Riley Green didn’t just perform “Worst Way” at the 2025 CMA Awards — he smoldered through it in a way that made the entire Bridgestone Arena fall into a hush that felt almost intimate. The moment the stage lights lowered into that warm amber glow, the camera caught him gripping his guitar like it was part confession, part weapon, part heartbeat. Even before he sang a word, you could feel the tension rise — the kind of tension that makes people lean forward without realizing they’re doing it.

Green brought the self-penned hit to life on the CMA Awards stage.

Riley Green brought the heat to the CMA Awards on Wednesday with a performance of his chart-topping hit, “Worst Way.”

Over the summer, “Worst Way” became Green’s fifth career No. 1 and made history in the process. It’s only the second song solely written by the performing artist to reach the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart since 2012, making Green just the sixth solo artist in the past two decades to achieve the feat.

Riley Green performs at “The 59th Annual CMA Awards,” live from Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, November 19, 2025 on ABC; Photo Courtesy CMA

Backstage at the CMA Awards, Green told Country Now that the night was “going to be great.” He also joked about his steamy “Worst Way” music video, saying there were no plans to recreate the sexy visuals live on stage.

“I mean, it would be hard to top that one… my mom’s gonna watch,” he laughed, referencing the sultry scenes from the video.

As a longtime CMA Awards fan, Green said he couldn’t be more grateful to not only have a seat at the table but also to earn nominations and a performance slot.

“I mean, it’s something you grew up watching, and still being just a big fan of country music, it’s such a cool thing to be able to go to these award shows, be nominated, and get to perform…” he told Country Now.

Green raked in four CMA Award nominations this year. The country superstar, along with fellow Alabama native Ella Langley, was nominated for for Single, Song, and Music Video of the Year for their hit collaboration “You Look Like You Love Me.” The pair was also nominated for Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

On the morning of the CMA Awards, Green was already celebrating, having secured a win in the Music Video of the Year category for “You Look Like You Love Me” with Ella Langley.

Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the 59th Annual CMA Awards took place live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00–11:00 PM ET) on ABC.

The night also featured performances from Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr., Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, and Chris Stapleton.

Collaborative performances included Luke Combs & BigXthaPlug, Shaboozey & Stephen Wilson Jr., and Chris Stapleton & Miranda Lambert.

Presenters and special guests appearing throughout the evening included Lady A, Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman.

The full broadcast is available for next-day streaming on Hulu.