The 2025 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards brought excitement, emotional moments, and unforgettable performances to the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, May 8. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire for the 18th time, the event featured some of country music’s biggest stars, including Lainey Wilson, who dominated the night with multiple wins.
Lainey Wilson Leads the Night with Multiple Wins
Lainey Wilson was the night’s big winner, walking away with Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Reflecting on her incredible success, Wilson admitted feeling a bit of imposter syndrome. “I’m sure everybody has felt a little bit of imposter syndrome. I won’t lie to you, I have a little bit,” she said during her acceptance speech.
Other Major Winners of the Night
Country music powerhouse Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year, while Ella Langley, who led the nominations with eight nods, won New Female Artist of the Year and took home three other awards.
In addition to the prestigious individual honors, some beloved country groups and duos claimed victories. Brooks & Dunn took home Duo of the Year, while Old Dominion won Group of the Year.
Incredible Performances and Special Moments
The evening was filled with standout performances, including Rascal Flatts and Backstreet Boys collaborating on “What Hurts the Most,” a track from Rascal Flatts’ upcoming album Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets (set for release on June 6). Cody Johnson joined Brooks & Dunn for an unforgettable performance, while Jelly Roll took the stage with Shaboozey. Alan Jackson also delivered an emotional rendition of his classic “Remember When” before accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Reba McEntire shared the spotlight, performing alongside Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert for their new song, “Trailblazer.” Meanwhile, Keith Urban was awarded the Triple Crown for his achievements in the ACM Awards, making him a member of an elite group of artists.
2025 ACM Awards Full Winners List
-
Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson
-
Female Artist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
-
Male Artist of the Year: Chris Stapleton
-
Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn
-
Group of the Year: Old Dominion
-
Album of the Year: Whirlwind, Lainey Wilson
-
Single of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me”, Ella Langley & Riley Green
-
Song of the Year: “Dirt Cheap”, Cody Johnson
-
Songwriter of the Year: Jessie Jo Dillon
-
Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Lainey Wilson
-
Music Event of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me”, Ella Langley & Riley Green
-
Visual Media of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me”, Ella Langley & Riley Green
-
New Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley
-
New Male Artist of the Year: Zach Top
-
New Duo or Group of the Year: The Red Clay Strays
Special Awards and Tributes
-
Triple Crown Award: Keith Urban
-
Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award: Alan Jackson
This event solidified Lainey Wilson’s place as one of country music’s brightest stars and showcased an exciting array of performances and heartfelt moments. Stay tuned for more updates on all the winners and highlights from the 2025 ACM Awards.
