ACM Awards 2025 Recap: Key Moments Including Lainey Wilson and Alan Jackson's Performances
Lainey Wilson Slays 2025 ACM Awards, Becomes First Woman to Win Entertainer of the Year in Three Consecutive Years
Country singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson made history yet again by taking home the top prize, Entertainer of the Year, at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards, marking her third consecutive win in this category. Recall, she previously won this trophy in 2023 and 2024[1][3][4].
Taylor Swift, a fellow powerhouse in the music industry, last managed the impressive feat of winning Entertainer of the Year for two years in a row in 2011 and 2012[2].
With a touch of humbleness, Lainey admitted during her acceptance speech that she's felt a tad imposter syndrome. However, her motivation to perform and make people feel things hasn't wavered. She's honored to be part of the rich legacy of country music[5].
Adding to her impressive haul, Lainey also won Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. The success behind her 2024 album Whirlwind helped her secure these well-deserved victories[5].
The evening's festivities also featured a tribute to Keith Urban, who received the prestigious ACM Triple Crown, an honor reserved for artists who have won New Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Male/Female or Group/Duo of the Year[6]. The powerful medley of Urban's hits brought him, along with his wife, Nicole Kidman, to tears[7].
Other highlights included a time-hopping medley of ACM Award-winning songs, an emotional performance by Chris Stapleton, Brothers Osborne, and Megan Moroney in tribute to Keith Urban, and a surprise crossover collaboration between Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts[7].
For an exhaustive list of this year's ACM Awards winners, check out our rundown[8].
Ella Langley, a songwriter, must have been inspired by Lainey Wilson's accomplishment, as she too could aspire to become an ACM Award winner. In fact, in 2018, Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire, known ACM Award winners, showcased their talent in unforgettable performances. However, if Lainey ever feels overwhelmed by her success, as she confessed experiencing imposter syndrome, she can take solace in knowing that Amen, success comes to those who are sure of their path in the entertainment industry and the music world.
