Lainey Wilson rules the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards once again, Alan Jackson is honored
'I really do have the best fans in the world,' she said in her final acceptance speech, admitting to experiencing impostor syndrome. 'I dreamed about entertaining. ... Country music has given me more than I deserve.'
Beyond Wilson's dominance, the 2025 ACM Awards were packed with celebration. Earlier, first-time and leading nominee Ella Langley's duet with Riley Green, the ubiquitous 'You Look Like You Love Me,' was named single and music event of the year.
Both Langley and Green used their first acceptance speech to shout out classic country — songs with talking in them — that inspired their modern hit.
A revisitation of the past might have been a theme Thursday night, evidenced right at the top of the ceremony: a 14-minute medley of six decades of country classics, performed by giants of the genre.
Host Reba McEntire launched into Merle Haggard's 'Okie from Muskogee,' followed by Clint Black with Glen Campbell's 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and Wynonna Judd with The Judds' 'Why Not Me.' LeAnn Rimes returned to the ACM Awards stage for her 1997 ballad 'Blue.' Little Big Town tackled their 2014 track 'Girl Crush' and Dan + Shay delivered their 'Tequila.'
It was an exciting way to kick off the ACM Awards, live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, just north of Dallas.
And it was a show highlight, rivaled only by the introduction of the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, the inaugural trophy given to its namesake, Jackson, after he performed 'Remember When.'
In his acceptance speech, he joked that a fan named a dog after him. Having an award named after him? That isn't half bad, either.
The first trophy of the night, the coveted song of the year, was awarded to Cody Johnson for his radio hit 'Dirt Cheap.'
Performances followed, fast and furious. McEntire, Wilson and Miranda Lambert teamed up for the world premiere of their new single 'Trailblazer,' celebrating women in country music.
Eric Church performed his brand-new single 'Hands of Time,' succeeded by the most awarded artist in the history of the award show, Lambert with 'Run.' She was then joined by Langley to duet 'Kerosene' from Lambert's 2005 debut album of the same name.
Zach Top stripped things down for 'Use Me.' Blake Shelton channeled the great George Strait for his new single 'Texas,' followed by Wilson with 'Whirlwind.' Kelsea Ballerini performed atop her 'Baggage.' Johnson rocked 'The Fall,' before performing 'Red Dirt Road' with Brooks & Dunn. Chris Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, harmonized on 'It Takes a Woman.'
Jelly Roll and Shaboozey joined forces for their collaboration, 'Amen.'
'It's Shaboozey's birthday,' Jelly Roll said. 'We wanna thank y'all and we wanna thank God.'
Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts closed the show.
The Oak Ridge Boys gave the group of the year award to Old Dominion. It was a moving gesture; in 2024 the Oak Ridge Boys' Joe Bonsall, a Grammy award winner and celebrated tenor, died from complications of the neuromuscular disorder Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Another tearjerker: McEntire leading the audience in a sing-along of the late Kris Kristofferson's 'Me and Bobby McGee.'
Male artist of the year went to Stapleton. Duo of the year was awarded to Brooks & Dunn.
Megan Moroney covered Keith Urban's 'Stupid Boy' and Stapleton did 'Blue Ain't Your Color' ahead of the Australian superstar's reception of the coveted ACM Triple Crown Award, marking the first time an artist has received the trophy on stage since Carrie Underwood was honored in 2010.
If anything, the 60th ACM Awards proved the show is at its best when it celebrates new acts and legends in equal measure.
The ACM Awards streamed on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch Live. No Prime membership was required to view the livestream.
