The 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony took place on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with a star-studded lineup and a record number of nominations. This year’s show was streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon’s Twitch channel, marking a significant moment for country music as it celebrated six decades of excellence in the genre.
Leading the nominations was breakout star Ella Langley, who garnered an impressive eight nods, including wins for Best New Female Artist and Visual Media of the Year for her collaboration with Riley Green on the song "You Look Like You Love Me." Langley was a standout performer throughout the evening, showcasing her talent and earning accolades before the main event commenced.
Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson followed closely behind with seven nominations each. Johnson's single "Dirt Cheap" won Song of the Year, with Johnson crediting Josh Phillips as the sole writer—a rarity in the current country music landscape. The award was a highlight for Johnson, who expressed gratitude during his acceptance speech.
In a nod to tradition, the ceremony opened with a 12-minute medley featuring ACM Songs of the Year from the past six decades, hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, who was joined by fellow country stars Clint Black, Dan + Shay, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, and Wynonna Judd. The medley set a celebratory tone for the evening, reminding attendees and viewers alike of the rich history and evolution of country music.
Old Dominion continued their winning streak by claiming the Group of the Year award for the eighth consecutive time, a testament to their enduring popularity and the strength of their music. The group’s consistent success highlights the competitive nature of the awards and the high caliber of talent within the country music community.
Among the notable performances was a tribute to Keith Urban, who received the ACM Triple Crown Award. Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne delivered a powerful medley in Urban's honor, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual respect among artists in the industry.
Another highly anticipated performance featured Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert singing their new trio single, "Trailblazer," which was co-written by Lambert, Wilson, and Brandy Clark. This performance, along with others by stars like Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, and Eric Church, kept the energy alive throughout the two-and-a-half-hour show.
As the night progressed, several pre-telecast awards were announced, setting the stage for the main event. Besides Langley’s wins, Zach Top was honored as Best New Male Artist, while The Red Clay Strays took home the award for Best New Duo or Group. Lainey Wilson was recognized as Artist-Songwriter of the Year, and Jessie Jo Dillon was named Songwriter of the Year for her contributions to multiple projects up for Album of the Year.
The complete list of nominations and winners reflects the diversity and talent present in today’s country music scene. In the top categories, the nominees for Entertainer of the Year included Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Chris Stapleton, with Ballerini receiving her first nod in this prestigious category.
Here’s a summary of the major awards presented during the ceremony:
- Entertainer of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson
- Female Artist of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson
- Male Artist of the Year: Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton (Winner), Morgan Wallen
- Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline, The War and Treaty
- Group of the Year: Old Dominion (Winner), Flatland Cavalry, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays
- New Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley (Winner), Kassi Ashton, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Jessie Murph
- New Male Artist of the Year: Zach Top (Winner), Gavin Adcock, Shaboozey, Tucker Wetmore, Bailey Zimmerman
- New Duo or Group of the Year: The Red Clay Strays (Winner), Restless Road, Treaty Oak Revival
- Album of the Year: "Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine)" – Megan Moroney, "Beautifully Broken" – Jelly Roll, "Whirlwind" – Lainey Wilson
- Single of the Year: "Dirt Cheap" – Cody Johnson (Winner), "I Had Some Help" – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, "White Horse" – Chris Stapleton
- Song of the Year: "Dirt Cheap" – Cody Johnson, Josh Phillips (Winner), "You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley, Riley Green
- Music Event of the Year: "You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley, Riley Green (Winner)
- Visual Media of the Year: "You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley, Riley Green (Winner)
- Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Lainey Wilson (Winner)
- Songwriter of the Year: Jessie Jo Dillon (Winner)
The 60th ACM Awards not only honored the achievements of the past year but also celebrated the legacy of country music as it continues to evolve. With a mix of established stars and fresh talent, the ceremony showcased the genre's richness and the deep connections forged through music. As the night came to a close, it was clear that the future of country music remains bright, with artists like Ella Langley leading the way.
