The stars were shining bright in Frisco, Texas, as the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards took over the Ford Center at The Star for a night filled with heartfelt performances, surprise wins, and a celebration of country music’s brightest talents.

From newcomers making big splashes to longtime legends stealing the spotlight, the 2025 ACM Awards brought something for every fan.

Early Wins for Rising Stars

Before the show even kicked off, the Academy handed out several big early awards to some of the most buzzworthy new acts in country music.

  • Zach Top, a rising star with a traditional sound, was named New Male Artist of the Year.

  • Ella Langley, this year’s most nominated artist, won New Female Artist of the Year.

  • The Red Clay Strays, an Alabama group gaining momentum with their album Made by These Moments and viral hit Wondering Why, were awarded New Duo or Group of the Year.

All three are part of a new generation of country artists who are blending old-school vibes with modern energy.


And the Winners Are…

Here's a look at the full list of 2025 ACM winners — with winners in bold.

Entertainer of the Year

  • Kelsea Ballerini

  • Luke Combs

  • Cody Johnson

  • Jelly Roll

  • Chris Stapleton

  • Morgan Wallen

  • Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson continues her hot streak, adding the biggest award of the night to her growing trophy shelf.

Female Artist of the Year

  • Kelsea Ballerini

  • Ella Langley

  • Megan Moroney

  • Kacey Musgraves

  • Lainey Wilson

 A double win for Lainey Wilson — proving she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Male Artist of the Year

  • Luke Combs

  • Cody Johnson

  • Jelly Roll

  • Chris Stapleton

  • Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen nabs this one, reflecting his chart dominance and massive fan base.

Duo of the Year

  • Brooks & Dunn

  • Brothers Osborne

  • Dan + Shay

  • Muscadine Bloodline

  • The War And Treaty

Dan + Shay continue their reign as one of country’s most popular duos.

Group of the Year

  • Flatland Cavalry

  • Little Big Town

  • Old Dominion

  • Rascal Flatts

  • The Red Clay Strays

A huge night for The Red Clay Strays, taking home two major awards!


Top Tracks & Albums

Album of the Year

  • Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) – Megan Moroney

  • Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll

  • Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top

  • F-1 Trillion – Post Malone

  • Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson wins again with Whirlwind, a fan-favorite album packed with heart and hits.

Single of the Year

  • “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey

  • “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson

  • “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen

  • “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton

  • “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

Ella Langley and Riley Green’s duet turned heads — and earned this well-deserved win.

Song of the Year

  • “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson

  • “The Architect” – Kacey Musgraves

  • “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson

  • “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone & Morgan Wallen

  • “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

 Another win for the power duo — a clear crowd and critical favorite.


Beyond the Music

Music Event of the Year

  • “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini & Noah Kahan

  • “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone & Morgan Wallen

  • “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood

  • “We Don’t Fight Anymore” – Carly Pearce & Chris Stapleton

  • “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

Ella Langley and Riley Green sweep their category again — their song clearly hit home.

Visual Media of the Year

  • “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson

  • “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson

  • “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood

  • “Think I’m in Love With You” – Post Malone

  • Winner Not Listed (Check Official Site)

(Note: The visual media winner wasn’t included — we recommend checking the official ACM website for the final update.)


Performances & Returning Favorites

The night wasn’t just about trophies — it was also packed with unforgettable live performances from the biggest names in the genre. Artists like Eric Church, Blake Shelton, and of course, Lainey Wilson, brought energy and emotion to the stage.

And hosting this incredible evening? The one and only Reba McEntire, who returned to the ACM stage for the 18th time. Reba is a true icon, and her charm and humor never fail to make the show feel both glamorous and grounded.


A Night of Legends & Fresh Faces

The 2025 ACM Awards proved that country music is in great hands. Legends like Reba, Lainey, and Morgan Wallen continue to dominate, while fresh voices like Ella Langley, Zach Top, and the Red Clay Strays are bringing new excitement to the genre.

With heartfelt ballads, high-energy anthems, and stories that speak to real life, this year’s winners reflect the evolving heart of country music — one that honors tradition while embracing the future.