The 60th Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards held on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, proved to be a defining moment for the new and reigning stars of country music. Hosted by the iconic Reba McEntire, the night celebrated both legendary acts and rising talent, delivering surprise wins, emotional performances, and unforgettable collaborations.
Lainey Wilson: Entertainer of the Year — Again
Lainey Wilson dominated the evening with four major wins, including Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive time. She also took home Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Whirlwind, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Her energetic performance and humble acceptance speeches underscored why she remains one of country music’s fastest-rising superstars.
Wilson’s back-to-back wins mirror her meteoric rise since 2023, establishing her as a powerhouse in both commercial success and songwriting credibility.
Ella Langley and Riley Green: A Duo to Remember
Ella Langley, a breakout star, was one of the most awarded artists of the night with four wins, thanks in large part to her chart-topping duet with Riley Green, you look like you love me. The song earned Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year — with Langley also being credited as the music video’s co-director.
She also claimed the title of New Female Artist of the Year, marking her as a major new force in the industry. Langley’s presence throughout the ceremony, from red carpet to stage, showcased a confident artist stepping into the spotlight.
Green’s collaboration with Langley not only elevated his own standing but also added a heartfelt touch to the show as he praised her dedication and talent during their acceptance speech.
Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, and Jessie Jo Dillon Also Shine
Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year, continuing his tradition of critical acclaim and fan support. Cody Johnson secured Song of the Year for Dirt Cheap, while Jessie Jo Dillon took home Songwriter of the Year, a testament to the strong songwriting culture that defines the country genre.
Stapleton’s performance of Think I’m In Love With You received a standing ovation, further proving why he remains a vocal powerhouse in modern country.
Group and Duo of the Year: Old Favorites Still Reign
Old Dominion won Group of the Year for the eighth year in a row — a record-setting achievement. Meanwhile, Brooks & Dunn clinched Duo of the Year, marking their 17th career win in this category. Despite being industry veterans, both acts showed they still have the power to captivate audiences.
Snubs and Surprises
In a night full of celebration, a few noticeable absences from the winner’s circle sparked conversations online. Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerini, Post Malone, and Shaboozey — all of whom had prominent chart-topping hits and multiple nominations — left empty-handed.
The biggest surprise was the lack of wins for Post Malone’s genre-bending album F-1 Trillion, which had stirred buzz for its crossover appeal.
A Star-Studded Stage
In true ACM fashion, the 2025 show delivered powerhouse performances and wilson emotional tributes. Highlights included:
- A high-energy opening performance by LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna Judd, and Reba McEntire.
- Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Reba debuting their wilson collaboration Trailblazer.
- A tribute to Keith Urban, who received a new Lifetime Achievement Award named after Alan Jackson.
Where to Watch the ACM Awards 2025
If you missed the live show, the ACM Awards 2025 are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, which has exclusive broadcast rights. For fans wondering what channel the ACM Awards 2025 were on — it wasn’t on traditional TV; instead, Amazon continues to be the go-to platform for watchingwilson the Academy of Country Music Awards live and on-demand.
Looking Ahead
The ACM Awards 2025 not only celebrated a banner year for artists like Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Riley Green, but also signaled a generational shift in country music. With younger talents like Langley taking home major trophies and veteran acts still holding strong, the country genre is wilson thriving in diversity and depth.
As anticipation builds for the CMA Awards 2025 and CMT wilson Awards 2025, fans can expect more genre-blending, heartfelt songwriting, and memorable performances.
