Country music icon Keith Urban received the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award during the 2025 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards held on May 8 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. This accolade is reserved for artists who have achieved the trifecta of New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Urban’s recognition marks him as only the 12th artist in history to receive this honor, which was last awarded in 2010 to fellow country star Carrie Underwood.
Urban, who has amassed an impressive 16 Hot Country Songs No. 1s and 21 Country Airplay No. 1s, was celebrated with a series of musical tributes from notable artists Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, and Brothers Osborne. Moroney opened the tribute with a heartfelt rendition of “Stupid Boy,” a track from Urban's 2006 album, Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing. Her emotional performance set the tone for the evening, showcasing the impact of Urban’s music on the next generation of country artists.
Following Moroney, Chris Stapleton took the stage to perform “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” a soulful number from Urban's 2016 album, Ripcord. The moment resonated deeply with the audience, particularly as Urban was seen swaying with his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, during the performance. Stapleton expressed his admiration for Urban, stating, "We love you, Keith," after concluding his song.
To wrap up the tribute, Brothers Osborne delivered a lively performance of “Where the Blacktop Ends,” a classic from Urban's self-titled debut album released in 1999. The energetic rendition had the crowd on their feet, and Urban himself joined in, grabbing a guitar to contribute a solo, much to the delight of the audience.
During his acceptance speech, Urban expressed gratitude towards the Academy of Country Music and his family. "I love you, babygirl," he said to Kidman, who beamed with pride. He also acknowledged his daughters, Sunday and Faith, watching from home and thanked his extensive team, emphasizing that "there’s no such thing as a self-made man." He made sure to recognize Moroney, Stapleton, and Brothers Osborne for their performances, showcasing his humility and appreciation for fellow artists.
As Billboard's Paul Grein highlighted, Urban qualified for the Triple Crown Award by winning top new male vocalist in 2001, male vocalist of the year in both 2005 and 2006, and entertainer of the year in 2019. His latest win not only adds to his impressive career but also reinforces his status as a stalwart in the country music scene.
Urban's career is marked by a remarkable 50 ACM Awards nominations, with 14 wins, placing him among the most celebrated artists in the history of the awards. Stapleton, who has carved out a significant niche for himself, has achieved 15 wins out of 35 nominations, while Brothers Osborne have won six out of their seven nominations. Rising star Megan Moroney, who won her first award in 2024 for New Female Artist of the Year, is also making waves with nine nominations this year, including Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her work, Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine).
The ACM Awards, produced by Dick Clark Productions, are a significant event in the country music calendar, celebrating the achievements and contributions of artists within the genre. Urban's recognition not only highlights his personal achievements but also the evolving landscape of country music, where new artists are continually inspired by the legends who came before them.
Reflecting on his journey, Urban once shared with Rolling Stone in 2021, "I’ve just now been able to express more broadly what I felt inside," indicating his desire to push beyond the traditional boundaries of country music. His ability to connect with audiences, both through his music and performances, has made him a beloved figure in the industry.
As fans and fellow artists celebrate Urban's accomplishments, the 2025 ACM Awards served as a reminder of the rich tapestry of talent in country music. The night was not just about Urban’s achievements but also a testament to the community's support and camaraderie that defines the genre.
With plans for a tour set to kick off at the end of the month, Urban continues to look forward, eager to share his music with fans across the country. The Triple Crown Award is not just a recognition of past successes but a beacon for what lies ahead in his illustrious career.
