Lainey Wilson Dominates 2025 ACM Awards as Alan Jackson Receives Lifetime Honor
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards delivered a night of powerful performances, heartfelt tributes, and major milestones — with Lainey Wilson once again leading the pack.
For the second year in a row, Wilson took home the evening’s biggest honor: Entertainer of the Year. That win capped off a sweeping night for the star, who also claimed Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
“I really do have the best fans in the world,” Wilson said during her final speech, opening up about her ongoing battle with impostor syndrome. “Country music has given me more than I deserve.”
A Celebration of Country, Past and Present
The 2025 ACM Awards didn’t just spotlight today’s biggest stars — it honored country music’s rich legacy.
The show kicked off with a powerful 14-minute medley spanning six decades of country hits. Host Reba McEntire opened with Merle Haggard’s Okie from Muskogee, followed by Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay, each performing a signature hit that defined a generation.
Ella Langley and Riley Green Shine as Newcomers
First-time nominees Ella Langley and Riley Green made their mark with “You Look Like You Love Me,” which won Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year. During their acceptance, both artists paid tribute to classic country storytelling that shaped their sound.
Alan Jackson Receives Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award
One of the night’s most emotional moments came when Alan Jackson performed Remember When before receiving the first-ever ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award — named in his honor.
In a lighthearted moment, Jackson recalled a fan naming their dog after him, adding, “Having an award named after me? That’s not half bad either.”
Star-Studded Performances Light Up the Night
The show was packed with unforgettable performances. Highlights included:
- Wilson, McEntire, and Miranda Lambert debuting their new single Trailblazer
- Eric Church performing his fresh track Hands of Time
- Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley teaming up on Kerosene
- Blake Shelton channeling George Strait with Texas
- Chris Stapleton and his wife Morgane harmonizing on It Takes a Woman
- Zach Top, Kelsea Ballerini, and Cody Johnson keeping the energy high
- A surprise celebration for Shaboozey’s birthday, led by Jelly Roll
- A throwback finale featuring the Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts
Honoring Legends and Saying Goodbye
The Oak Ridge Boys presented Group of the Year to Old Dominion — a touching tribute following the 2024 passing of Oak Ridge’s Joe Bonsall.
In another emotional moment, McEntire led a sing-along of Me and Bobby McGee in honor of the late Kris Kristofferson.
More Big Wins
- Male Artist of the Year: Chris Stapleton
- Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn
- ACM Triple Crown Award: Keith Urban, after surprise performances of Stupid Boy (by Megan Moroney) and Blue Ain’t Your Color (by Stapleton)
Urban’s Triple Crown win marks the first on-stage presentation of the award since Carrie Underwood received it in 2010.
The 60th ACM Awards once again struck a perfect balance — lifting up rising stars while honoring the icons who paved the way. It was a night filled with heart, history, and high notes.
The event streamed live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Twitch channel, with no Prime membership required.
Source: AP News – Lainey Wilson rules the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards once again, Alan Jackson is honored
