ASCAP at the 59th Annual CMA Awards
November 20, 2025
The 59th Annual CMA Awards was a celebratory night full of unforgettable performances, heartfelt tributes and top honors for the ASCAP country music family!
After taking home his first CMA Award last year, country hitmaker Will Bundy added another trophy to the shelf as producer on Single of the Year, “you look like you love me.” Meanwhile, prolific pop songwriter-producer Louis Bell received his first CMA Award for his work on country hit “Pour Me A Drink.”
In the Musician of the Year category, celebrated steel guitarist Paul Franklin took home Musician of the Year for the first time, with 33 total nominations in the category since 1989.
It was a star-studded night with performances from ASCAP artists including Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion and 2025 ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year Shaboozey.
The night also included a moving tribute to late ASCAP songwriter Brett James, a beloved member of the ASCAP community whose legacy shaped the sound of country music throughout his decades-long career.
It was certainly a night to remember, and we congratulate all our members on their incredible achievements!
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
“you look like you love me”
Producer: Will Bundy
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
“Pour Me A Drink”
Producer: Louis Bell
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar