Lainey Wilson shines at 2025 ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, a milestone celebration of country music’s finest, took center stage on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the event marked her 18th time at the helm, a record for any artist in the academy’s history. The night was a vibrant showcase of performances, awards, and tributes, drawing a global audience through a live stream on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. From new talent to seasoned icons, the ceremony highlighted the genre’s evolution over six decades.

This year’s awards were a testament to country music’s enduring appeal, with breakout stars and veterans sharing the spotlight. The event opened with a 14-minute medley titled “Songs of the Decades,” featuring artists like Clint Black, Dan + Shay, and Wynonna Judd. Frisco, hosting the event for the third consecutive year, solidified its status as a hub for country music’s biggest night. The ceremony also honored legends like Alan Jackson, who received a lifetime achievement award named in his honor.

• Key highlights of the night:
  • Ella Langley led with eight nominations, driven by her hit duet “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green.
  • Lainey Wilson won female artist of the year for the third straight year.
  • Cody Johnson took home song of the year for “Dirt Cheap.”
  • Keith Urban received the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award.
  • Post Malone, a Grapevine native, was nominated in five categories.

The red carpet buzzed with star power, from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman to rising talents like Zach Top. The event underscored Frisco’s growing role as a country music capital, with the Ford Center offering a state-of-the-art backdrop for the industry’s “party of the year.”

Historic milestone for ACM Awards
The 60th anniversary of the ACM Awards was a moment to reflect on the academy’s journey since its founding in Southern California in 1964. Originally a regional trade organization, the academy has grown into a Nashville-based powerhouse with over 5,000 members worldwide. The 2025 ceremony, produced by Dick Clark Productions, was a two-and-a-half-hour spectacle, extended from its usual two-hour format to accommodate special performances and tributes. The event’s move to streaming in 2022, exclusively on Prime Video, has broadened its reach, with last year’s show attracting over 7.7 million viewers globally.
This year’s awards were a blend of nostalgia and forward momentum. The opening medley celebrated six decades of ACM song of the year winners, with performances of classics like The Judds’ “Why Not Me” and LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue.” The academy’s commitment to diversity was evident in initiatives like the “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” luncheon, honoring the late pioneer. Frisco’s Ford Center, opened in 2016 as the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility, provided a fitting venue for the star-studded affair.
The ceremony also marked a shift in the industry, with streaming platforms like Prime Video making the event accessible across 240 countries and territories. Fans could watch without an Amazon Prime membership, a move that democratized access to the show. The academy’s partnership with Prime Video, renewed through 2025, underscores its embrace of digital innovation.

Ella Langley’s breakout moment
Ella Langley, a newcomer from Alabama, dominated the 2025 ACM Awards with eight nominations, six tied to her duet “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green. The throwback track, blending retro vibes with modern flair, earned nods for single of the year, song of the year, and music event of the year. Langley’s win for new female artist of the year, announced before the main ceremony, cemented her as a rising star. Her performance of “weren’t for the wind” showcased her raw vocal power and stage presence.
Langley’s rapid rise reflects the genre’s openness to fresh voices. Her nominations outpaced veterans like Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson, who each garnered seven. The 26-year-old’s success stems from her authentic storytelling and connection with fans, evident in the song’s cultural resonance. She and Green also won visual media of the year for the track’s music video, a nod to their creative vision.
The duet’s popularity highlights a trend in country music: collaborations that bridge generations. Langley’s chemistry with Green, a seasoned artist, struck a chord with audiences, making the song a staple on radio and streaming platforms. Her presence on the red carpet, alongside industry giants, signaled her arrival as a force in Nashville.

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Lainey Wilson’s continued reign
Lainey Wilson solidified her status as a leading lady in country music, clinching female artist of the year for the third consecutive year. With seven nominations, including entertainer of the year, Wilson’s 2025 ACM Awards performance was a highlight. She also joined Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert for a rendition of their new single “Trailblazer,” a tribute to women in country music. Wilson’s album Whirlwind was nominated for album of the year, competing with Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion and Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken.
Wilson’s accolades extend beyond the ACMs. Her 2024 entertainer of the year win qualified her for the ACM Triple Crown Award, an elite honor recognizing artists who have won new artist, artist, and entertainer categories. She is the first solo woman to achieve this in a three-year span since The Chicks in 2000. Her red carpet appearance, alongside nominees like Kacey Musgraves, underscored her influence in a competitive field.
The Louisiana native’s authenticity resonates with fans, blending traditional country with a modern edge. Her performance at the awards, coupled with her role in the opening medley, showcased her versatility. Wilson’s trajectory points to a lasting impact on the genre, with her music addressing themes of resilience and heartbreak.

Cody Johnson’s Texas triumph
Cody Johnson, a Sebastopol native, won song of the year for “Dirt Cheap,” a heartfelt ode to rural life. The track, from his album Leather, beat out strong contenders like Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help.” Johnson’s acceptance speech highlighted his roots as a Texas songwriter, crediting his early days performing in local venues. His seven nominations included entertainer of the year and male artist of the year, reflecting his broad appeal.
Johnson’s performance with Brooks & Dunn, a duo of country music royalty, was a standout moment. The collaboration underscored his ability to honor tradition while carving his own path. His red carpet look, complete with a cowboy hat, embodied the Texas spirit that permeates his music.

• Johnson’s 2025 ACM nominations:
  • Entertainer of the year
  • Male artist of the year
  • Song of the year (“Dirt Cheap”)
  • Single of the year (“Dirt Cheap”)
  • Album of the year (Leather)

The win for “Dirt Cheap” resonated with fans for its storytelling, a hallmark of Johnson’s work. His rise from independent artist to mainstream star mirrors the grit of his lyrics, making his victory a hometown triumph.

Post Malone’s country crossover
Grapevine-raised Post Malone continued his foray into country music with five nominations at the 2025 ACM Awards. His album F-1 Trillion, featuring collaborations with Morgan Wallen and Blake Shelton, earned a nod for album of the year. Malone’s single “I Had Some Help,” with Wallen, was nominated for single of the year and music event of the year. Despite his local ties, Malone went home empty-handed, a testament to the night’s fierce competition.
Malone’s transition from rap to country has drawn attention for its authenticity. His performance at the 2024 ACM Awards, alongside Reba McEntire, set the stage for his 2025 nominations. The artist’s signature style—often sporting a True Brvnd Dallas cap—has made him a cultural ambassador for Texas. His music video for “I Had Some Help,” filmed with a nod to his roots, garnered millions of views within hours of its release.
The 29-year-old’s presence at the awards, alongside stars like Alan Jackson, highlighted his versatility. While he didn’t win, his nominations signal a warm reception from the country music community. Malone’s red carpet appearance, alongside fellow Texan Kacey Musgraves, sparked buzz among local fans.

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Keith Urban’s Triple Crown honor
Keith Urban received the ACM Triple Crown Award, a rare honor for artists who have won new artist, artist, and entertainer of the year categories. Urban, who clinched the award in 2019, was celebrated with performances of his hits by Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne. The on-stage presentation, a first since Carrie Underwood’s in 2010, marked a high point of the evening. Urban’s wife, Nicole Kidman, joined him on the red carpet, adding Hollywood glamour to the event.
Urban’s career spans decades, with hits like “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Somebody Like You” defining modern country. His 2025 appearance underscored his influence, blending rock-infused country with polished showmanship. The Australian-born artist’s acceptance speech emphasized gratitude for the genre’s community.

• Urban’s ACM Triple Crown milestones:
  • New male artist of the year (2001)
  • Male artist of the year (2005-2006)
  • Entertainer of the year (2019)

The tribute to Urban showcased the academy’s respect for artists who bridge eras. His performance, alongside younger stars, highlighted his enduring relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.

Alan Jackson’s lifetime achievement
Alan Jackson, a country music icon, was honored with the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. The Georgia native, known for hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Remember When,” performed the latter during the ceremony. Reba McEntire introduced the award, praising Jackson’s contributions to the genre over four decades. His farewell tour, which stopped in Fort Worth in February 2025, added emotional weight to the tribute.
Jackson’s catalog, with over 35 number-one hits, has shaped country music’s sound. His 2025 ACM appearance, following a health battle, moved audiences, with fans and peers lauding his authenticity. The lifetime achievement award, named in his honor, will recognize future artists who embody his storytelling legacy.
The 66-year-old’s red carpet moment, alongside contemporaries like Clint Black, evoked nostalgia. His performance of “Remember When,” a ballad reflecting on love and time, was a fitting capstone to the evening’s tributes. Jackson’s influence remains a touchstone for artists like Zach Top and Ella Langley.

