Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Lainey Wilson Dominates 60th Academy of Country Music Awards
NEW YORK – Lainey Wilson again reigned supreme at the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, securing the coveted entertainer of the year title for the second consecutive year. The ACM Awards also saw her recognized as both female artist and for album of the year, solidifying her standing in country music.
Wilson’s Humble Acceptance
“I truly have the most incredible fans in the world,” Wilson expressed during her final acceptance speech, while acknowledging feelings of impostor syndrome. “I dreamed of entertaining… Country music has bestowed upon me more than I warrant.”
New Talent Shines
Beyond Wilson’s triumph, the 2025 ACM Awards ceremony celebrated emerging talents. Ella Langley, a first-time nominee, alongside Riley Green, won single and music event of the year for their hit duet, “You Look Like You Love Me.”
- Langley and Green paid tribute to classic country influences, specifically songs with spoken word elements.
A Nod to Country Music’s Heritage
The evening underscored a reverence for country music’s past with a 14-minute medley of timeless classics, performed by legendary artists.
- Host Reba McEntire began the medley with Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee.”
- Clint Black followed with Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
- Wynonna Judd performed The Judds’ “Why Not Me.”
- LeAnn Rimes revisited her 1997 hit “Blue.”
- Little Big Town delivered their 2014 song “Girl Crush.”
- Dan + Shay concluded the segment with “Tequila.”
The kickoff to the ACM Awards, broadcast live from the Ford Center, was a resounding success.
Alan Jackson Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to its namesake following his performance of “Remember When.”
Jackson joked in his speech about a fan naming a dog after him, finding humor in having an award bear his name.
Key Wins and Performances
Award Highlights
- Cody Johnson claimed Song of the Year for his radio hit “Dirt Cheap.”
Memorable Performances
- McEntire, Wilson, and Miranda Lambert debuted their single “Trailblazer,” honoring women in country music.
- Eric Church showcased “Hands of Time,” followed by Lambert with “Run” and a duet with Langley on “Kerosene.”
- Additional performances included Zach Top, Blake Shelton, Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Johnson with Brooks & Dunn, and Chris Stapleton with Morgane Stapleton.
- Jelly Roll and Shaboozey collaborated on “Amen,” celebrating Shaboozey’s birthday.
Closing Acts and Emotional Moments
The show concluded with performances from Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts. The Oak Ridge Boys presented Old Dominion with the group of the year award, a poignant moment given Joe Bonsall’s passing in 2024.
McEntire also led a sing-along of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Additional Award Recipients
- Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year.
- Brooks & Dunn secured Duo of the Year.
Keith Urban Receives ACM Triple Crown Award
Megan Moroney performed Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy” and Stapleton sang “Blue Ain’t Your Color” ahead of Urban receiving the ACM Triple Crown Award, marking the first on-stage presentation since Carrie Underwood in 2010.
A Celebration of Country Music
The 60th ACM Awards balanced celebrating new talent and honoring established icons, demonstrating the genre’s vibrant present and enduring legacy.
The ACM Awards were streamed on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch Live, accessible without a Prime membership.