Country Music Awards 2025 Winners
The 2025 Country Music Awards, officially the 60th ACM Awards, took place on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the show was streamed live on Prime Video and Twitch. It was truly a star-packed evening, filled with powerful performances, surprise wins, and heartfelt tributes.
Who Were the Big Winners?
Lainey Wilson had an incredible night, walking away with several major awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. Her win made history—she became only the second woman ever to win all three of those in the same night, a feat previously achieved by Loretta Lynn way back in 1976.
Chris Stapleton was honored as the Male Artist of the Year, while Old Dominion won Group of the Year, continuing their impressive streak. Brooks & Dunn took home Duo of the Year, proving they’re still a fan favorite after all these years.
Rising star Ella Langley had a breakout night as well. She won New Female Artist of the Year and also scored Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for their hit “You Look Like You Love Me.” Zach Top earned the title of New Male Artist of the Year, signaling a bright future ahead.
Another notable mention was Cody Johnson, who won Song of the Year for his emotional track Dirt Cheap. Meanwhile, Jessie Jo Dillon received recognition as Songwriter of the Year, and Lainey Wilson also picked up the Artist-Songwriter of the Year award—yet another big win on her magical night.
Unmissable Performances
The performances at the 2025 ACM Awards were nothing short of legendary. The show opened with an epic 14-minute medley celebrating six decades of country music. It featured an incredible lineup including Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd, Clint Black, Little Big Town, Dan + Shay, and LeAnn Rimes. Talk about kicking off with a bang!
Later in the night, Lainey Wilson delivered a stirring live version of Whirlwind, while Miranda Lambert teamed up with Ella Langley for a fiery performance of Kerosene. Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, and Jelly Roll all brought the house down with their respective sets.
Alan Jackson performed a touching rendition of Remember When as part of his Lifetime Achievement tribute, and Blake Shelton returned to his roots with a powerful performance of Texas. The show closed with a high-energy mashup featuring Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts, bringing pop and country fans together in a perfect finale.
Presenters and Special Honors
A number of big names took the stage to present awards, including Blake Shelton, Lionel Richie, Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett, Martina McBride, and members of the Oak Ridge Boys. Their presence added an extra layer of star power to an already stacked event.
One of the emotional high points of the night was when Alan Jackson received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award named in his honor. His influence on country music was celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike. Another touching moment was when Keith Urban was honored with the ACM Triple Crown Award, marking an incredible career milestone
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Country Music Awards truly had everything—history-making wins, jaw-dropping performances, emotional tributes, and plenty of unforgettable moments. Lainey Wilson’s dominance, Ella Langley’s breakout, and the heartfelt tribute to Alan Jackson made this one of the most memorable editions in ACM history. Whether you’re a lifelong country music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this night was a celebration of everything that makes country music so powerful.