NEW YORK (AP) — The 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated a night of triumphs and tributes on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Lainey Wilson emerged as the standout star of the evening, once again taking home the coveted title of entertainer of the year for the second consecutive year. Not only did she claim the top honor, but she also won awards for female artist and album of the year, solidifying her position as a leading force in country music.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Wilson expressed her gratitude, stating, “I really do have the best fans in the world,” and admitted to battling impostor syndrome. “I dreamed about entertaining. ... Country music has given me more than I deserve.” Her heartfelt words resonated with the audience, highlighting the personal struggles and triumphs that many artists face.
The night was marked by a celebration of both new and established talent. Ella Langley, a first-time nominee, made waves with her duet alongside Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” which was named both single and music event of the year. The duo took the opportunity to pay homage to classic country music influences during their acceptance speeches, emphasizing the genre’s rich storytelling tradition.
As the show kicked off, host Reba McEntire led the audience through a 14-minute medley that revisited six decades of country classics. The performance featured iconic songs performed by legendary artists, including Clint Black’s rendition of “Rhinestone Cowboy” and Wynonna Judd’s heartfelt performance of “Why Not Me.” LeAnn Rimes captivated the crowd with her 1997 hit “Blue,” bringing a nostalgic yet fresh energy to the stage.
In a special moment, the inaugural ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to country music legend Alan Jackson, who performed his hit “Remember When.” Jackson humorously remarked during his acceptance speech, “A few years ago, one of my fans named their dog after me, and I thought that was something … but this is really amazing.” His words underscored the deep connection between artists and their fans, a theme that resonated throughout the evening.
Cody Johnson also had a night to remember, winning song of the year for his hit “Dirt Cheap.” The first award of the night set a tone of excitement, with performances following rapidly. Johnson later joined Brooks & Dunn on stage to perform “Red Dirt Road,” showcasing the camaraderie that defines the country music community.
The ACM Awards continued to highlight the importance of female artists, with McEntire, Wilson, and Miranda Lambert premiering their new single “Trailblazer,” a tribute to women in country music. The trio’s performance was a powerful reminder of the progress and recognition that female artists have gained in the industry.
Chris Stapleton won male artist of the year, while Brooks & Dunn secured their win for duo of the year, further cementing their legacy as one of the most awarded duos in ACM history. Old Dominion took home the group of the year award, marking their record-setting ninth win in this category.
Newcomers also made their mark, with Zach Top winning new male artist of the year and Ella Langley recognized as new female artist of the year. The Red Clay Strays were honored as new duo or group of the year, showcasing the fresh talent that is invigorating the country music scene.
In a poignant moment, the Oak Ridge Boys presented the group of the year award to Old Dominion, a touching gesture following the loss of their bandmate Joe Bonsall, who passed away in 2024 due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The evening was filled with tributes to those who have shaped the genre, with a moment of silence led by McEntire for those artists who have passed.
As the night progressed, performances from artists like Eric Church and Kelsea Ballerini kept the energy high. Church premiered his new single “Hands of Time,” while Ballerini performed her track “Baggage,” showcasing the evolving sound of country music.
However, the evening wasn’t without its controversies. The closing performance by Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys drew mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment over the pairing of the two groups. Despite this, the ACM Awards remained a testament to the inclusive nature of country music, as Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus remarked, “We let people come over and collaborate and make country music. Whether or not they're classic country artists or not, everybody's welcome over here.”
The 60th ACM Awards not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also honored the legacy of country music itself. As the show streamed live on Amazon Prime Video, it marked a significant milestone in the history of the ACM Awards, becoming the longest-running country music award show.
With a night filled with emotional speeches, unforgettable performances, and a celebration of both new and established artists, the 2025 ACM Awards proved to be a memorable event that will resonate with fans and artists alike for years to come.
