Country’s Biggest Night: Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley Dominate the 60th ACM Awards
The stars aligned in the Lone Star State last night as country music’s finest gathered at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas for the milestone 60th Academy of Country Music Awards. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the commercial-free spectacle streamed live on Prime Video, delivering unforgettable moments, historic wins, and electrifying performances that showcased the heart and soul of country music.
Wilson Repeats as Entertainer of the Year
For the second consecutive year, Lainey Wilson claimed the night’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, joining Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood as the only women to win back-to-back in this prestigious category. Wilson’s domination continued with her third straight Female Artist of the Year trophy, along with Album of the Year for “Whirlwind” and her first-ever Artist-Songwriter of the Year award, bringing her career ACM tally to sixteen.
“The girls are kicking down some barn doors—and I love it!” Wilson declared while accepting her Female Artist trophy, acknowledging her fellow nominees and the growing female presence in country music.
An unforgettable moment for @laineywilson
Congrats on taking home the WIN for ACM Entertainer of the Year! #ACMawards pic.twitter.com/yLlblehujT
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 9, 2025
Newcomer Ella Langley Makes History
In a stunning breakthrough, first-time nominee Ella Langley emerged as the night’s biggest winner with five ACM Awards. The rising star took home New Female Artist of the Year, while her collaboration with Riley Green, “you look like you love me,” swept Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year. Langley later told the audience she was “on cloud nine” following her historic night.
Icons Honored
The ceremony featured several touching tributes to country legends. Alan Jackson received the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his unparalleled career with over 75 million records sold worldwide and 35 No. 1 singles.
Keith Urban was celebrated with the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award, with Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne performing his greatest hits before Urban himself joined Brothers Osborne onstage for “Where The Blacktop Ends.”
Veterans Reclaim Their Thrones
Brooks & Dunn captured their first Duo of the Year trophy in 15 years, extending their record to an astonishing 17 wins in the category. “Thank you for paying our rent for the past 30 years,” they joked during their acceptance speech.
Old Dominion continued their dynasty with an eighth consecutive Group of the Year win, surpassing Rascal Flatts for the most consecutive victories in that category. Chris Stapleton secured his fifth Male Artist of the Year award, putting him just one win away from tying Merle Haggard’s record.
Spectacular Performances
The show opened with a dazzling 12-minute celebration of the ACM’s 60-year history, featuring Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay performing Songs of the Year from past decades.
Collaboration was the theme of the night, with standout performances including Brooks & Dunn with Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley, and a nostalgic team-up between Rascal Flatts and Backstreet Boys that brought the house down.
The night also featured a world premiere when Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson debuted their upcoming track “Trailblazer” exclusively on the ACM stage.
First-Time Winners
Texas native Cody Johnson earned his first ACM trophy with Song of the Year for “Dirt Cheap,” while Zach Top and The Red Clay Strays were recognized as New Male Artist and New Duo or Group of the Year, respectively.
What’s Next
As the dust settles on country music’s most prestigious night, fans can look forward to new music from many of the night’s biggest stars, including the soon-to-be-released “Trailblazer” from the powerhouse trio of McEntire, Lambert, and Wilson.
The 60th ACM Awards proved once again why country music continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its authentic storytelling, unforgettable melodies, and the undeniable talent of its artists, both legendary and emerging.