Jelly Roll, Backstreet Boys And More Join the Lineup for 2025 ACM Awards

The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards are almost here, and they’re going to be huge!

With exciting new performers like Jelly Roll, Backstreet Boys, Shaboozey, and Megan Moroney joining the lineup, this year’s show is set to be one of the best.

The show will stream live on Thursday, May 8, from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, only on Prime Video.

Hosted by country legend Reba McEntire, the night will celebrate 60 years of amazing country music. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just getting into country, get ready for unforgettable performances, emotional moments, and big surprises.

Event Overview

Here are the details for the event:

• Name: 60th Academy of Country Music Awards
• Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT
• Location: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX (Dallas Cowboys Headquarters)
• Streaming: Live on Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel
• Host: Reba McEntire

How to Watch the 2025 ACM Awards

Gone are the days of traditional TV broadcasts. The ACMs are embracing the future with a full livestream format that reaches audiences across the globe. You can catch the show:

• Live on Prime Video (subscription required)
• Via Amazon Music’s Twitch Channel for free
• Available globally in more than 240 countries and territories

Whether you’re watching from a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or computer, the ACM Awards are now just a few clicks away. Fans can also replay the show after it airs, making it easier than ever to catch every memorable moment.

Reba McEntire Returns

Who better to lead this historic event than the Queen of Country herself, Reba McEntire? With a total of 16 ACM Award wins and a hosting record that now hits 18 times, Reba holds the title for most appearances as host in ACM Awards history.

In her own words, Reba shared, “It’s going to be an absolute can’t-miss show, and I can’t wait to be there with you.” Her vibrant personality, legacy status, and deep connection to the genre make her the perfect guide for this special night.

Massive Lineup of Performers

The 2025 ACM Awards are extending the usual runtime to a full two and a half hours to make room for an incredible collection of performances. From genre legends to today’s top-charting stars and emerging talent, the show will feature over 20 live performances, many of them exclusive to this event.

Opening Medley: “Songs of the Decades”

The night will kick off with a show-stopping, 12-minute medley of ACM Song of the Year winners from across the past 60 years. This tribute will feature iconic artists performing their most beloved tracks, including:

• Reba McEntire
• Clint Black
• Dan + Shay
• LeAnn Rimes
• Wynonna Judd
• Sugarland

Expect emotional moments, nostalgic highlights, and powerful vocal performances that honor the evolution of the genre.

Main Performer Lineup Includes:

• Blake Shelton
• Miranda Lambert
• Eric Church
• Chris Stapleton
• Lainey Wilson
• Cody Johnson
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Megan Moroney
• Clint Black
• Alan Jackson
• Ella Langley
• Zach Top
• Jelly Roll
• Shaboozey
• Brooks & Dunn
• Rascal Flatts
• The Backstreet Boys
• Dan + Shay
• Wynonna Judd
• Sugarland

Unmissable Collaborations & Special Performances

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s ACM Awards is the genre-spanning collaborations and surprise pairings, giving fans something they’ve never seen before.

Highlights Include:

• Rascal Flatts x Backstreet Boys: Yes, you read that right! Country meets pop royalty in a highly anticipated return to the stage for Rascal Flatts, teaming up with the Backstreet Boys for a high-energy duet that’s expected to steal the show.
• Brooks & Dunn x Cody Johnson: Country grit meets Texas twang in this power-packed performance.
• Jelly Roll x Shaboozey: A fiery, genre-blending act that highlights the fusion of country with rock, rap, and soul.

Also taking the stage are Ella Langley and Zach Top, who are fresh off their wins for ACM New Female and New Male Artist of the Year. These rising stars will mark their big breakthrough moments in front of a global audience.

Who’s Nominated? 2025 ACM Nominees Breakdown

The nominee list for the 2025 ACM Awards reflects both the legacy of the genre and its ever-expanding future, spotlighting seasoned stars alongside emerging voices.

Top Nominees by the Numbers:

• Ella Langley: 8 nominations
  • Female Artist of the Year
  • New Female Artist of the Year
  • Song of the Year (artist + songwriter)
  • Single of the Year
  • Music Event of the Year
  • Visual Media of the Year (artist + director)
• Cody Johnson: 7 nominations
  • Entertainer of the Year
  • Song of the Year & Single of the Year for “Dirt Cheap”
  • Visual Media of the Year (two separate entries)
  • The most-nominated Texas-born artist in ACM history
• Morgan Wallen: 7 nominations
  • Third consecutive Entertainer of the Year nod
  • Four nominations tied to “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone
• Lainey Wilson: 7 nominations
  • First-time nomination for Artist-Songwriter of the Year
  • Fourth consecutive nomination for Song of the Year
• Chris Stapleton: 6 nominations
• Riley Green & Post Malone: 5 nominations each

First-Time ACM Nominees:

• Gavin Adcock
• Dasha
• Noah Kahan
• Jessie Murph
• Muscadine Bloodline
• Shaboozey
• Zach Top
• The Red Clay Strays
• Treaty Oak Revival
• Tucker Wetmore

How to Attend the 2025 ACM Awards In-Person

Looking to experience the glamour live? A limited number of tickets are now available through SeatGeek, offering fans a chance to witness history unfold from inside the legendary Ford Center.

Given the significance of the 60th anniversary, these tickets are in high demand, so act fast if you want to be part of the action.

Why the 2025 ACM Awards Matter

The Academy of Country Music Awards, founded in 1966, remains the longest-running awards show dedicated to country music.

Over the past six decades, it has honored the brightest stars, most influential albums, and unforgettable songs that define the genre.

The move to livestreaming in 2022 marked a new era, expanding access and allowing millions around the world to join in the celebration.

This year’s anniversary show not only pays homage to the genre’s storied past but also embraces its evolving future. It’s more than just an awards show; it’s a cultural moment for country music lovers across the globe.

Set your reminders, mark your calendars, and clear your schedule for May 8, 2025.

Whether you’re watching from your couch or lucky enough to attend in person, the 60th ACM Awards will be a dazzling night of unforgettable music, decisive moments, and country music history in the making.

TL;DR

• The 60th ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video and Twitch on May 8, 2025, at 8/7c.
• Hosted by Reba McEntire for a record 18th time.
• The event takes place at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
• Celebrates 60 years of country music with a memorable “Songs of the Decades” medley.
• Performances by Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Backstreet Boys, and more.
• Features legendary collaborations and genre-blending duets.
• Ella Langley leads with 8 nominations, followed by Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson with 7 each.
• First-time nominees include Zach Top, Dasha, Shaboozey, Jessie Murph, and others.
• Presenters have not yet been announced.
• Limited in-person tickets available via SeatGeek.

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