ACM Awards 2025: A Night of Triumphs, Stellar Performances, and Memorable Moments
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) took place on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas. Hosted by the iconic Reba McEntire for the 18th time, the event was a vibrant celebration of country music's finest, featuring a blend of established legends and rising stars. This article dives into the highlights of the night, including the winners, standout performances, and key moments that made the 2025 ACM Awards a memorable event.
🏆 ACM Awards 2025: The Winners
The ACM Awards recognized excellence across various categories. Here’s a rundown of the predicted and actual winners:
- Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson
- Female Artist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
- Male Artist of the Year: Chris Stapleton
- Album of the Year: Whirlwind - Lainey Wilson
- Song of the Year: "Dirt Cheap" - Cody Johnson
- Single of the Year: "You Look Like You Love Me" - Ella Langley/Riley Green
- Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn
- Group of the Year: Old Dominion
- Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Lainey Wilson
- Songwriter of the Year: Jessie Jo Dillon
- New Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley
- New Male Artist of the Year: Zach Top
- New Group of the Year: The Red Clay Strays
- Visual Media of the Year: Ella Langley/Riley Green
- Triple Crown Award: Keith Urban
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Alan Jackson
Lainey Wilson emerged as a dominant force, securing multiple accolades including the coveted Entertainer of the Year award. Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, and Old Dominion also took home significant honors, solidifying their places in country music history.
🎤 Unforgettable Performances
The 2025 ACM Awards showcased a diverse lineup of performances that captivated audiences. Here are some of the standout moments:
- Grand Anniversary Kickoff: The show opened with a bang, featuring performances by Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland, celebrating the ACMs' 60th anniversary.
- Rascal Flatts & Backstreet Boys: A surprising yet electrifying collaboration between Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys had the crowd on their feet, blending country and pop seamlessly. You can watch their full performance here.
Other notable performances included Jelly Roll with Shaboozey, Cody Johnson with Brooks & Dunn, Megan Moroney, Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Zach Top, ensuring a night filled with diverse musical styles and unforgettable moments.
💃 Glamour on the Red Carpet
The ACM Awards are not just about the music; they're also a showcase of high fashion. The red carpet saw a parade of stars dressed in their finest attire. Here are some of the best-dressed celebrities:
- Kelsea Ballerini: Known for her impeccable style, Kelsea Ballerini stunned in a sophisticated and chic ensemble.
- Nicole Kidman: Accompanied by Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman brought elegance and grace to the red carpet.
- Lainey Wilson: A style icon in her own right, Lainey Wilson made a statement with her bold and confident fashion choice.
- Shaboozey: Adding a modern edge to the red carpet, Shaboozey's unique style stood out.
- Reba McEntire: As the host, Reba McEntire showcased timeless elegance and sophistication.
- LeAnn Rimes: LeAnn Rimes turned heads with her stunning and glamorous look.
- Carly Pearce: Carly Pearce exuded charm and sophistication, making a memorable appearance.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders added a touch of glamour to the event. Here are some images from the red carpet:
For more on the best-dressed stars at the 2025 ACM Awards, check out this article from People Magazine: The Best Dressed Stars at the 2025 ACM Awards.
🌟 Key Moments and Highlights
Several moments stood out during the 2025 ACM Awards, creating lasting memories for fans and artists alike:
- Keith Urban's Triple Crown Award: Keith Urban accepted the Triple Crown Award, a prestigious honor recognizing his wins for New Artist, Male Vocalist, and Entertainer of the Year throughout his career. His heartfelt speech, where he thanked his "babygirl" Nicole Kidman and their daughters, was a touching highlight of the night. You can watch Keith Urban's acceptance speech here.
LeAnn Rimes delivered a nostalgic performance of her 1996 hit single "Blue," reminding everyone of her enduring talent. The ACM Awards also highlighted rising talents like Zach Top and Ella Langley, signaling a bright future for country music.
The ACM Awards 2025 was a night to remember, filled with stellar performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and stunning fashion. From Lainey Wilson's multiple wins to Keith Urban's Triple Crown Award, the event celebrated the best in country music while also looking forward to its future.
📺 How to Watch the ACM Awards 2025
For those who missed the live broadcast, here’s how you could have tuned in:
- Streaming Platform: The 60th ACM Awards streamed live exclusively on Prime Video from Frisco, Texas’ Ford Center at the Star.
- Free to Watch: The show was free to stream, even without a Prime subscription, as highlighted on the Academy website.
🌟 Spotlight on Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson's dominance at the 2025 ACM Awards was a major talking point. Winning Entertainer of the Year solidified her status as a leading figure in country music. Her journey, marked by years of hard work and a distinctive blend of lyrical themes and a defiant spirit, resonated deeply with fans and industry insiders alike.
According to Reddit, some fans felt that Morgan Wallen was "robbed" despite the controversies surrounding him. However, Wilson's win was widely celebrated as a testament to her talent and perseverance.
👗 Fashion Highlights
The fashion at the ACM Awards was another key highlight. Celebrities like Kelsea Ballerini, Nicole Kidman, and Lainey Wilson led the glamour parade with their stunning outfits.
These stars showcased a range of styles, from classic elegance to bold and modern looks, adding to the excitement of the event.
🎭 Theatre World Awards 2025
In other awards news, the 2025 Theatre World Awards also celebrated outstanding talent in the theater industry. For more details, visit BroadwayWorld.
Beauty and Style at the Ipsies Beauty Awards 2025
The Ipsies Beauty Awards 2025 recognized top products in the beauty industry, highlighting innovation and quality. Check out the gallery of winners:
For more details, visit the Reddit gallery.
🎭 Toronto Theatre Critics’ Awards
The Toronto Theatre Critics’ Awards also celebrated outstanding performances. For more information, visit Intermission Magazine.
🎤 Kelsea Ballerini's Performance of "Baggage"
Kelsea Ballerini performed "Baggage" at the 60th ACM Awards, showcasing her vocal talent and stage presence. Watch the performance here.
🏈 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at the ACM Awards
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders added a touch of local flair to the ACM Awards. Their presence highlighted the event's location at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. See images of them at the ACM Awards here.
🎸 Zach Top's Performance
Zach Top also performed at the ACM Awards. Watch his performance here