00 PM ET) on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
Finishing Out the Year on the Road
After celebrating with his peers at the CMAs, Green will head out for the final shows of his year—tour stops include Lincoln (Nebraska), Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and more.
He’ll close out 2025 with two nights in Las Vegas during NFR week.
“I’m not a big gambler,” he said, “but Vegas during the NFR is different. So many country fans—it feels like a real western town takes over the city. I’m excited for those shows, and then to spend some time at home with the family.”
Kicking Off 2026 With Big Plans
After a brief break, Green will ring in the new year with a trip to Mexico for Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa, before launching his 2026 headlining Cowboy As It Gets Tour.
