The 2025 Academy of Country Music aka ACM Awards lit up the country music world with powerful performances, emotional speeches, and history-making wins. Held at the sparkling Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the event drew a packed house of fans, industry insiders, and stars ready to celebrate the genre’s biggest achievements.

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A Night of Female Powerhouses

Kelsea Ballerini took home the night’s most prestigious honor: Entertainer of the Year. It was a monumental win that reflects her meteoric rise in both commercial success and cultural influence.

“This is beyond anything I ever imagined,” Ballerini said in her acceptance speech. “I’m so grateful to the fans, my team, and everyone who has believed in me from day one. This is our win.”

Lainey Wilson was another standout, sweeping multiple major categories. She won:

• Album of the Year for Bell Bottom Country
• Song of the Year for “Heart Like a Truck”
• New Artist of the Year, solidifying her status as country’s breakout star

“I poured every ounce of myself into this album,” Wilson said onstage. “And to be recognized like this? It just means everything.”

Other Big Winners

The always-energetic Brothers Osborne won Duo of the Year, continuing their streak as a fan-favorite act that blends rock and country with soul.

“Country music has always been about truth,” said T.J. Osborne. “And we’re lucky to tell ours through our songs.”

The Venue and the Crowd

The Ford Center—normally home to Dallas Cowboys training camps—transformed into a glamorous country music palace for the evening. The venue was filled with more than 12,000 screaming fans and glittering celebrities, from newcomers to legends like Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks.

The crowd was buzzing with excitement as flashbulbs lit up the red carpet and surprise performances kept everyone on their feet.

2025 ACM Awards Winners

For those looking to dive deeper into all of the 2025 ACM Awards winners, check out full coverage here:

• Billboard
• Entertainment Weekly
• People
• CBS News