Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN) proudly recognizes another unforgettable year for the Texas Country Music Association (TCMA) as the 2025 Texas Country Music Awards lit up the Fort Worth Stockyards at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas. The event marked TCMA’s ninth annual celebration and its seventh consecutive year of hosting the awards at one of the most iconic venues in Western entertainment.
Honoring the Spirit of Lone Star Music
From powerful tributes to showstopping performances, the evening once again proved why Texas remains a cornerstone of the country music world. Hosted by TCMA Spokesperson, Brandon Rhyder, and beloved radio personality, Erin Wilde, the ceremony delivered the high-energy, family-style atmosphere that has become the heart of the TCMA mission.
Photos Courtesy of Texas Country Music Association
A Tribute to Community, Resilience & Western Heritage
As in years past, the Texas Country Music Awards highlighted more than artistry; it honored the values that shape Western culture. Josh Weathers’ emotional tribute to victims of the Hill Country flooding, paired with Aaron Loy’s moving performance of “Man I Never Met,” reminded audiences why country music remains deeply rooted in storytelling, healing, and community.
CLN CONNECTS THE WEST: From Arizona to Texas
For CLN, this year’s Awards carry a special significance. Just months earlier, CLN helped usher in a new era of Western entertainment with the 1st Annual Arizona Diamond Country Music Awards (AZDCMA) Black-Tie event, a groundbreaking celebration that brought elegance, tradition, and modern Western culture together under one roof.
A Western Movement
That Arizona event set the tone for a year of elevated Western experiences, and the Texas Country Music Awards affirmed the same spirit. Both events reflect a powerful movement happening across the West: a renewed pride in cowboy heritage, Western creativity, and the communities that keep country music alive. Through storytelling, media coverage, and cultural connection, CLN remains committed to bridging moments like these, moments that honor where we come from, celebrate where we are, and shape where Western entertainment is headed next.
Highlights From the 2025 Texas Country Music Awards
With 28 award categories, the ceremony recognized the industry’s top artists, songwriters, musicians, and contributors. Among the night’s major honors:
- Entertainer of the Year: Josh Weathers
- Male Artist of the Year: Grant Gilbert
- Female Artist of the Year: Kylie Frey
- Emerging Artist: Tristan Roberson
- Country Album of the Year: Real Simple Country by Jesse Raub Jr.
- Christian Country Artist of the Year: Aaron Loy
- Trailblazer Award: Kevin Fowler
- Moe Bandy Icon Award: Robert Earl Keen
The evening featured performances by Billie Jo Jones, Brandon Rhyder, Hayden Baker, Aaron Loy, the Emerging Artist finalists, and a show-stopping finale by Kevin Fowler.
Honoring Industry Excellence
The Awards also recognized the essential pillars that strengthen the country music ecosystem, radio personalities, live music venues, songwriters, musicians, and media outlets across Texas and beyond. The Pre-Show honored both Texas Country Songwriter of the Year, Curtis Grimes, and Christian Songwriter of the Year, Tyson Leamon, while Dylan Edwards received the 2025 TCMA Artist Scholarship. Longtime partners, including Stockyards Heritage Development Co., Waxahachie Autoplex Group, American Hat Company, Cinch Jeans, and many others, helped bring this year’s event to life.
Looking Ahead
With momentum building, TCMA is already preparing for its 10th Anniversary Awards in 2026, along with the Texas Country Music Industry Awards coming in summer 2026. CLN looks forward to continuing its coverage and championing the stories, artists, and communities that define country music today.
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