Cody Johnson's 'Dirt Cheap' Wins Song of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards
Cody Johnson is taking home the ACM Award for Song of the Year for "Dirt Cheap," and so is the man who wrote the song, Josh Phillips. "I started as a songwriter in Texas," Johnson said, holding his trophy at the podium. "I came to Nashville and got a publishing deal because what I wanted be was a songwriter and I didn't know that it was gonna be a career where I get to record the greatest songs in country music written by some of the best songwriters in the world." He then pointed out that Phillips wrote the entire song by himself, which is rare these days. This award is handed out to the songwriter or songwriters, as well as the artist and publishing company behind the winning song.
Johnson stepped aside to let the songwriter speak. "Thank you to my beautiful wife, Jordan," Phillips said after thanking the Lord. "Thank you for telling me to send this song to Cody Johnson." Also nominated in the category were Lainey Wilson's "4X4XU," Kacey Musgraves' "The Architect," Post Malone and Morgan Wallen's "I Had Some Help" and Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green)'s "You Look Like You Love Me." This song was the only nominee in this category where the artist wasn't one of the writers.
Phillips originally intended "Dirt Cheap" for Luke Combs before it wound up in Johnson's inbox. The song was a No. 1 at country radio, but its impact in 2024 was about more than just hit status. "Dirt Cheap" tells a powerful story about the memories tied to home, and many country fans can relate to the emotion in the lyrics. "Dirt Cheap" was released as a single in March 2024 and is included on Johnson's 2023 album titled Leather.
The 2025 ACM Awards were streamed live from Frisco, Texas' Ford Center, with Reba McEntire hosting the show this year. McEntire, a country music legend, opened the night with a rendition of Merle Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee," setting a celebratory tone for the evening.
In addition to Johnson's win, Lainey Wilson was the big winner of the night, taking home her second consecutive Entertainer of the Year Award. Wilson ultimately took home four of the ACM awards she was nominated for, including Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for her project titled Whirlwind, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. "There's been some good music that's come out of Nashville this year and I'm so proud to be part of this generation," she said during her acceptance of the Album of the Year prize.
Newcomer Ella Langley also had a stellar night, taking home four awards, including Single of the Year for her song "You Look Like You Love Me" featuring Riley Green. Langley led the night with eight nominations, also winning New Female Artist of the Year, Vocal Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year for her collaboration with Green. The Single of the Year win came just minutes after Langley finished her performance of "Weren't for the Wind," showcasing her talent on stage.
Old Dominion won Group of the Year for the eighth year in a row on its 10th consecutive nomination. Lead vocalist Matthew Ramsey thanked the fans, saying, "Thanks for letting us goof off and explore. We can't wait to see you out on the road." Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton won Male Artist of the Year for the fifth time, having six nominations this year, including Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year for "White Horse," Music Event of the Year for "We Don't Fight Anymore" with Carly Pearce, and Visual Media of the Year for "Think I'm in Love With You." In his acceptance speech, Stapleton remarked, "There are so many guys in this category who are so deserving. I'm happy just to be hanging out in the room still."
Brooks & Dunn won Duo of the Year for the 16th time and performed their hit "Red Dirt Road" alongside Johnson. "We've been doing this a long time as most of you know," Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn said. "But not for one second have we ever taken it for granted. God bless country music and America." The presentation was followed by a performance of "Baggage" by Kelsea Ballerini.
Alan Jackson received the ACM Lifetime Achievement Award, as he nears his retirement due to a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. He performed an emotional rendition of his hit "Remember When" and shared a light-hearted moment, saying, "A few years ago one of my fans named their dog after me, and I thought that was something!"
Keith Urban was another highlight of the night, receiving the ACM Triple-Crown Award, which goes to artists who have received a New Artist, Top Artist, and Entertainer of the Year Awards. He is the ninth act to receive the award in the ACMs' 60-year history, having won Top New Male Artist in 2001, Top Male Artist in 2005, and Entertainer of the Year in 2019. Urban thanked his wife, actor Nicole Kidman, his fans, and his team, stating, "I have a massive team that I couldn't possibly thank by name. There's no such thing as a self-made man."
Jelly Roll, who had three nominations, performed "Amen" with Shaboozey, who received his first ACM nods this year. To finish out the night, the Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts performed a medley of songs including "Life is a Highway" and "Larger Than Life." The ACM announced a handful of awards before the streaming of the main show, including Zach Top as New Male Artist of the Year and the Red Clay Strays as New Duo or Group of the Year. Top, who also received a nomination for Album of the Year for Cold Beer & Country Music, performed his hit "Use Me" at the ceremony.
Overall, the 2025 ACM Awards celebrated the rich tapestry of country music, honoring both established legends and rising stars. With memorable performances and heartfelt speeches, the event showcased the genre's vibrant community and the power of storytelling through song.