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North Wales Live
19 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Could your childhood toys be a hidden fortune? Expert tips on cashing in on nostalgia
From Labubus to Beanie Babies, the second-hand toy market is thriving - and Britons could be sitting on a goldmine worth thousands of pounds, according to antiques expert Dan Hatfield. The Money-Making specialist, who frequently appears on daytime television to share his expert knowledge, calculates there's roughly £3,000 worth of unused items lying around the typical person's home - approximately £300 of which consists of toys. He has disclosed precisely what sharp-eyed sellers and purchasers should watch for to maximise their unwanted toys and commented to say: "We've seen a monumental resurgence in demand for plush toys. As a society, we're all about nostalgia, and these items really ignite that warm, fuzzy feeling associated with it. "Being transported back to your childhood can equate to big money. Think 90s Beanie Babies and early TY releases. Jellycat originals that are rare or retired can often fetch several thousand pounds. "Original Care Bears also regularly reach the several hundred mark. Condition and provenance are key and original tags can easily double a toy's value. Limited edition or store-exclusive plush toys, particularly those released in small numbers, are climbing fastest in value." Dan's advice on what to search for coincides with the launch of Compare the Market's new Sergei cricket toy, as part of their principal sponsorship of The Hundred. There are 1,000 of these toys available via an exclusive prize draw on Compare the Market's app. Limited editions, discontinued ranges or viral TikTok phenomena can all wield enormous influence in deciding whether your £10 toy might transform into £200 overnight, according to Dan. He explained: "In the resale world, plush toys might look soft but the market behind them can be razor sharp. It's not just about what's cute. It's about scarcity, nostalgia and timing. "The savvy reseller isn't merely following trends; they're understanding the psychology of collectors and pouncing when demand is fierce but supply is dwindling." With fresh toys such as Labubu joining the marketplace, Dan recommends brands with enduring franchises like Pokémon, Disney or Star Wars as the most reliable investments. He continued: "Labubu is an exciting new player, but whether it stands the test of time will depend on how the brand evolves and what it offers in the coming years." The most effective method to identify whether your toys are sought-after or not is by tracking social media, online forums and community discussions. He noted: "If you see fans talking about long waiting lists, early sell-outs, or aftermarket price spikes, that's a strong sign to buy in before the boom. The key is keeping your ear to the ground. You want to be a trendsetter, not a trend follower. "Our homes can be an absolute treasure chest when it comes to the toys we've held onto. It's estimated that Brits have more than £3,000 worth of unused or forgotten items in their homes and a significant amount of that is toy-related." Research involving 2,000 adults revealed that more than three-quarters of Brits (76%) keep toys at home - with the typical household containing 16 items. Soft toys (72%), construction sets (59%) and playing cards (49%) are the most common playthings found within people's homes. Nearly a third (32%) have actually flogged a toy second-hand - with the typical seller pocketing £125.92 from their old belongings. But that's not the end of it, as the most lucrative pre-owned item has netted people an impressive £395.71. Dan continued: "Compare the Market is one of Britain's best-loved brands. The meerkats have become part of our cultural fabric, with adverts adored across the country. When a brand connects that deeply, its merchandise often becomes collectible. Just look at the Tetley Tea Folk or the PG Tips monkeys, which now sell for far more than they originally cost. "This new meerkat plush is especially exciting because it celebrates Compare the Market's sponsorship of The Hundred and their exclusive giveaway of 1,000 toys on their app. Limited-edition toys tied to major cultural, or sporting events often gain value over time. I'm expecting big things from this little guy." Kristin Sonfield, director of brand and partnerships at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: "Our polling shows the second-hand market in Britain is booming. There are so many places people can sell their unwanted items to make themselves a few extra quid. And with history which dates back more than 15 years, we know a thing or two about plush toys. "Sergei looks like an absolute pro with his cricket pads and bat, so we know he will hit this for six. He's the 20th Meerkat toy we've created at Compare the Market and we are looking forward to seeing fans around the country take part in the toy giveaway. To make sure you don't miss out on a chance to win the Sergei cricket toy, you'll need to enter the prize draw before it closes on September 5 2025." DAN HATFIELD'S TOP THREE TOYS TO WATCH FOR: BEANIE BABIES: Not every one was made the same. Plenty are worth merely a handful of pounds, but certain 90s versions can fetch substantial sums. Should you possess Spooky the Ghost, you might be onto a winner. I recently witnessed one go for £150. And should you own one of the Original 9, you could be eyeing up hundreds, perhaps thousands, based on condition, scarcity, and popularity. With Beanies, it's frequently the flaws that boost their worth. Soft toys featuring label typos or manufacturing mistakes can fetch several thousand pounds. JELLYCAT: Jellycat, a brand that was hugely popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to high-end collaborations with Selfridges and Harrods. Bashful Bunnies in rare colours can fetch over £200, while the most sought-after Jellycats are now changing hands for low thousands. I personally saw a lovely special edition Imogen with tags selling for £2,000 just a couple of months ago. HARRODS TEDDY BEARS: Harrods Teddy Bears, released annually, have seen some of their 1990s editions recently resold for between £400 and £600, especially those in pristine condition with original tags and packaging.
