ACM Awards 2025 Live Blog: 60th Academy of Country Music Awards

As Blake Shelton said, here’s something you don’t see everyday: the Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts together on the same stage. The two groups began by performing Rascal Flatts’ hit “What Hurts the Most,” before transitioning into “I Dare You,” which Rascal Flatts initially did with the Jonas Brothers. 

The Backstreet Boys then turned the ACM Awards into an early 2000s fever dream as they performed “Larger Than Life.” Rascal Flatts joined the Boys once more to close out the show with “Life is a Highway,” bringing the nostalgia to an exciting climax. The crowd was on their feet, screaming and singing along, making the ACM Awards’ 60th anniversary definitely one for the books.

Blake Shelton closed out the awards by presenting Entertainer of the Year. Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and defending winner Lainey Wilson are nominated. 

Lainey Wilson won for the second year in a row. She took a moment to collect herself before expressing her love for her fellow nominees. “I have a little bit of [imposter syndrome],” she admitted, but said, “If something is given to you, you need to accept it with an open heart and in open mind.”

She shared a story of being a child and dreaming of entertaining. “I love to make you feel things,” she said. “Because I love to feel things. My heart is so full.”

Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson premiered their newest song, “Trailblazer,” celebrating women in country music. Dressed in matching cowhide outfits, the three performed the meaningful song, which references Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and other iconic women in country. This tune was obviously important to the three icons, as they harmonized, held hands, and sang about the amazing women who came before them. 

Parker McCollum and Lee Ann Womack presented the award for Music Event of the Year. Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood, Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton, and Ella Langley and Riley Green are nominated. 

Ella Langley and Riley Green won again for “You Look Like You Love Me.” Langley admitted that she was so stunned at the last award that she “blacked out and had no idea what I said.” She thanked the fans who made the song what it is, revealing that people told her it would be the most “underperforming song on the record.” However, it’s now won two awards in one night. 

Little Big Town took the stage next to present Album of the Year. Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll, Zach Top, Post Malone, and Lainey Wilson are nominated. 

Lainey Wilson won for her album Whirlwind. “I am so proud to be part of this generation of country music,” she started. She shouted out her producer and her band, and explained that the album helped her get through “a time in my life that was constantly changing.”

Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton, and Megan Moroney took the stage to celebrate Keith Urban and present him with the Triple Crown Award. Moroney kicked things off with a performance of Urban’s 2006 hit “Stupid Boy.”

Chris Stapleton gave a soulful rendition of “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” In the audience, Urban looked amazed and grateful for the tribute, smiling and cheering with wife Nicole Kidman by his side.

To close out the celebration, Brothers Osborne performed the 1999 hit “Where the Blacktop Ends,” hyping up the crowd and ending on a high note. In a surprising turn of events, Urban grabbed a guitar and joined them on stage, taking the solo with incredible energy and dueling guitars with John Osborne.

He then received the Triple Crown Award, thanking the group and the band for the tribute. Seemingly overcome with emotion, he thanked the ACM, his wife Nicole Kidman, and their two daughters watching at home. He then thanked his team, his band, and the fans, then closed by announcing his upcoming tour. 

Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans, and Crystal Gayle presented the Female Artist of the Year Award. They took a unique approach of highlighting every nominee: Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kacey Musgraves.

Lainey Wilson took home Female Artist of the Year. She expressed disbelief that she was on the stage with all those legendary women, telling a story of watching Crystal Gayle at the Grand Ole Opry. She thanked her parents, fiancé, and team, before thanking the fellow nominees. “The girls are kicking down some barn doors and I like it!” she said. “Here’s to the girls!”

Taking the stage to perform his 2003 hit “Remember When,” Alan Jackson stood before a backdrop of music video clips and personal photos of himself, his wife, and their family. The emotional performance had audience members weeping. The song took on a much more emotional tone so many years later, in addition to the fact that Jackson received the Lifetime Achievement Award. At the end of his performance, Jackson took a deep breath, collected himself, and received the award from Reba McEntire.

He told a story of a fan naming their dog after him. “I thought that was something,” he said. “All these years later, standing here receiving an honor like this it’s just mind blowing.” He thanked everyone in his life who has helped him get to where he is in his career. Specifically he thanked his fans all over the world, and then thanked his wife Denise, who has “been my best friend since I was 17 years old.”

Next up, Reba McEntire announced the Single of the Year. Shaboozey, Cody Johnson, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Ella Langley and Riley Green are nominated.

Ella Langly and Riley Green took home the award for “You Look Like You Love Me.” This is Ella Langley’s first ACM Award, and she took the stage to make a heartfelt speech. She named some classic country influences, and mentioned that the song taught her to “not care so much and write what you love.” Riley Green brought up the fact that “a song with talking verses won an award.” He also thanked Langley for “representing the state of Alabama with me.”

