From Reba to Lainey: Unforgettable Moments at the 60th ACM Awards

The 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards delivered a star-studded night of celebration, triumph, and timeless hits as Prime Video, Dick Clark Productions (DCP), and the ACM honored the brightest stars of country music. Hosted by legendary country icon Reba McEntire, the two-and-a-half-hour commercial-free event streamed live from The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, reaching audiences across more than 240 countries and territories.

Photo Thanks To ACM

A Historic Opening Set

The show kicked off with an electric 12-minute all-star performance celebrating the ACM’s six-decade legacy. Reba McEntire paid tribute to the legendary Merle Haggard with her rendition of 'Okie from Muskogee,' followed by Clint Black’s 'Rhinestone Cowboy,' Wynonna Judd’s 'Why Not Me,' LeAnn Rimes’ 'Blue,' Little Big Town’s 'Girl Crush,' and Dan + Shay’s 'Tequila.' The medley set the stage for an unforgettable night, honoring the genre’s rich musical history.

Lainey Wilson: A Reigning Champion

For the second year in a row, Lainey Wilson took home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award, cementing her status as one of country music’s most dynamic performers. As only the third woman to win back-to-back in this category (alongside Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood), Wilson also claimed the Female Artist of the Year title for the third consecutive time. Her album 'Whirlwind' was named Album of the Year, and she made history with her first win as ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Wilson’s four wins of the night bring her total ACM count to 16.

Ella Langley: A Breakout Star

Emerging artist Ella Langley dominated the evening with five wins, the most of any artist this year. Her collaboration with Riley Green on the hit song 'you look like you love me' earned multiple accolades, including Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year. Overwhelmed by her success, Langley expressed her joy, saying she felt like she was 'on cloud nine.'

Riley Green, who shared in Langley’s success, added three more ACM Awards to his name. His collaboration on 'you look like you love me' marked a milestone in his growing career, now totaling four ACM wins.

Iconic Moments and Legendary Tributes

Alan Jackson, honored with the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, received a heartfelt tribute recognizing his enduring legacy and remarkable achievements. With more than 75 million records sold and a string of chart-topping hits, Jackson’s influence on the genre remains unparalleled.

Other highlights included a tribute to Keith Urban, recipient of the ACM Triple Crown Award, featuring covers of his hits by Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne. A collaboration between Brooks & Dunn and Cody Johnson on 'Red Dirt Road' also stood out, while Miranda Lambert joined Ella Langley for a fiery rendition of 'Kerosene,' marking the song’s 20th anniversary.

Celebrating Milestones and First-Time Winners

Brooks & Dunn were recognized as Duo of the Year, marking their first win in the category in 15 years, while Old Dominion extended their record with an eighth consecutive win as Group of the Year. Chris Stapleton took home Male Artist of the Year, marking his fifth win in the category. Cody Johnson, Zach Top, and The Red Clay Strays also made their mark as first-time winners, showcasing the genre’s vibrant future.

List of Winners:

Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson

Female Artist of the Year: Lainey Wilson

Male Artist of the Year: Chris Stapleton

Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn

Group of the Year: Old Dominion

New Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley

New Male Artist of the Year: Zach Top

New Duo or Group of the Year: The Red Clay Strays

Album of the Year: 'Whirlwind' by Lainey Wilson

Single of the Year: 'you look like you love me' - Ella Langley & Riley Green

Song of the Year: 'Dirt Cheap' - Cody Johnson

Visual Media of the Year: 'you look like you love me' - Ella Langley & Riley Green

Songwriter of the Year: Jessie Jo Dillon

Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Lainey Wilson

Music Event of the Year: 'you look like you love me' - Ella Langley & Riley Green

As the curtain closed on the 60th ACM Awards, country music fans were left with unforgettable performances, heartfelt speeches, and a sense of pride for the genre’s continued evolution. From timeless legends to breakout newcomers, the night truly embodied the spirit of country music.