Zach Top Wins CMA New Artist of the Year: The Beer-in-Hand Moment That Cemented His Traditional Country Stardom
Nashville Crowns Its New Traditional King: Zach Top Takes Home CMA New Artist of the Year
In a night filled with industry legends and rising superstars, one moment at the 2025 CMA Awards truly encapsulated the spirit of modern country music’s traditional revival: Zach Top accepting his first-ever CMA award for New Artist of the Year—with a beer in his hand.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, November 19, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, marked the official coronation of the Eastern Washington native, who has become the genre’s leading voice for the neo-traditional sound.
His victory, announced to a roaring crowd, solidifies his status as a major new force in the industry, capping a remarkably rapid and successful ascent from the ranch to country music’s biggest stage.
A Toast to Triumph: The Iconic Acceptance Speech
Top, who had already delivered a powerful performance of his song “Guitar” earlier in the evening, took to the stage to accept the prestigious accolade.
His reaction was one of genuine humility and characteristic charm, as he joked about his liquid accessory.
“Thank you very, very much. I can’t remember if I was supposed to put my beer down first or not, but here it is now,” Top quipped, holding his drink.
This unscripted, authentic moment—which social media commenters immediately suggested warranted a Coors Banquet sponsorship—perfectly captured the down-to-earth persona that has made his throwback country music so popular.
The win, which Top noted was a “big deal” as his first CMA trophy, was a highlight of the night.
He beat out a highly competitive field of nominees, including Ella Langley, Shaboozey, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr., all of whom have had phenomenal breakout years.
Beyond the humor, his speech was a heartfelt thank you to those who helped him reach this milestone.
He expressed gratitude to God for giving him the gift to “sing and play,” and shared a particularly touching thank you to his parents.
He lauded his mother and father for “realizing that I was never gonna be a professional cowboy or a baseball player, so maybe the closest I could get was to sing about cowboys.”
He concluded his acceptance, ready to bask in the moment, stating, “It’s been a hell of a last couple of years. So, so thankful and ready to celebrate all night.”
The Year of Zach Top: From Nominee to Winner
Zach Top’s journey to the CMA stage has been one of consistent growth, marked by a dedication to the sounds of the 1990s country golden era.
This win carries extra weight, as it comes after his previous nomination in the same category during the 2024 CMA Awards.
While New Artist of the Year was his major win, Top was one of the most-nominated artists of the night, competing in several other high-profile categories.
His 2025 nominations included: Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for Cold Beer & Country Music, and both Single of the Year and Song of the Year for his standout track, “I Never Lie.”
While Lainey Wilson ultimately took home Album of the Year and Entertainer of the Year, and Cody Johnson secured Male Vocalist of the Year, Top’s presence in these marquee categories signals that he is no longer just a ‘new’ artist, but a fixture among the genre’s elite.
His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, released in April 2024, made a massive splash, and his sophomore effort, Ain’t In It For My Health, released in August 2025, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Current Country Albums chart, confirming his commercial and critical appeal.
The Neo-Traditional Revolution
Zach Top’s success is a significant victory for the entire movement of neo-traditional country music.
Raised on a ranch in Sunnyside, Washington, Top grew up listening to the classic country sounds that permeate his work, creating music that is often described as incorporating a ’90s country vibe with modern production.
His clear homage to legends like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Randy Travis has led fans and critics alike to herald him as the “savior of country music”—a beacon for listeners who crave the storytelling and instrumentation of classic country.
Songs like “Sounds Like the Radio,” “Bad Luck,” and the aforementioned “I Never Lie” have captured the essence of that traditional style, positioning him as the artist capable of carrying that sound into the modern era.
Winning New Artist of the Year is more than just a trophy; it is the industry’s official endorsement of this traditional revival.
This award has a history of propelling careers, and for Top, it promises greater radio play, more prominent touring opportunities, and a heightened level of anticipation for his future releases.
What’s Next: The Cold Beer & Country Music Tour
The monumental CMA win serves as a powerful launchpad for the next phase of his career: a rigorous touring schedule that is already underway across the US and expanding into Europe.
Top is currently continuing the US leg of his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour, with stops slated through early 2026, including major US venues in cities like Seattle, Las Vegas, and Louisville.
The excitement for his traditional sound has transcended American borders, leading to the announcement of a European leg of the tour, featuring special guest Wyatt McCubbin.
Starting February 21, 2026, in Zurich, Switzerland, the European trek will see Top performing headline dates in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, before culminating in headline appearances at the renowned C2C Festival in London, Belfast, and Glasgow in March 2026.
Moreover, Top is also scheduled to support the legendary Alan Jackson on his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, an opportunity that symbolically connects the ’90s great with the genre’s new flagbearer.
From the family farm in Sunnyside to the bright lights of the Bridgestone Arena, Zach Top’s journey is a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic, neo-traditional country music, a journey that is now officially stamped with the CMA’s highest honor for a rising star.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What award did Zach Top win at the 2025 CMA Awards?
A: Zach Top won the prestigious New Artist of the Year award at the 59th Annual CMA Awards ceremony on November 19, 2025. This was his first-ever CMA Award win, after being nominated for the same honor in 2024.
Q: What was the reaction to Zach Top’s acceptance speech?
A: His acceptance speech went viral because he walked on stage with a Coors Banquet beer in his hand, joking to the crowd, “I can’t remember if I was supposed to put my beer down first or not, but here it is now.” The authentic, laid-back moment resonated with fans and was widely praised on social media.
Q: What is Zach Top’s signature style of music?
A: Zach Top is known for his neo-traditional country style, which heavily features the sounds and lyrical themes of 1990s country music artists like George Strait and Alan Jackson. This throwback sound has earned him the nickname “savior of country music” among some fans.
Q: Where can fans see Zach Top perform next?
A: Zach Top is currently on the US leg of his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour, with dates scheduled through early 2026. He will then take the tour to Europe for a headline run in February and March 2026, including appearances at the C2C Festival in the UK.
Q: Was Zach Top nominated for other awards at the 2025 CMA Awards?
A: Yes, in addition to his win for New Artist of the Year, Zach Top was also nominated in four other major categories: Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and both Single of the Year and Song of the Year.
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