Context:

Lainey Wilson won the top prize of entertainer of the year for the second consecutive year at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, alongside trophies for female artist and album of the year. The event featured a theme of honoring classic country music, with performances of iconic songs by renowned artists, including a medley spanning six decades. Alan Jackson received the inaugural ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, adding a touch of humor in his acceptance speech about the honor. Notable performances included collaborations and new releases from artists such as Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, and Cody Johnson. The show balanced celebrating new talent and legendary artists, highlighted by a sing-along tribute to Kris Kristofferson and awards for Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, and Keith Urban.

Dive Deeper:

• Lainey Wilson dominated the 2025 ACM Awards, securing the entertainer of the year title for the second year in a row, along with female artist and album of the year, and expressed gratitude towards her fans despite feelings of impostor syndrome.

• The ceremony was marked by a celebration of classic country music, opening with a 14-minute medley featuring iconic songs from six decades, performed by esteemed artists like Reba McEntire, Clint Black, and Wynonna Judd.

• Alan Jackson was honored with the first ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering a humorous acceptance speech after performing his hit 'Remember When,' and joking about a fan naming a dog after him.

• The event showcased various performances, including the premiere of 'Trailblazer' by Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert, as well as Eric Church's 'Hands of Time' and Blake Shelton's tribute to George Strait with 'Texas.'

• Cody Johnson won the first award of the night for song of the year with 'Dirt Cheap,' and other highlights included Megan Moroney covering Keith Urban ahead of his ACM Triple Crown Award, marking a significant honor last achieved by Carrie Underwood in 2010.

• The Oak Ridge Boys presented the group of the year award to Old Dominion in a touching moment, following the death of their member Joe Bonsall, and Reba McEntire led a sing-along tribute to Kris Kristofferson with 'Me and Bobby McGee.'

• The 60th ACM Awards, streamed on Prime Video and Twitch Live without requiring a Prime membership, successfully balanced celebrating new artists like Ella Langley and Riley Green with honoring legends in the country music genre.