Frisco, Texas — Lainey Wilson shone bright at the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, claiming four prestigious honors, including entertainer of the year. This victory marks her second consecutive year receiving the ACMs’ top award. Wilson’s achievements also included album of the year for “Whirlwind,” female vocalist of the year, and artist-songwriter of the year.
Emerging star Ella Langley heightened the excitement of the evening, entering the ceremony with the most nominations at eight. She left with five awards, including best new female artist and single of the year for “You Look Like You Love Me,” a collaboration with Riley Green. The song’s success not only solidified Langley’s place in the industry but also earned accolades for visual media of the year and music event of the year.
During her acceptance speech for female vocalist of the year, Wilson expressed her excitement for the current state of women in country music. “The girls are kickin’ down some barn doors and I like it!” she exclaimed. Reflecting on her journey and struggles with imposter syndrome, she encouraged her peers to embrace their achievements. “If something is given to you, you need to accept it with an open heart and open mind,” Wilson said.
Langley’s remarks during the evening highlighted her gratitude and the lessons she has learned as an artist. “I’m out of breath a little, and I feel like I have been since this song came out,” she said, acknowledging both her duet partner and the traditional country icons who inspired her. She emphasized the importance of authenticity in songwriting, encouraging aspiring musicians to “write what you love.”
As the show progressed, Cody Johnson took home the award for song of the year for his hit “Dirt Cheap,” recognized for being co-written solely by Josh Phillips, a rarity in today’s collaborative environment. Chris Stapleton continued to dominate the male vocalist category, securing his award, while Old Dominion celebrated their eighth consecutive win as group of the year. Brooks & Dunn marked their return to recognition as duo of the year.
Zach Top was celebrated as the new male artist of the year, and the Red Clay Strays earned accolades as best new duo or group, showcasing the depth of talent recognized at the ceremony. The night kicked off with a vibrant medley of ACM Songs of the Year, spotlighting the legacy of country music over the past six decades, featuring performances by Reba McEntire, Clint Black, and others.
Another highlight included a tribute to Keith Urban, who was honored with the ACM Triple Crown Award. Stars gathered to perform a special medley in his honor. Alan Jackson, on farewell tour, also received a tribute and was honored with an inaugural award named after him, cementing his legacy in the industry.
One of the standout performances featured a powerful new single, “Trailblazer,” presented by McEntire, Wilson, and Miranda Lambert. With a message about generational legacy, the collaboration emphasizes the importance of honoring the roots of country music while paving the way for future artists.
The event featured a diverse range of performances, underscoring the vibrant landscape of country music today. High-profile acts included Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Jelly Roll, among others, underscoring the celebration’s focus on collaboration and unity within the genre.
Streaming live across 240 countries, the 2025 ACM Awards showcased not only individual achievements but also highlighted a community of artists dedicated to advancing the art form while celebrating the genre’s rich history. The energy and enthusiasm of the night reflected a promising future for country music as it continues to evolve.