It was a big night for The Red Clay Strays , who took home Vocal Group of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 19).

While some viewers were just discovering the Alabama band for the first time, others have been following them since their breakout debut, Moment of Truth , dropped in 2022.

With a soul-stirring performance of “People Hatin’” — a gospel-rock-leaning call for unity — the band staked their claim as one of the most emotionally resonant acts of the night.

Then came their first-ever CMA win.

During a backstage interview after accepting the award, frontman Brandon Coleman made it clear that while they’re honored by the recognition, the band still doesn’t exactly see themselves as a country group — at least, not yet.

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