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Riley Green Named People’s Sexiest Country Star and the Internet Basically Said “Obviously”

Riley Green showing off his toned physique on the water, capturing the rugged southern charm that earned him People’s “Sexiest Country Star” title.
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Riley Green just took home the “Sexiest Country Star” crown for 2025, and no one is surprised.

The Alabama-born country singer, known for his rugged good looks, southern charm, and smooth drawl, was officially named People’s “Sexiest Country Star” of the year by a record-breaking 350,000 votes. Over a quarter million fans made it clear that the man with the beard, the jeans, and the grin has earned his title.

Riley faced strong competition from Cody Johnson, Warren Zeiders, and Shaboozey, but it was never really a question. Riley has been holding that title unofficially for years, thanks to his country-boy appeal and his ability to turn social media into a nonstop highlight reel. Whether he is posting acoustic videos from his porch or sharing shirtless photos from a fishing trip, the man knows how to make the internet stop scrolling.

RELATED: Riley Green’s Most Honest Songs About Growing Up in a Small Town

At his concerts, things get even wilder. Fans have made it a running joke to throw bras and all sorts of undergarments onstage when Riley performs. That kind of energy proves his fanbase is just as passionate as it is playful, and it fits perfectly with his laid-back, good-hearted personality.

Of course, Riley is more than just a handsome face. Before he was headlining arenas, he was tossing touchdowns as a college quarterback at Jacksonville State University. He also appeared on CMT’s Redneck Island before his country music career took off with hits like “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” The man has stayed true to his roots, with a mix of grit, humility, and talent that fans find hard to resist.

RELATED: Riley Green Concert Interrupted When Opener Annie Bosko’s Sister Crashes the Stage and Is Escorted Off

He joins a short list of country artists who have made People’s sexy rankings over the years. Luke Combs earned the “Sexiest 34-Year-Old” title last year, and Warren Zeiders took home “Sexiest 25-Year-Old.” However, the only country artist ever to be named the overall “Sexiest Man Alive” remains Blake Shelton, who received the title in 2017. The internet still brings that one up every year, though this time, country fans agree that Riley was the obvious choice.

Fans reacted exactly how you would expect, with comments like “Obviously,” “Finally,” and “Took long enough.” Some joked that People should just name it “The Riley Green Award” from now on, because no one else stands a chance.

It is also hard to ignore that Riley’s steamy “Worst Way” music video may have helped secure his win. The slow-motion stares and smoky lighting turned him into the country version of a movie star, and fans have not stopped talking about it since.

Now that Riley Green has been officially crowned the “Sexiest Country Star,” he seems to be taking it in stride. He is still out on tour, playing packed shows, meeting fans, and keeping that easygoing charm that made him famous in the first place.

If People keeps running this poll every year, Riley might just keep winning it. When a guy has the voice, the looks, and the attitude of a true country star, it is hard to argue with the results.

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