What major milestone did the Academy of Country Music Awards recently celebrate?
Who hosted the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards?
Which artist claimed the most awards this year?
What prestigious award did Keith Urban receive during the ceremony?
Which two artists performed a tribute to Keith Urban?
The Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated its diamond anniversary on Thursday with some of the jewels of country music. Hosted by Reba McEntire at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the milestone anniversary show marked six decades of country while recognizing the past year’s most talented artists in the genre. Ella Langley took home the most awards, sweeping five categories, including New Female Artist of the Year. Lainey Wilson followed with four trophies, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year.
The 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, held on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, celebrated the rich tapestry of country music. Hosted by Reba McEntire, the evening was marked by remarkable performances, heartfelt tributes, and the crowning of the year’s most outstanding artists.
Lainey Wilson’s Dominance
Lainey Wilson emerged as the night’s most decorated artist, securing the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award for the second consecutive year. She also clinched Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her album "Whirlwind." In her acceptance speech, Wilson expressed gratitude to her fans, acknowledging their unwavering support and reflecting on her journey in country music. (apnews.com)
Ella Langley’s Breakthrough
First-time nominee Ella Langley led the evening with seven nominations, including one for directing her own music video. She took home five awards, two of which recognized her dual role as both artist and director. Her duet with Riley Green, "You Look Like You Love Me," was honored with Single and Music Event of the Year. Langley and Green paid homage to classic country influences that inspired their hit during their acceptance speeches. (apnews.com)
Honoring Country Legends
The ceremony paid tribute to country music legends with a 14-minute medley featuring Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, and LeAnn Rimes. Additionally, Alan Jackson was honored with the inaugural ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, following a heartfelt performance of "Remember When." (apnews.com)
Major Award Winners
- Male Artist of the Year: Chris Stapleton
- Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn
- Song of the Year: "Dirt Cheap" by Cody Johnson
- New Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley
- New Male Artist of the Year: Zach Top
Notable Performances
The evening featured a blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair:
- Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, and LeAnn Rimes: Opened the show with a medley of country classics.
- Eric Church: Performed his new single "Hands of Time."
- Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley: Dueted on "Kerosene."
- Blake Shelton: Debuted his new single "Texas."
- Kelsea Ballerini: Performed "Baggage."
- Jelly Roll and Shaboozey: Collaborated on "Amen."
- Brooks & Dunn: Joined Cody Johnson for "Red Dirt Road."
- Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson: Premiered their new single "Trailblazer," celebrating women in country music.
Streaming and Accessibility
The 60th ACM Awards were streamed live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, making the event accessible to a global audience without requiring a Prime membership. (apnews.com)
The 60th ACM Awards not only honored the achievements of country music’s finest but also showcased the genre’s enduring appeal and its ability to evolve while honoring its rich traditions.
Lainey Wilson Dominates 60th ACM Awards:
At the 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, held on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, Lainey Wilson emerged as the night’s standout artist. She secured the Entertainer of the Year award for the second consecutive year, along with Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her album "Whirlwind." (apnews.com)
Ella Langley led the evening with five awards, including Single and Music Event of the Year for her collaboration with Riley Green on "You Look Like You Love Me." Cody Johnson was honored with Song of the Year for "Dirt Cheap," and Chris Stapleton received Male Artist of the Year. Brooks & Dunn were named Duo of the Year. (apnews.com)
The inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Alan Jackson, who also delivered a performance of "Remember When." (apnews.com)
The ceremony featured a 14-minute medley of country classics performed by Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay, celebrating six decades of country music. (apnews.com)
The ACM Awards were streamed on Prime Video and Twitch without a Prime membership requirement. (apnews.com)