Chris Stapleton, who just won Male Artist of the Year, took the stage with his wife Morgane Stapleton to sing “It Takes a Woman.” The pair showed off their skills, Chris at guitar and Morgane with her gorgeous vocals, as they gazed lovingly at each other. Other country pairs like Miranda Lambert and husband Brendan McLoughlin, and Lainey Wilson with fiancé Duck Hodges, were seen singing along in the audience.

Previously, Kelsea Ballerini lit up the stage with an explosive rendition of her song “Baggage,” blowing kisses and waving at boyfriend Chase Stokes. For his part, Stokes was supportively and perfectly singing along to all the words. 

Kristian Bush, one half of Sugarland with Jennifer Nettles, presented the award for Duo of the Year. Brooks and Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline, The War and Treaty are nominated. 

Brooks and Dunn took home the award for Duo of the Year. The two said they never take their career for granted, and thanked the fans for “paying our rent for the last 30 years.” 

Country legend Clint Black took the stage to present the award for Male Artist of the Year. The nominees include Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen. 

Chris Stapleton won Male Artist of the Year. He told the audience that “I’m happy to be hanging out in the room still,” in reference to the other great nominees. He kept his speech short and sweet, thanking his wife, kids, and a close friend who he lost last year, dedicating the award to him. 

Legendary group the Oak Ridge Boys took the stage to present the award for Group of the Year, as well as share some brief memories of winning the award in the 1970s. Flatland Cavalry, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts, and the Red Clay Strays were nominated. 

Once again, Old Dominion took home the award for Group of the Year. The band mentioned fellow nominees Rascal Flatts as inspirations in the business, as well as the “incredible honor to be part of the fabric of country music.” Old Dominion has won Group of the Year eight times in a row at the ACM Awards.

Miranda Lambert brought newcomer Ella Langley out on stage to sing “Kerosene” from Lambert’s debut album of the same name. The album turned 20 this year, and the two country stars celebrated with pyrotechnics and amazing harmonies. Lambert is the most awarded artist at the ACM Awards, and Langley is leading the nominations at her first ACM Awards, so to see them together was definitely something special.

Lionel Richie took the stage for the first award of the night, presenting Song of the Year. Lainey Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, Cody Johnson, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen, and Ella Langley and Riley Green are nominated. 

Cody Johnson won the award for “Dirt Cheap.” He thanked the songwriter, Josh Phillips, and turned the mic over to him. Phillips thanked his wife, Cody Johnson, and the label before concluding with “long live country music.”

The ACM Awards are officially on! Host Reba McEntire tapped into her Oklahoma roots to open the show with a Merle Haggard classic, “Okie From Muskogee.” She then introduced Clint Black, who performed Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy.” The crowd went wild when he then introduced Wynonna, who had everyone on their feet singing along to “Why Not Me” by The Judds. The screen behind her showed a photo of Wynonna and her late mother, Naomi Judd. 

LeAnn Rimes then took the satellite stage, looking ethereal in a white flowing dress and performing her 1994 song “Blue” backed by a small string section. Back on the main stage, Little Big Town performed their 2014 song “Girl Crush.” The vibe slowed down and got a little sultry, as Dan + Shay performed their pop-country hit “Tequila,” which ended with a long sustained note from Shay Mooney.

Shaboozey arrived on the red carpet in a rich brown leather suit with darker brown accents and biker-esque accessories. The crossover superstar is nominated for two awards, Single of the Year and New Male Artist. In the latter category, he’s up against rising stars Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and Gavin Adcock. 

Lainey Wilson arrived at the ACM Awards in a creative all-black outfit (bell bottoms, of course), featuring unique cutouts and a lace train. The reigning Entertainer of the Year, who also recently got engaged, had her fiancé Duck Hodges in tow as well. Will she take home the night’s biggest award for a second year? You’ll have to tune in to find out. 

Jessie Murph walked the red carpet with a spectacular bouffant to rival 1960s Priscilla Presley, dressed in a light pink jumpsuit adorned with sequins and fringe. In lieu of a date—or a purse—she brought a mini pig instead. Jessie and Wilbur the pig adorably matched their pink outfits for the red carpet, but we hope he brought his ear plugs for the main event. 

Reba McEntire made a sparkly entrance on the ACM Awards red carpet in an all-black pantsuit embellished with glitter, accentuated by a pair of jewel-encrusted thigh high boots. With her signature red hair and infectious grin, McEntire exudes confidence as she prepares to host the ACM Awards for the 18th time. Also in attendance is McEntire’s boyfriend, Rex Linn, who co-stars with her on the new sitcom Happy’s Place. 

The ACM Awards are almost here! Country music’s biggest stars are walking the red carpet live from The Star in Frisco, Texas, where everyone has donned their best boots and hats to strut their stuff. Make sure to tune in to Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET to catch all the performances, awards, and, of course, host Reba McEntire proving once again that she’s one of the best in the business.