Courtesy of TCMA

FORT WORTH, TX — The Texas Country Music Association (TCMA) has officially announced the top five finalists in 25 of the 28 categories for the upcoming 2025 Texas Country Music Awards, including the second annual Tejano category, a groundbreaking addition that continues to celebrate the rich legacy and cultural impact of Tejano music within the Texas music landscape.

Finalists for this year’s Tejano category include Texas Latino, Keith Nieto, Ram Herrera, Nuevo Regimen, and Sunny Sauceda, who took home the honor in the category’s inaugural year in 2024. These nominees represent the depth, diversity, and enduring influence of Tejano music across the Lone Star State.

Final Round Voting opens July 1 and runs through August 15 at midnight at texascountrymusic.org. Voting is open to the public—no TCMA membership required—though TCMA Members’ votes count double.

Winners will be revealed during a star-studded ceremony on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Billed as the World’s Largest Honky Tonk, the venue will once again host thousands of fans, artists, and industry leaders to honor the best in Texas Country—and now Tejano—music.

Kevin Fowler will headline the 2025 event and receive the distinguished TCMA Trailblazer Award. Performances throughout the night will feature Texas icons including Robert Earl Keen (recipient of the Moe Bandy ICON Award), Brandon Rhyder, Billie Jo Jones, Pug Johnson, Scotty Alexander, Hayden Baker, and the five finalists for Emerging Artist of the Year.

Returning to host the ceremony is TCMA Spokesperson and Texas Country artist Brandon Rhyder, alongside Erin Wilde, a popular on-air personality from KTFW 92.1 Hank FM.

“Texas is so blessed to have such unique and spectacular talent,” said Linda Wilson, President and Founder of the Texas Country Music Association. “There were literally thousands of nominees—each one gifted and unique—and we at TCMA are very honored to be able to work on ALL their behalf on an ongoing basis.”

Tickets for the 2025 Texas Country Music Awards are available now at billybobstexas.com and through a link on texascountrymusic.org.

The Awards ceremony caps off Texas Country Music Weekend, a three-day celebration of Texas music held across the Stockyards from November 8–10, featuring free concerts, artist showcases, and special fan events. Highlights include:

Friday, Nov. 8:
- Texas Country Showcase (1–5 PM)
- Free Concert with Grant Gilbert
- Official Pre-Party at Rhinestone Saloon featuring Donice Morace and Payton Riley
Saturday, Nov. 9:
- Texas Country Music Showdown (11 AM–6 PM) – 8-band competition
- Free Concert with the Monty Dawson Band
Sunday, Nov. 10:
- Free Christian Country Sunday Concert (Noon) featuring Curtis Grimes, Aaron Loy, Alf Evans, Schaefer Kay, and Nick Zamora

With more than 150,000 visitors in 2024, TCMA expects even greater attendance this year as the celebration continues to grow in both reach and recognition.

“The Texas Country Music Awards gets bigger and better every year,” said Richard Wilson, TCMA Executive Vice President. “Last year’s show was a milestone, and this year promises to raise the bar again thanks to all the incredible talent and support from our members, sponsors, and fans.”

As the only statewide organization dedicated to supporting the Texas Country music industry, TCMA remains committed to honoring artists, building community, and celebrating the sounds that define the heart of Texas including Tejano.

For more information, to vote, or to purchase tickets, visit texascountrymusic.org.

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Luis Treviño