Wales Online
19 hours ago
- Wales Online
Could your childhood toys be a hidden fortune? Expert tips on cashing in on nostalgia
Could your childhood toys be a hidden fortune? Expert tips on cashing in on nostalgia Antiques expert Dan Hatfield has shared exactly what eagle-eyed sellers and buyers need to look out for to make the most of their unwanted toys Compare the Market meerkat soft toy. (Image: PinPep) From Labubus to Beanie Babies, the second-hand toy market is thriving - and Britons could be sitting on a goldmine worth thousands of pounds, according to antiques expert Dan Hatfield. The Money-Making specialist, who frequently appears on daytime television to share his expert knowledge, calculates there's roughly £3,000 worth of unused items lying around the typical person's home - approximately £300 of which consists of toys. He has disclosed precisely what sharp-eyed sellers and purchasers should watch for to maximise their unwanted toys and commented to say: "We've seen a monumental resurgence in demand for plush toys. As a society, we're all about nostalgia, and these items really ignite that warm, fuzzy feeling associated with it. "Being transported back to your childhood can equate to big money. Think 90s Beanie Babies and early TY releases. Jellycat originals that are rare or retired can often fetch several thousand pounds. "Original Care Bears also regularly reach the several hundred mark. Condition and provenance are key and original tags can easily double a toy's value. Limited edition or store-exclusive plush toys, particularly those released in small numbers, are climbing fastest in value." Dan's advice on what to search for coincides with the launch of Compare the Market's new Sergei cricket toy, as part of their principal sponsorship of The Hundred. There are 1,000 of these toys available via an exclusive prize draw on Compare the Market's app. Article continues below Limited editions, discontinued ranges or viral TikTok phenomena can all wield enormous influence in deciding whether your £10 toy might transform into £200 overnight, according to Dan. He explained: "In the resale world, plush toys might look soft but the market behind them can be razor sharp. It's not just about what's cute. It's about scarcity, nostalgia and timing. "The savvy reseller isn't merely following trends; they're understanding the psychology of collectors and pouncing when demand is fierce but supply is dwindling." With fresh toys such as Labubu joining the marketplace, Dan recommends brands with enduring franchises like Pokémon, Disney or Star Wars as the most reliable investments. He continued: "Labubu is an exciting new player, but whether it stands the test of time will depend on how the brand evolves and what it offers in the coming years." Dan Hatfield and Sergei the meerkat. (Image: PinPep) The most effective method to identify whether your toys are sought-after or not is by tracking social media, online forums and community discussions. He noted: "If you see fans talking about long waiting lists, early sell-outs, or aftermarket price spikes, that's a strong sign to buy in before the boom. The key is keeping your ear to the ground. You want to be a trendsetter, not a trend follower. "Our homes can be an absolute treasure chest when it comes to the toys we've held onto. It's estimated that Brits have more than £3,000 worth of unused or forgotten items in their homes and a significant amount of that is toy-related." Research involving 2,000 adults revealed that more than three-quarters of Brits (76%) keep toys at home - with the typical household containing 16 items. Soft toys (72%), construction sets (59%) and playing cards (49%) are the most common playthings found within people's homes. Nearly a third (32%) have actually flogged a toy second-hand - with the typical seller pocketing £125.92 from their old belongings. But that's not the end of it, as the most lucrative pre-owned item has netted people an impressive £395.71. Dan continued: "Compare the Market is one of Britain's best-loved brands. The meerkats have become part of our cultural fabric, with adverts adored across the country. When a brand connects that deeply, its merchandise often becomes collectible. Just look at the Tetley Tea Folk or the PG Tips monkeys, which now sell for far more than they originally cost. "This new meerkat plush is especially exciting because it celebrates Compare the Market's sponsorship of The Hundred and their exclusive giveaway of 1,000 toys on their app. Limited-edition toys tied to major cultural, or sporting events often gain value over time. I'm expecting big things from this little guy." Kristin Sonfield, director of brand and partnerships at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: "Our polling shows the second-hand market in Britain is booming. There are so many places people can sell their unwanted items to make themselves a few extra quid. And with history which dates back more than 15 years, we know a thing or two about plush toys. "Sergei looks like an absolute pro with his cricket pads and bat, so we know he will hit this for six. He's the 20th Meerkat toy we've created at Compare the Market and we are looking forward to seeing fans around the country take part in the toy giveaway. To make sure you don't miss out on a chance to win the Sergei cricket toy, you'll need to enter the prize draw before it closes on September 5 2025." Article continues below DAN HATFIELD'S TOP THREE TOYS TO WATCH FOR:
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's hidden treasures: Expert tips on turning childhood toys into cash
