Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes lit up the red carpet at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, held on Thursday, May 8, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The couple, who have been linked since January 2023, shared a moment of affection as they posed for photos, with Stokes admiring Ballerini's stunning look from a distance before joining her for a kiss. Ballerini, 31, exuded elegance in a nude sequined gown featuring a black bodice and a flowing tulle train, complemented by soft makeup and a sleek ponytail with face-framing bangs.
Stokes, the 32-year-old star of Outer Banks, matched her glamor in an all-black suit. The couple’s affectionate display was a highlight of the night, capturing the attention of fans and media alike. Ballerini's presence was especially significant as she was nominated for four prestigious awards: Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year for her collaboration "Cowboys Cry Too" with Noah Kahan, in addition to her performance of the hit song "Baggage" during the ceremony.
This year's ACM Awards celebrated a remarkable milestone—60 years of country music. The event kicked off with an all-star opening performance featuring Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland, who delivered a special 12-minute medley honoring ACM Songs of the Year from the past six decades. The night was packed with incredible performances from top artists such as Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, and many more.
Among the memorable performances were star-studded collaborations, including the Backstreet Boys with Rascal Flatts, a powerful duet from Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, and a high-energy performance by Brooks & Dunn with Cody Johnson. Additionally, Reba McEntire, who hosted the ceremony for the 18th time, is a 16-time ACM Award winner, adding to the night’s prestige.
Ballerini's nominations are particularly noteworthy as she competes against industry heavyweights. For Entertainer of the Year, she faces off against Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson. Her nomination for Female Artist of the Year marks her eighth career nod in this category, where she will compete against Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Kacey Musgraves. The Music Event of the Year nomination for "Cowboys Cry Too" sees her competing as both the artist and producer.
As the night unfolded, the red carpet was a spectacle of glamour and style. Nicole Kidman, attending in support of her husband Keith Urban, who received the ACM Triple Crown Award, made a striking appearance in a sleek black ensemble. Lainey Wilson, who has six nominations that night, showcased her unique country style with a heavily brocaded jacket and flared trousers, accompanied by her fiancé, ex-NFL quarterback Devlin 'Duck' Hodges.
Other notable attendees included Jelly Roll, who shared a sweet kiss with his wife Bunnie Xo, and country icon Wynonna Judd, who performed her late mother’s classic duet "Why Not Me" onstage, displaying a brave smile amid emotional moments. The event also saw Chris Stapleton arriving with his wife Morgane, turning the awards into a date night.
Adding to the evening's excitement, LeAnn Rimes performed her hit single "Blue," and Cody Johnson announced that his wife Amber is pregnant, sharing their joy with the audience. Miranda Lambert, although skipping the red carpet, was seen backstage with her husband Brendan McLoughlin and performed alongside rising star Ella Langley, singing a duet of Miranda's breakthrough single "Kerosene."
The ACM Awards also highlighted the achievements of Old Dominion, who won the Group of the Year award for a record-breaking eighth time, and Jessie Murph, who made a splash by carrying a pig on the red carpet, showcasing the playful spirit of the event.
As the night concluded, the ACM Awards not only celebrated the best in country music but also emphasized the community and camaraderie among artists, with Ballerini reflecting on her relationship with Stokes as a source of inspiration for her art. “He’s been such a big, beautiful part of my life for almost two years now,” she shared, underscoring the significance of their bond.
The 2025 ACM Awards proved to be a memorable night filled with stunning performances, heartfelt moments, and a celebration of the enduring legacy of country music, all while spotlighting the emerging talents and established stars who continue to shape the genre.
