ACM Awards 2025: Ella Langley and Riley Green’s ‘You Look Like You Love Me’ Dominates Early Wins
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) are gearing up to be a night of celebration, and some big winners have already been announced! While the main event unfolds in Frisco, Texas, Ella Langley and Riley Green are already basking in the glory of their win for Visual Media of the Year for their hit collaboration, "You Look Like You Love Me." But that's not all – the ACMs have also recognized rising stars Zach Top and Red Clay Strays, setting the stage for an exciting awards show.
The announcement of Langley and Green's award came as a surprise during their performance at Country Thunder in Tampa, Florida. In a video message, the legendary Reba McEntire, who returns for her 18th time as ACM Awards host, congratulated the duo, teasing the crowd with, "Sorry to interrupt, but I have some big news! Congratulations to Ella and Riley!" This early win adds to the anticipation surrounding the awards show, scheduled to stream live globally on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on May 8th.
Langley's success doesn't stop there. She was previously named New Female Artist of the Year, a title revealed to her during her set at Rock the Country in Knoxville, Tennessee, via a video message from her “soul sister in country music” and former winner in the same category, Miranda Lambert. Langley, visibly moved, expressed her gratitude, stating, "Every day of my life, I’ve just prayed about this..."
Adding to the list of early victors, Zach Top has been awarded the trophy for New Male Artist of the Year, while Red Clay Strays clinched the title of New Duo or Group of the Year. The Alabama band is currently riding high on the success of their Dave Cobb-produced album, Made by These Moments, and the viral sensation, “Wondering Why.”
Langley leads all nominees with eight nods at the 60th ACM Awards, fueled by the success of "You Look Like You Love Me." Others in contention for top honors include Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, and reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson. Chris Stapleton garnered six nominations, and Post Malone, thanks to his country experimentation with F-1 Trillion, secured five.
Here's a glimpse at some of the key categories and nominees:
- Entertainer of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson
- Female Artist of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson
- Male Artist of the Year: Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen
"You Look Like You Love Me," released in 2024, became a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The song has resonated with audiences due to its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, solidifying Langley and Green's positions as rising forces in country music.
The ACM Awards promise to be a memorable event, celebrating the best in country music. What are your predictions for the big winners of the night? Share your thoughts and expectations for the show in the comments below!