Star-studded performances
The 2025 ACM Awards featured a lineup of performances that blended genres and generations. Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, fresh off their Stagecoach Festival duet, delivered a high-energy set. Backstreet Boys joined Rascal Flatts for a surprising crossover, while Brooks & Dunn teamed with Cody Johnson for a Texas-sized collaboration. Miranda Lambert performed “Run” from her album Postcards from Texas, a nod to her East Texas roots.
The opening “Songs of the Decades” medley set the tone, with Sugarland’s “Stay” and Dan + Shay’s “Tequila” among the highlights. Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Lainey Wilson also took the stage, each showcasing distinct facets of country music. The performances, ranging from soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, reflected the genre’s diversity.

• Notable collaborations:
  • Jelly Roll and Shaboozey’s genre-blending duet
  • Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts’ pop-country mashup
  • Brooks & Dunn and Cody Johnson’s traditional country showcase
  • McEntire, Lambert, and Wilson’s “Trailblazer” performance

The extended runtime allowed for more acts, with artists like Kelsea Ballerini and Megan Moroney adding contemporary flair. The Ford Center’s acoustics and visuals amplified the experience, making each set memorable for the live and streaming audiences.

Frisco’s role as country music hub
Frisco’s Ford Center at The Star has become synonymous with the ACM Awards, hosting the event since 2023. The 12,000-seat venue, part of the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters, offers a modern stage for country music’s biggest night. Its proximity to hotels and restaurants makes it a convenient destination for fans and artists alike. The academy is in talks with the Cowboys to make Frisco the awards’ long-term home.
The city’s embrace of country music extends beyond the awards. Events like Post Malone’s tailgate party outside AT&T Stadium on May 9, 2025, drew fans of all ages for live music and merchandise. Frisco’s infrastructure, including the Ford Center’s advanced facilities, supports large-scale productions like the ACMs.
The 2025 ceremony highlighted Texas’ influence on country music, with artists like Cody Johnson and Miranda Lambert repping the state. The red carpet, streamed on Twitch from 6 to 7 p.m., featured local talents like Coffey Anderson, whose eclectic style stood out. Frisco’s role as a host city underscores its cultural and economic ties to the genre.

New talent shines
The 2025 ACM Awards spotlighted emerging artists, with Zach Top and Red Clay Strays among the early winners. Top, named new male artist of the year, performed his ballad “Use Me,” showcasing his traditional sound. Red Clay Strays, an Alabama band, won new duo or group of the year, fueled by their viral hit “Wondering Why.” Their Dave Cobb-produced album Made by These Moments has elevated their profile.
Ella Langley’s eight nominations and pre-show win set a high bar for newcomers. Her duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” dominated categories, reflecting the industry’s appetite for fresh voices. The academy’s rule changes for new artist categories, announced in 2023, lowered submission thresholds to spotlight talent like Top and Langley.

• Early 2025 ACM winners:
  • New female artist: Ella Langley
  • New male artist: Zach Top
  • New duo or group: Red Clay Strays

These artists represent a new wave in country music, blending retro influences with modern storytelling. Their performances at the Ford Center signaled a bright future for the genre.

Diversity and inclusion efforts
The ACM Awards continued to prioritize diversity, building on initiatives like the Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion. The luncheon, held earlier in the week, honored the trailblazing artist who broke racial barriers in country music. Bobby Bones, a broadcaster and five-time ACM winner, emceed segments of the ceremony, highlighting the academy’s commitment to inclusivity.
Performers like Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, who blend country with hip-hop and soul, reflect the genre’s expanding boundaries. The absence of nominations for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, a Grammy-winning country album, sparked discussion among fans on social media. Still, the academy’s focus on young Black artists, launched in 2023, aims to foster representation.
The red carpet featured diverse voices, including Coffey Anderson, whose social media presence has grown his fanbase. His eclectic outfit, featuring a turkey feather and American flag sliver, drew attention. The academy’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives, also supported health initiatives, reinforcing its community impact.