Riley Green Reflects on the Significance of His CMA Nominations and His Performance of ‘Worst Way’
By Website Content Manager
Green described the star-filled evening as “something that’s going to be amazing.”
Riley Green is entering the 2025 CMA Awards feeling both honored and thankful, as he heads in as a four-time nominee and one of the night’s eagerly awaited performers.
The country singer, along with fellow Alabama native Ella Langley, is recognized in several major categories: Single, Song, and Music Video of the Year for their popular duet, “You Look Like You Love Me.” Additionally, the duo is nominated for Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Having watched “Country Music’s Biggest Night” for nearly as long as he can remember, Green says that transitioning from fan to performer on the CMA stage is an experience he deeply cherishes.
When asked if the reality of his multiple nominations has fully sunk in, Green candidly shared with Country Now, “Not really.”
Green shared, “It’s something I grew up watching, and as a longtime country music fan, being nominated and getting the chance to perform at these award shows is incredible. It’s going to be an amazing night.”
Fans are thrilled that the Alabama native will take the stage at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, performing his self-penned hit “Worst Way.” However, he jokingly noted that the on-stage performance won’t match the sultry scenes from the music video.
“It would be tough to top that… my mom will be watching,” he quipped, referencing the steamy visuals.
While Green’s mom won’t be walking the red carpet with him, he’s confident she’ll have a great spot to watch. “She was at my place in Nashville this past weekend with my aunt and uncle. I never know what they’re planning—maybe they’ll have a better seat than me,” he added with a laugh.
As for his outfit for the evening, Green hinted fans might see him sporting suspenders, complemented by his signature cowboy hat. “I tried on a few things today. I think suspenders could be fun,” he said.
Riley Green is among the recently announced performers for the star-studded event, which also features 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, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the 2025 CMA Awards will broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, November 19 (8:00–11:00 PM ET) on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
Following the awards, Green will wrap up his year with performances across Lincoln, Nebraska, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Little Rock, Arkansas, and more.