2025 ACM Award Winners Announced

The 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards came alive with spectacular wins and performances, solidifying its reputation as a significant event in the country music calendar. Lainey Wilson captured the spotlight, taking home the prestigious ACM Entertainer of the Year award for the second consecutive year and also winning Album of the Year for “Whirlwind” and Female Artist of the Year. This accomplishment makes her one of the select female artists to win back-to-back for Entertainer of the Year, echoing legacies like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Ella Langley also emerged as a standout, winning five awards, including New Female Artist of the Year and various accolades for her collaboration with Riley Green on the hit “You Look Like You Love Me.”

Alan Jackson was honored with the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his profound impact on country music with over 75 million records sold. This tribute corresponds with Jackson’s storied career, filled with numerous No. 1 singles and top hits. Another monumental win of the night came for Brooks & Dunn, who were awarded Duo of the Year for the first time in 15 years. This marks their 17th win in this category, demonstrating their enduring appeal and musical dynamism. Brooks & Dunn’s acceptance speech was filled with gratitude, as they acknowledged their audience’s unwavering support through the years.

Old Dominion clinched Group of the Year for an unprecedented eighth consecutive time, setting a new benchmark in the ACM's history by surpassing Rascal Flatts in the category. This continued success adds to Old Dominion’s growing reputation and influence within the country music landscape. Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton was awarded Male Artist of the Year, rounding up a successful streak after securing the same title in 2024. His win ties him with legends like Merle Haggard, further cementing his status among the greats.

In songwriting categories, Jessie Jo Dillon clinched the Songwriter of the Year title for the second year, showcasing her consistent lyrical prowess in the country music scene. Adding to the evening's memorable moments, Jessie Jo Dillon’s win reflected her growing influence in crafting the narratives that define country music. Artist-Songwriter of the Year was awarded to Lainey Wilson, marking her versatility and artistry in both singing and songwriting.

Cody Johnson's “Dirt Cheap,” penned solely by Josh Phillips, received the Song of the Year award. It was noted as one of the few singles in recent years to be attributed to a single songwriter, a nod to the timeless storytelling that country music champions. Riley Green also shared in the night’s honors with Langley; together, they won Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year for their performance and production of “You Look Like You Love Me.”

The evening unfolded with electric performances, including a 14-minute opening medley by country legends like Reba McEntire, Clint Black, and Wynonna Judd, celebrating timeless hits across six decades. The performances brilliantly bridged generations of country music fans, drawing deep emotional connections. In an exclusive debut, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson introduced their much-anticipated track, “Trailblazer,” further igniting crowd excitement and anticipation.

Entertainer of the year

1. Lainey Wilson
2. Chris Stapleton
3. Cody Johnson
4. Jelly Roll
5. Kelsea Ballerini
6. Luke Combs
7. Morgan Wallen

Music event of the year

1. “You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley and Riley Green
2. “Cowboys Cry Too,” Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan
3. “I Had Some Help,” Post Malone and Morgan Wallen
4. “I'm Gonna Love You,” Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson
5. “We Don't Fight Anymore,” Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton

Album of the year

1. “Whirlwind,” Lainey Wilson
2. “Am I Okay? (I'll Be Fine),” Megan Moroney
3. “Beautifully Broken,” Jelly Roll
4. “Cold Beer and Country Music,” Zach Top
5. “F-1 Trillion,” Post Malone

Female artist of the year

1. Lainey Wilson
2. Ella Langley
3. Kacey Musgraves
4. Kelsea Ballerini
5. Megan Moroney

Single of the year

1. “You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley and Riley Green
2. “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey
3. “Dirt Cheap,” Cody Johnson
4. “I Had Some Help,” Post Malone and Morgan Wallen
5. “White Horse,” Chris Stapleton

Duo of the year

1. Brooks & Dunn
2. Brothers Osborne
3. Dan + Shay
4. Muscadine Bloodline
5. The War and Treaty

Male artist of the year

1. Chris Stapleton
2. Cody Johnson
3. Luke Combs
4. Morgan Wallen
5. Jelly Roll

Group of the year

1. Old Dominion
2. Flatland Cavalry
3. Little Big Town
4. Rascal Flatts
5. The Red Clay Strays

Song of the year

1. “Dirt Cheap,” Cody Johnson
2. “4X4XU,” Lainey Wilson
3. “I Had Some Help,” Post Malone and Morgan Wallen
4. “The Architect,” Kacey Musgraves
5. “You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley and Riley Green

New female artist of the year

1. Ella Langley
2. Ashley Cooke
3. Dasha
4. Jessie Murph
5. Kassi Ashton

New male artist of the year

1. Zach Top
2. Bailey Zimmerman
3. Gavin Adcock
4. Shaboozey
5. Tucker Wetmore

New duo or group of the year

1. The Red Clay Strays
2. Resless Road
3. Treaty Oak Revival

Visual media of the year

1. “You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley and Riley Green
2. “4X4XU,” Lainey Wilson
3. “Dirt Cheap,” Cody Johnson
4. “I'm Gonna Love You,” Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson
5. “Think I'm In Love With You,” Chris Stapleton

Songwriter of the year

1. Jessie Jo Dillon
2. Ashley Gorley
3. Chase McGill
4. Jessi Alexander
5. Josh Osborne

Artist-songwriter of the year

1. Lainey Wilson
2. Ernest
3. HARDY
4. Luke Combs
5. Morgan Wallen