ACM Awards 2025 Highlights: Notable Events, Featuring Lainey Wilson and Alan Jackson
Rewritten Article:
Lainey Wilson crafted a night to remember at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.
This "Heart of a Cowboy" singer-songwriter snagged the coveted Entertainer of the Year title, marking herself as the first woman to claim this category in two consecutive years since Taylor Swift in 2011 and 2012.
Accepting her trophy for Entertainer of the Year, Lainey acknowledged the occasional feeling of self-doubt, saying, "I read something not too long ago that said, 'If something is given to you, then you need to accept it with an open heart and open mind.' I love making people feel things. I love making people laugh and cry. I'm sorry, I like to make you cry. Because I love to feel things. Everybody loves to feel things. And country music has given me more than I deserve."
Throughout the evening, Lainey led a stirring show that included electrifying moments from industry veterans and energetic debuts from fresh talents, garnering several standing ovations for celebrated artists. Reba McEntire hosted the colorful event, which took place at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and was aired on Amazon Prime Video.
Highlights from the 2025 ACM Awards include Lainey's significant wins, the creation of a new honor recognizing Alan Jackson, and a heartfelt tribute to Keith Urban who received the esteemed ACM Triple Crown award.
Lainey Wilson's Triumphant Night
In addition to winning Entertainer of the Year, Lainey also took home awards for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year - two of the night's most hotly contested categories. Behind the success of her 2024 album Whirlwind, Lainey walked away with these prestigious accolades.
In her acceptance speech for Female Artist of the Year, Lainey celebrated the other nominees - Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Kacey Musgraves, saying, "I couldn't do this without y'all. This is a wild ride and it's nice to be able to have people to call and relate to. I'm so proud for every single one of y'all. Y'all are kickin' down some barn doors and I like it."
Alan Jackson's Legendary Achievement
During the show, the Academy of Country Music introduced a new recognition: The ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. Jackson, the inaugural recipient and namesake, accepted the award with a stirring performance of his 2003 ballad "Remember When."
"It's quite an honor. A few years ago, one of my fans named their dog after me. I thought that was somethin', but this is really amazing. To be serious now-I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and crazy dream. All these years later, I'm standing here...it's just mind-blowing," said the 66-year-old Jackson, who was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in 2022.
A Salute to Keith Urban
Chris Stapleton, Brothers Osborne, and Moroney teamed up for an emotional tribute to Keith Urban, the recipient of the sought-after ACM Triple Crown. Urban completed his Triple Crown in 2019, joining esteemed company including Stapleton, Merle Haggard, Barbara Mandrell, Kenny Chesney, and Carrie Underwood, among others.
The one-of-a-kind lineup honored Urban's celebrated songbook with a captivating medley that included Moroney's rendition of "Stupid Boy" and Stapleton's moving rendition of "Blue Ain't Your Color." Urban and his wife, Nicole Kidman, watched from the front row, singing along to the lyrics.
Urban, genuinely touched by the gesture, accepted the award, saying, "I wanna say a special thanks to all of the fans that've been coming out to see us play. I really appreciate it."
Celebrating 60 Years of Music
Urban's tribute was not the only memorable medley of the night. In honor of the 60th anniversary, the show opened with a dynamic journey through six decades of ACM award-winning songs, featuring MeEntire with Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee," Clint Black delivering Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy," and a lively rendition of 2018's "Tequila" by Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay.
Ella Langley's Eventful Night
Langley, a newcomer to the ACM Awards, left with four trophies – quite an accomplishment for a first-time nominee. The small-town Alabama native secured awards for New Female Artist of the Year, Visual Media of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Single of the Year. She won Visual Media, Music Event, and Single of the Year for "You Look Like You Love Me," a heartfelt duet with Riley Green, which showcases spoken-word verses.
Energetic Collaborations
It wouldn't be a country show without a few memorable collaborations, with some notable performances throughout the night:
- Miranda Lambert joined McEntire and Wilson for the debut of their new song "Trailblazer," the penultimate performance of the night.
- Jelly Roll partnered with "A Bar Song" breakout artist Shaboozey for their spirited new duet "Amen," which they also performed last month at Stagecoach Festival.
- Cody Johnson, winner of the night's Song of the Year, shared the stage with Duo of the Year recipient Brooks & Dunn for the timeless tune "Red Dirt Road."
- And in a unique pop music crossover, Backstreet Boys teamed with Rascal Flatts for a medley that included "What Hurts The Most," "Larger Than Life," and "Life Is A Highway."
But the most memorable collaboration might have come early in the show, when Langley and Lambert paired up for a nostalgic performance of Lambert's breakthrough single "Kerosene." Between trading verses, the two danced along in rhythm as special-effects framed the stage in flames, a subtle nod to Lambert's music video for the 20-year-old tune.
See a comprehensive list of 2025 ACM Awards winners here.
After a triumphant night, Lainey Wilson became the first woman in over a decade to win Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. She also took home Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year awards, acknowledging her peers and expressing gratitude in her speeches. In another significant honor, the Academy of Country Music introduced the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, with Alan Jackson being the inaugural recipient. He accept the award with a touching performance of "Remember When." Keith Urban was honored with the ACM Triple Crown, with a memorable tribute performance by Chris Stapleton, Brothers Osborne, and Moroney. The event also celebrated 60 years of music, featuring collaborations between Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Brooks & Dunn, Backstreet Boys, and Rascal Flatts. Langley, a first-time nominee, left with four trophies, including New Female Artist of the Year and Single of the Year for her duet with Riley Green, "You Look Like You Love Me." The night was filled with imposter feelings and heartfelt performances, making it a memorable evening in the entertainment world of music.
