During Thursday’s (May 8) ACM Awards ceremony, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, and the Brothers Osborne paid tribute to Keith Urban as he received the highly-coveted Triple Crown Award. Scoring his first No. 1 hit with 2000’s “But for the Grace of God,” Urban has remained a cultural force in country music over the last quarter century. Just last year, the Australian-American singer released his 12th studio album, High. Now, he is celebrating a career achievement that few artists have reached.
Videos by American Songwriter
These Artists Paid Tribute to Keith Urban at the ACM Awards
Ahead of Keith Urban receiving the Triple Crown honor during the ACM Awards, the 12-time winner watched a tribute to his illustrious career.
First, Megan Moroney got things started with a beautiful acoustic rendition of Urban’s 2006 hit “Stupid Boy.” The rising country star strummed her bedazzled guitar as she sang into a sparkling microphone. You stupid boy / Oh, you always had to be right / But now you lost the only thing that ever made you feel alive.
MEGAN THIS OUTFIT!!!!!!!! #ACMawards
— Damita Jo Elizabeth Carey. (@jasmineeejada__) May 9, 2025
Next, Chris Stapleton delivered a haunting version of the 2016 chart-topper “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Urban and wife Nicole Kidman rose to their feet and interlocked arms as they swayed back and forth, singing to one another.
“I need an official Chris Stapleton cover of “Blue Ain’t Your Color” released to streaming services after that because YES!” one viewer wrote on X/Twitter.
If Chris Stapleton sings your song, it’s his song now. Man is incredible. #ACMawards
— William Jake Henson (@Henson_14) May 9, 2025
“We love you, Keith,” this year’s ACM Male Vocalist of the year said.
The Brothers Osborne capped off the tribute with a rousing performance of 2001’s “Where The Blacktop Ends.”
Halfway through the performance, T.J. Osborne said, “Keith, get your a– up here.” And that’s exactly what Urban did, showing exactly how much country stars can shred the guitar.
Keith you betta get my man ! #ACMawards seen Keith multiple times he can shred !
— this country needs healing (@bbrae990) May 9, 2025
[RELATED: ACM Awards: 5 Iconic Modern Memories With Alabama, Taylor Swift, George Strait, and More]
A Rare Feat
Taking home the prestigious Triple Crown Award at tonight’s ACM Awards, Keith Urban crosses off a bucket list item that only 11 others can claim.
To qualify, an artist must win New Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Artist of the Year. Urban won Top New Male Vocalist in 2001, followed by Male Vocalist in 2005 and 2006. He took home the esteemed Entertainer of the Year trophy in 2019.
Seeing his name among the nominees for the first time had a “surreal quality,” Urban told Billboard.
“It felt like when you go to the theme park and you can get your picture taken and put on the front of a fake Time Magazine as a souvenir. I felt like that,” he told Billboard.
Featured image by Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images
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