Lainey Wilson celebrating her numerous wins. Credit to John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM.
Los Angeles, California (May 14, 2025)- The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, held Thursday, May 8, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, was a night of career-defining triumphs, emotional highs, and the unmistakable signal of a generational shift in country music. Two names led the night with unstoppable momentum — Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson — each carving their own space in the genre while walking away as the evening’s biggest winners.
At just 22, breakout artist Ella Langley arrived at the ACMs as the most-nominated act of the year, earning a remarkable eight nods across major categories — and she more than delivered. Langley claimed five awards, including New Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year, all tied to her standout collaboration with Riley Green, “you look like you love me.” Her wins signal not only a breakthrough moment, but a broader embrace of a bold new voice in country who merges raw storytelling with a contemporary edge.
Right behind her was reigning superstar Lainey Wilson, whose four awards capped a powerful year and cemented her at the top of the genre. Wilson took home the top honor — Entertainer of the Year — beating out major names like Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen. She also earned Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for her acclaimed project Whirlwind, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year, underscoring her influence not just as a performer, but as a creative visionary.
Among other key winners, Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year, continuing his streak as one of the genre’s most respected vocalists and instrumentalists. Cody Johnson’s heartfelt ballad “Dirt Cheap” won Song of the Year, giving him one of the night’s most prestigious honors. Brooks & Dunn claimed Duo of the Year, proving their enduring appeal, while Group of the Year went to Old Dominion, a favorite among both fans and critics for their consistently polished sound.
Emerging talent was well represented throughout the evening. Zach Top won New Male Artist of the Year, and New Duo or Group of the Year was awarded to The Red Clay Strays — an act widely praised for their blend of Southern rock and traditional country. The diversity of new voices and musical styles reflected an industry increasingly willing to explore and expand its boundaries.
The song “you look like you love me” — co-written and performed by Ella Langley and Riley Green — was one of the night’s biggest success stories, sweeping multiple categories. In addition to Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year, the track also won Visual Media of the Year, recognizing the storytelling power of its video, co-directed by Langley herself. The wins marked a career milestone for both artists, and signaled Langley’s arrival as not just a performer, but a creative force behind the scenes as well.
In the songwriting categories, Jessie Jo Dillon took home Songwriter of the Year, while Wilson’s win as Artist-Songwriter of the Year reflected her dual role as a powerhouse performer and a respected pen behind the music. These honors highlighted the importance of narrative and lyricism in a genre built on storytelling.
While the night was packed with standout performances and star-studded moments, it also hinted at deeper industry trends. The mix of legacy acts, crossover successes, and newcomers suggested that country music’s center of gravity is shifting. Artists like Langley, Wilson, and Zach Top are not just riding the wave — they’re helping define it.
The remaining Studio Recording Awards and Industry Awards — including categories like Producer of the Year, Promoter of the Year, and Festival of the Year — are set to be announced at a later date. These behind-the-scenes recognitions are crucial to the ecosystem of country music, and fans and professionals alike will be watching closely for the final reveals.
Produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge — the parent company of Billboard — the ACM Awards once again delivered on spectacle, significance, and a clear sense of where country music is headed. In a year when the genre continues to dominate charts and push genre boundaries, the 2025 ceremony felt less like a look back and more like a thrilling look forward. With Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson at the helm, the future of country music is in bold, fearless hands.
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