Winners of the 2025 Branson Show Awards named

Branson's longest running awards show was held on Sunday.

Founded in 2004 by music enthusiast Gary Wackerly, and now operated by his son Michael Wacklerly, Benton Wackerly and James Kast, The Branson Show Awards is a time-honored tradition among the area entertainers and fans. Each year the Branson Show Awards Committee visits every show in town, making nominations in many categories. From those nominations, the best of the best are chosen as recipients of the Branson Show Awards.

This year's show was held at the Nashville Roadhouse Theatre, formerly the Pierce Arrow Theatre, where area entertainers flocked to support and celebrate their peers, and music lovers turned out to cheer on the winners.  

Winners at the 2025 Branson Show Awards are below.

·       Bass Player of the Year was Brian Zerbe.

·       The Pink Floyd Experience was named Band of the Year.

·       The Drummer of the Year recipient was Caleb Rust.

·       Wayne Massengale was honored as Fiddler of the Year.

·       John Lance was bestowed the honor of Instrumentalist of the Year.

·       Keyboard Player of the Year was presented to Lee Hendrix.

·       The honor of Guitarist of the Year went to Donnie Ray Stevens.

·       Gene Mulvaney was named Steel Player of the Year.

·       Jarrett Dougherty received the coveted honor of Comedian of the Year.

·       Dance Troupe of the Year was presented to Spirit of the Dance.

·       The Duet of the Year Award was given to Jonathan and Deana Edwards.

·       Mike Patrick was named Emcee of the Year.

·       The award for Vocal Group of the Year was presented to the Nashville Roadhouse Singers.

·       Dan Wagner's Johnny Cash and Friends Tribute Show was honored with the Patriotic Salute of the Year.

·       Tribute Artist of the Year was Matthew Boyce.

·       Rick Thomas was named Illusionist of the Year.

·       The award for Tribute Show of the Year was given to Legends in Concert.

·       Matt Gumm and Company received the award for Comedy Show of the Year.

·       Ozarks Gospel was named Gospel Show of the Year.

·       This year's Family Show of the Year was Hamners' Unbelievable Show.

·       The award for New Show of the Year was bestowed upon Ray—On My Mind.

·       Doug Gabriel—The Ultimate Variety Show was chosen as Morning Show of the Year.

·       The Matinee Show of the Year was MJ The Illusion—Reliving the King of Pop.

·       Re-Vibe was presented the award for Early Evening Show of the Year.

·       The honor of Evening Show of the Year was given to Nashville Roadhouse Live.

·       Anna Maria Watson was named Female Vocalist of the Year.

·       The title of Female Entertainer of the Year was given to Cadence Miller.

·       Tim Hadler received the honor of Male Vocalist of the Year.

·       The Male Entertainer of the Year Award was presented to Dean Z.

·       The Duttons were presented with the prestigious Entertainers of the Year Award.

The Branson Globe congratulates all of the 2025 Branson Show Awards winners!