The second-hand toy market is booming - and Brits could be sitting on a treasure chest worth thousands of pounds, according to antiques expert Dan Hatfield From Labubus to Beanie Babies, the second-hand toy market is booming - and Brits could be sitting on a goldmine worth thousands of pounds, according to antiques expert Dan Hatfield. The money-making guru, who regularly graces our screens with his expert insights on daytime TV, reckons there's roughly £3,000 worth of unused items gathering dust in the average person's home - approximately £300 of which is in toys. He has spilled the beans on exactly what savvy sellers and buyers need to keep an eye out for to make the most of their unwanted toys and said: "We've seen a monumental resurgence in demand for plush toys. As a society, we're all about nostalgia, and these items really ignite that warm, fuzzy feeling associated with it. It comes after calls for 90s tattoo necklaces to return as Maya Jama and Millie Bobby Brown join trend. . "Being whisked back to your childhood can equate to big bucks. Think 90s Beanie Babies and early TY releases. Jellycat originals that are rare or retired can often fetch several thousand pounds. "Original Care Bears also regularly hit the several hundred mark. Condition and provenance are key and original tags can easily double a toy's value. Limited edition or store-exclusive plush toys, particularly those released in small numbers, are skyrocketing in value." Dan's tips on what to look out for coincide with the release of Compare the Market's new Sergei cricket toy, as part of their principal sponsorship of The Hundred. There are 1,000 of these toys available via an exclusive prize draw on Compare the Market's app. Limited editions, discontinued ranges or viral TikTok crazes can all have massive influence in deciding whether your £10 toy could transform into £200 overnight, according to Dan. He said: "In the resale world, plush toys might look soft but the market behind them can be razor sharp. It's not just about what's cute. It's about scarcity, nostalgia and timing. "The clever reseller isn't just following trends; they're understanding the psychology of collectors and pouncing when the demand's scorching but the supply's dwindling." With fresh toys such as Labubu hitting the market, Dan recommends brands with timeless franchises like Pokémon, Disney or Star Wars are the most reliable investments. He added: "Labubu is an exciting new player, but whether it stands the test of time will depend on how the brand evolves and what it offers in the coming years." The most effective method to identify if your toys are in demand or not is through tracking social media, online forums and community discussions. He said: "If you see fans talking about long waiting lists, early sell-outs, or aftermarket price spikes, that's a strong sign to buy in before the boom. The key is keeping your ear to the ground. You want to be a trendsetter, not a trend follower. "Our homes can be an absolute treasure chest when it comes to the toys we've held onto. It's estimated that Brits have more than £3,000 worth of unused or forgotten items in their homes and a significant amount of that is toy-related." Research involving 2,000 adults revealed that more than three-quarters of Brits (76%) keep toys at home - with households averaging 16 playthings each. Soft toys (72%), construction sets (59%) and playing cards (49%) top the list of playthings people store within their homes. Nearly a third (32%) have flogged toys second-hand - with sellers typically pocketing £125.92 from their old belongings. But that's not the limit, as the most lucrative pre-owned item has netted people a tidy £395.71. Dan added: "Compare the Market is one of Britain's best-loved brands. The meerkats have become part of our cultural fabric, with adverts adored across the country. When a brand connects that deeply, its merchandise often becomes collectible. Just look at the Tetley Tea Folk or the PG Tips monkeys, which now sell for far more than they originally cost. "This new meerkat plush is especially exciting because it celebrates Compare the Market's sponsorship of The Hundred and their exclusive giveaway of 1,000 toys on their app. Limited-edition toys tied to major cultural, or sporting events often gain value over time. I'm expecting big things from this little guy." Kristin Sonfield, director of brand and partnerships at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: "Our polling shows the second-hand market in Britain is booming. There are so many places people can sell their unwanted items to make themselves a few extra quid. And with history which dates back more than 15 years, we know a thing or two about plush toys. "Sergei looks like an absolute pro with his cricket pads and bat, so we know he will hit this for six. He's the 20th Meerkat toy we've created at Compare the Market and we are looking forward to seeing fans around the country take part in the toy giveaway. To make sure you don't miss out on a chance to win the Sergei cricket toy, you'll need to enter the prize draw before it closes on September 5 2025." DAN HATFIELD'S TOP THREE TOYS TO HUNT DOWN: BEANIE BABIES: They weren't all made the same. Plenty are only worth a couple of quid, but certain 90s editions can fetch serious cash. Got Spooky the Ghost tucked away? You could be sitting on a goldmine. I spotted one recently that went for £150. And if you're lucky enough to own one of the Original 9, you might be eyeing up hundreds, possibly thousands, based on quality, scarcity, and buyer interest. With Beanies, it's frequently the flaws that boost their worth. Stuffed animals featuring label typos or manufacturing mistakes can go for thousands of pounds. JELLYCAT: Jellycat, a brand that was incredibly popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to high-end collaborations with Selfridges and Harrods. Bashful Bunnies in rare colours can fetch over £200, while the most sought-after Jellycats are now changing hands for low thousands. I personally spotted a lovely special edition Imogen with tags going for £2,000 just a few months ago. HARRODS TEDDY BEARS: Released annually, some of the 1990s editions have recently been resold for between £400 and £600, particularly those in mint condition with original tags and packaging.
