ACM Awards 2025: Full Winners List, Highlights, and Standout Moments
A Night of Country Excellence at The Ford Center, Texas
The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards turned out to be a dazzling celebration of talent, storytelling, and tradition in the world of country music. Hosted at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the ceremony masterfully honored the genre’s deep roots while showcasing its evolving sound through today’s top artists and emerging stars.
From career-defining victories for Lainey Wilson to a breakout night for Ella Langley, the event was a perfect blend of nostalgia and new energy. Below, we recap the biggest moments and provide the complete list of winners from this year’s ACM Awards.
Lainey Wilson Dominates with Four Major Wins
Continuing her reign as a powerhouse in country music, Lainey Wilson captured the coveted Entertainer of the Year title for the second year in a row. Her stellar performance throughout the year also earned her three other prestigious awards:
- Female Artist of the Year
- Album of the Year (Whirlwind)
- *Artist-Songwriter of the Year
Wilson’s heartfelt lyrics, dynamic presence, and consistent hit-making solidified her dominance in 2025’s country scene.
A Tribute to Country’s Legacy
The evening opened with a six-decade musical medley, celebrating the legends who paved the way. The tribute featured performances by country icons including Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay. This thematic nod to the genre’s roots set a nostalgic tone for a night filled with emotion and recognition.
Ella Langley’s Meteoric Rise
One of the night’s biggest stories was the phenomenal success of Ella Langley, who emerged as a major new voice in country music. Her duet “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green swept three significant categories:
- Single of the Year
- Music Event of the Year
- Visual Media of the Year
Langley also earned the title of New Female Artist of the Year, cementing her status as a rising star to watch.
Zach Top Leads the New Male Artists
In the male newcomer category, Zach Top took home the award for New Male Artist of the Year, driven by the success of his hit album Cold Beer & Country Music. His win signals a bright future ahead for the traditional-leaning artist with a modern touch.
Full List of ACM Awards 2025 Winners
Entertainer of the Year
Nominees:
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Jelly Roll
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
🏆 Winner: Lainey Wilson
Female Artist of the Year
Nominees:
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Kacey Musgraves
🏆 Winner: Lainey Wilson
Male Artist of the Year
Nominees:
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Jelly Roll
- Morgan Wallen
🏆 Winner: Chris Stapleton
Duo of the Year
Nominees:
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Muscadine Bloodline
- The War and Treaty
🏆 Winner: Brooks & Dunn
Group of the Year
Nominees:
- Flatland Cavalry
- Little Big Town
- Rascal Flatts
- The Red Clay Strays
🏆 Winner: Old Dominion
Album of the Year
Nominees:
- Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) – Megan Moroney
- Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
- Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
- F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
🏆 Winner: Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year
Nominees:
- A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
- Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson
- I Had Some Help – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
- White Horse – Chris Stapleton
🏆 Winner: You Look Like You Love Me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Song of the Year
Nominees:
- 4x4xU – Lainey Wilson
- The Architect – Kacey Musgraves
- I Had Some Help – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
- You Look Like You Love Me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
🏆 Winner: Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson
Music Event of the Year
Nominees:
- 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
🏆 Winner: You Look Like You Love Me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Songwriter of the Year
Nominees:
- Jessi Alexander
- Ashley Gorley
- Chase McGill
- Josh Osborne
🏆 Winner: Jessie Jo Dillon
Artist-Songwriter of the Year
Nominees:
- Luke Combs
- ERNEST
- HARDY
- Morgan Wallen
🏆 Winner: Lainey Wilson
Visual Media of the Year
Nominees:
- 4x4xU – Lainey Wilson
- Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson
- I’m Gonna Love You – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
- Think I’m In Love With You – Chris Stapleton
🏆 Winner: You Look Like You Love Me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
New Female Artist of the Year
Nominees:
- Kassi Ashton
- Ashley Cooke
- Dasha
- Jessie Murph
🏆 Winner: Ella Langley
New Male Artist of the Year
Nominees:
- Gavin Adcock
- Shaboozey
- Tucker Wetmore
- Bailey Zimmerman
🏆 Winner: Zach Top
New Duo or Group of the Year
Nominee:
- Restless Road
🏆 Winner: The Red Clay Strays
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Final Thoughts: A Milestone Year in Country Music
The 2025 ACM Awards proved to be a landmark event, filled with emotional wins, incredible performances, and new beginnings. Lainey Wilson’s triumphant night underscores her impact on the genre, while artists like Ella Langley and Zach Top point to a bright and dynamic future.
As country music continues to grow and evolve, the ACM Awards remain a celebration of its heart, history, and enduring appeal.
