Country music’s biggest stars gathered on May 8, 2025, to celebrate the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Dubbed the "party of the year," the event was hosted for the 18th time by country icon Reba McEntire, who expressed her excitement about the performances and the star-studded lineup.
The evening kicked off with a 12-minute medley showcasing six decades of ACM songs, featuring artists such as Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, and LeAnn Rimes. The red carpet was alive with energy, as performers and attendees donned their best outfits, with many women in elegant gowns and men sporting Western chic attire.
Among the many highlights of the night was the performance by Zach Top, who was named New Male Artist of the Year. He captivated the audience with his hit “Use Me.” East Texas native Miranda Lambert also took the stage, performing “Run” from her latest album, Postcards from Texas.
Cody Johnson, hailing from Sebastopol, won the coveted Song of the Year award for “Dirt Cheap.” He reflected on his journey as a songwriter in Texas while accepting the award from presenter Lionel Richie. Johnson was among a group of nominees that included the popular rapper-turned-country star Post Malone, who was nominated for “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, from his 2024 album, F-1 Trillion.
The awards ceremony was streamed live on Amazon Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, allowing fans to join the celebration from home. This year’s show featured a diverse range of performers, including the likes of Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, and Kelsea Ballerini, who were all part of the impressive lineup.
Reflecting on the significance of the ACM Awards, McEntire shared her thoughts with Entertainment Tonight: "I’m just as excited and anxious to see who all’s gonna be singing together. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The Academy of Country Music, founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, has a rich history of promoting country music and artists like Merle Haggard. The ACM Awards were introduced two years later, with the iconic hat trophy making its debut shortly thereafter.
This year, the awards were particularly special as they marked the 60th anniversary, a milestone that drew attention from both fans and industry insiders alike. The event has been held in Texas since 2015, with the ceremony moving to Frisco in 2023 due to the area’s vibrant country music fanbase and state-of-the-art facilities.
Among the nominees, Ella Langley led the night with eight nominations, showcasing her rising star status in the country music scene. Cody Johnson followed closely with seven nominations, while Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson also received multiple nods.
In a nod to his impressive career, Keith Urban was presented with the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award during the ceremony. This honor recognizes artists who have achieved significant milestones within the ACM community, and Urban's accolades include New Artist, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year.
The competition for Entertainer of the Year was fierce, with nominees including Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen. Fans eagerly awaited the announcement of the winner, which would be a highlight of the evening.
As the show unfolded, the excitement was palpable. The performances and awards were interspersed with moments of camaraderie among the stars, highlighting the close-knit nature of the country music community.
Plano native Cheryl Kool, who attended as a seat-filler, expressed her joy at being part of the event, stating, "You have no idea the work that goes into it, behind the scenes, and the number of people that put in sweat and tears to really make it all happen.”
While the red carpet was bustling with activity, attendees shared their enthusiasm for the night ahead. Jessie James Decker arrived early, wearing a stunning gold strapless dress, and was one of the first celebrities to grace the carpet.
As the night progressed, fans were treated to a variety of performances, including mash-ups featuring unexpected duet partners, a hallmark of the ACM Awards. The collaboration between artists like Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys, as well as Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, added to the excitement of the evening.
In addition to the performances, the night was filled with moments of recognition and celebration of the artists' contributions to country music. The audience was reminded of the genre's evolution and the diverse talents that have emerged over the years.
The Academy of Country Music Awards have become a staple in the country music calendar, and this year’s 60th edition was no exception, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to shine. The energy in the room was electric, with fans and performers alike celebrating the rich history and future of country music.
As the night came to a close, attendees left with memories of a spectacular celebration, eagerly anticipating what the next 60 years of the ACM Awards will bring.
