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Spotlight on Country
The 60th ACM Awards illuminated Frisco, Texas, celebrating country music’s finest at the Ford Center at The Star. Hosted by Reba McEntire for the 18th time, the event showcased both legendary artists and emerging talents.
Streaming live on Prime Video, the ceremony featured unforgettable performances and heartfelt tributes. The night honored achievements across the genre, marking a milestone in country music history.
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Lainey Wilson Triumphs
Lainey Wilson dominated the evening, securing four major awards, including Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year. Her album Whirlwind won Album of the Year, solidifying her status in the industry.
Additionally, Wilson was named Female Artist of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Her continued success reflects her significant impact on country music’s evolving landscape.
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Ella Langley’s Rise
Emerging artist Ella Langley made a remarkable impression, leading with eight nominations and winning five awards. Her collaboration with Riley Green on “You Look Like You Love Me” garnered Single, Music Event, and Visual Media of the Year.
Langley also took home New Female Artist of the Year, highlighting her swift ascent in the country music scene. Her achievements signal a promising future ahead.
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Chris Stapleton’s Honor
Chris Stapleton was recognized as Male Artist of the Year, adding to his impressive list of accolades. His soulful performances and songwriting continue to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Stapleton’s consistent excellence reinforces his position as a leading figure in contemporary country music. His contributions have significantly shaped the genre’s modern sound.
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Cody Johnson’s Milestone
Texas native Cody Johnson achieved a career highlight by winning Song of the Year for “Dirt Cheap.” His heartfelt lyrics and authentic style have garnered widespread acclaim.
Johnson’s performance of “The Fall,” later joined by Brooks & Dunn, was a standout moment of the evening. His recognition underscores his growing influence in the country music industry.
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Brooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn reclaimed their status as Duo of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. Their enduring partnership and dynamic performances continue to resonate with fans and critics alike.
Their collaboration with Cody Johnson on “Red Dirt Road” was a standout moment of the evening. The duo’s consistent excellence underscores their lasting impact on country music.
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Old Dominion
Old Dominion secured Group of the Year, marking another milestone in their impressive career. Their harmonious blend and relatable lyrics have solidified their place in the country music scene.
The band’s performance captivated the audience, showcasing their musical versatility. Their continued success reflects their dedication to evolving within the genre.
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Zach Top
Zach Top was honored as New Male Artist of the Year, signaling his rising prominence in country music. His traditional sound with a modern twist has garnered widespread acclaim.
Top’s performance of “Use Me” highlighted his vocal prowess and stage presence. This recognition marks a significant step in his burgeoning career.
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Jessie Jo Dillon
Jessie Jo Dillon took home the Songwriter of the Year award, marking a major win for behind-the-scenes talent. Known for her lyrical brilliance, Dillon has penned hits for top country artists, earning industry-wide respect.
Her recent work includes collaborations with Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson, showcasing her storytelling strength. This award celebrates her deep influence on the modern country songwriting landscape.
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Alan Jackson Honored
Country legend Alan Jackson received the inaugural ACM Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring contributions to the genre. The surprise announcement was made by host Reba McEntire during the ceremony.
Jackson performed a heartfelt rendition of “Remember When,” earning a standing ovation from the audience. His influence on country music remains profound and far-reaching.
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Miranda Lambert’s Performance
Miranda Lambert delivered an emotionally charged performance of her song “Run,” which many interpret as reflecting on her past relationship with Blake Shelton. Shelton was present in the audience, adding to the performance’s poignancy.
The lyrics spoke of emotional distance and longing, resonating deeply with fans. Lambert’s raw delivery highlighted her storytelling prowess.
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Blake Shelton’s Response
Blake Shelton took the stage to perform his new song “Texas,” which some fans speculate is a response to Lambert’s earlier performance. The lyrics touch on themes of lost love and moving forward.
Shelton’s delivery was heartfelt, and the audience responded with enthusiastic applause. His performance added depth to the evening’s emotional narrative.
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Trailblazer Collaboration
Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert debuted their new collaboration “Trailblazer,” celebrating the strength and resilience of women in country music. The performance was a highlight of the evening, drawing widespread acclaim.
The trio’s harmonies and empowering lyrics resonated with the audience, earning a standing ovation. “Trailblazer” is poised to become an anthem for female empowerment in the genre.
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Rascal Flatts & Backstreet Boys
The 2025 ACM Awards concluded with a high-energy collaboration between Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys. The supergroup opened with Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most,” followed by the Backstreet Boys’ “Larger Than Life,” and ended with a joint performance of “Life Is a Highway.”
This cross-genre finale thrilled the audience, blending country and pop in a memorable way. The performance highlighted the versatility and enduring appeal of both groups.
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Jelly Roll’s Backstage Moment
Backstage at the ACM Awards, Jelly Roll shared a candid moment with fellow artist ERNEST. The two were seen enjoying a relaxed atmosphere, showcasing the camaraderie among country musicians.
Their interaction highlighted the supportive community within the country music industry. Such behind-the-scenes moments add depth to the event’s narrative.
Want to see where Jelly Roll’s big year is heading next? Check out Jelly Roll, a country star, at iHeart 2025.
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Last Updated: May 20, 2025
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