Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley Dominate the 2025 ACM Awards: A Night of Triumphs and Surprises
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by the iconic Reba McEntire, unfolded at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, delivering a night of unforgettable moments and stellar performances. Lainey Wilson emerged as a top winner, while Ella Langley also enjoyed significant recognition, marking a pivotal moment for both artists. Here's a recap of the key highlights.
Lainey Wilson, already a force in country music, cemented her status by winning the coveted Entertainer of the Year award for the second consecutive year. This achievement, coupled with her previous wins for Female Artist of the Year and Music Event of the Year (for “Save Me” with Jelly Roll), officially earned her the Triple Crown—a testament to her all-around success and contribution to the country music scene. She was also awarded Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
Ella Langley also had a remarkable night, taking home the award for New Female Artist of the Year. The announcement of her win was made even more special with a surprise prerecorded video featuring Miranda Lambert during Langley's performance at Rock the Country.
Beyond the major accolades for Wilson and Langley, other notable winners included Chris Stapleton for Male Artist of the Year and Old Dominion, who set a record with their ninth win for Group of the Year, making them the most awarded group in ACM history. Brooks & Dunn continued their legacy by adding another Duo of the Year trophy to their impressive collection.
Earlier in the evening, several awards were presented, recognizing talents like Zach Top (New Male Artist of the Year) and The Red Clay Strays (New Duo or Group). Langley and Riley Green also secured a win for Visual Media of the Year for their video “You Look Like You Love Me,” while Lainey Wilson received Artist-Writer of the Year, and Jessie Jo Dillon was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
Cody Johnson's “Dirt Cheap,” penned by Josh Phillips, won Song of the Year, while Lainey Wilson's Whirlwind claimed Album of the Year. The event also saw a multitude of memorable performances.
One of the most talked-about moments was Rascal Flatts' closing act, which included a surprise collaboration with the Backstreet Boys. According to Jay DeMarcus, this collaboration highlighted the inclusive spirit of country music: “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.”
Alan Jackson delivered an emotional rendition of his hit “Remember When,” accompanied by images of his family. During his lifetime achievement award acceptance speech, Jackson expressed gratitude to his wife, Denise, for her unwavering support.
However, not everyone was present to celebrate. Morgan Wallen, nominated for seven awards, was notably absent, choosing to spend the day golfing with Tom Brady. Meanwhile, Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, reassured fans about his health after a recent incident, attributing it to dehydration and a bout with COVID.
The 2025 ACM Awards not only celebrated the achievements of country music's established stars but also spotlighted emerging talents like Ella Langley and Zach Top. The blend of heartfelt performances, surprising collaborations, and emotional speeches created an unforgettable evening that honored the rich legacy and vibrant future of country music.
What were your favorite moments from the ACM Awards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Where are the country music awards in 2025?
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards will be held on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Where are the ACM awards tonight?
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is underway tonight (May 8) at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The evening is being hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning entertainment icon Reba McEntire.
Who is hosting the ACM Awards 2025?
2025 ACM Awards host:u200b Reba McEntire will host the ACM Awards for the 18th time.
How to stream the ACM Awards?
How to watch the ACM Awards. The ACM Awards are streaming on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch Live beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific. No Prime membership is required to view the livestream.
