Chris Stapleton dedicates ACM Male Artist of the Year win to late friend Ben Vaughn
Country star Chris Stapleton won Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards on May 8 in Frisco, Texas. He dedicated his emotional acceptance speech to his late friend and music publisher Ben Vaughn, who died earlier this year at age 49.
'Wow, so many guys in this category that are so deserving and great artists,' said Stapleton, 47. 'I gotta thank everybody who works so hard to make these things possible… my wife Morgane, my kids at home.' He continued, 'I'm thinking a lot about my friend Ben Vaughn who we lost this year, so I'm gonna send this one out to Ben.'
Hosted by Reba McEntire, the 60th ACM Awards saw Stapleton beating out fellow nominees Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, and Cody Johnson for the prestigious award. All five men were also contenders for Entertainer of the Year.
Stapleton has now claimed the Male Artist of the Year title five times — previously in 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024 — and has been nominated for the honor ten consecutive years. In 2025, he also received nominations for Single of the Year ('White Horse'), Music Event of the Year (with Carly Pearce), and Visual Media of the Year.
Stapleton's heartfelt tribute added a poignant moment to a night celebrating the best in country music.
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Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Express Tribune
ACM Awards 2025: Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton and Ella Langley among top the winners of the night
The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards aired live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on 8 May, hosted by country music legend Reba McEntire and streamed on Prime Video. Lainey Wilson led the winners, securing Album of the Year for Whirlwind and additional honours after a standout year. Photo: Reuters Ella Langley, who topped the nominations with eight, followed closely with multiple wins that reflected her growing influence. Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year, reaffirming his prominent place in the genre. Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson, each with seven nominations, took home key awards, reflecting their enduring popularity with both fans and industry professionals. The show featured tributes and performances from country and crossover acts such as Keith Urban, honoured with the ACM Triple Crown Award. A tribute set for Urban included performances by Stapleton, Brothers Osborne and Megan Moroney. Photo: Megan Moroney at the 60th ACM Awards (Reuters) Presenters like Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Lionel Richie and Martina McBride brought added star power to the event. 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Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Chris Stapleton dedicates ACM Male Artist of the Year win to late friend Ben Vaughn
Country star Chris Stapleton won Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards on May 8 in Frisco, Texas. He dedicated his emotional acceptance speech to his late friend and music publisher Ben Vaughn, who died earlier this year at age 49. 'Wow, so many guys in this category that are so deserving and great artists,' said Stapleton, 47. 'I gotta thank everybody who works so hard to make these things possible… my wife Morgane, my kids at home.' He continued, 'I'm thinking a lot about my friend Ben Vaughn who we lost this year, so I'm gonna send this one out to Ben.' Hosted by Reba McEntire, the 60th ACM Awards saw Stapleton beating out fellow nominees Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, and Cody Johnson for the prestigious award. All five men were also contenders for Entertainer of the Year. Stapleton has now claimed the Male Artist of the Year title five times — previously in 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024 — and has been nominated for the honor ten consecutive years. In 2025, he also received nominations for Single of the Year ('White Horse'), Music Event of the Year (with Carly Pearce), and Visual Media of the Year. Stapleton's heartfelt tribute added a poignant moment to a night celebrating the best in country music.
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Express Tribune
ACM awards 2025 features Reba McEntire as host and top performances
The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards returned on May 8, streaming live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, exclusively on Prime Video. Presented by Carnival Cruise Line, this year's ceremony honors the best in country music with high-energy performances and surprise collaborations. Reba McEntire, a country legend and frequent ACM host, once again took the stage as emcee. Speaking before the event, McEntire shared that she feels grounded by prayer and her 'team of angels,' ensuring each appearance is as meaningful as her decades-long music career. Leading the nominations is rising star Ella Langley, with eight nods including major categories like Female Artist and Album of the Year. Following closely are Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson, each with seven nominations, while Keith Urban is set to receive the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award. Performances featured a 12-minute opening medley from country legends including Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, and McEntire herself. Other performers included Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Backstreet Boys, Alan Jackson, and Rascal Flatts. Special duets included Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, and Brooks & Dunn with Cody Johnson. Presenters such as Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Lionel Richie, and Martina McBride handed out awards and shared tributes. Fans can rewatch the 2025 ACM Awards on Prime Video, celebrating country music's top talents, legendary icons, and unforgettable performances.
