Latest news with #60thACMAwards
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ACM Awards 2025: Full List of Winners
Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley and Riley Green were among the biggest winners at the 60th ACM Awards held at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, Thursday night, with Chris Stapleton winning for male artist of the year and Wilson for female artist of the year and entertainer of the year. Wilson, who won entertainer of the year last year, also took home the award for album of the year for Whirlwind, as well as artist-songwriter of the year. More from The Hollywood Reporter Range Music Establishes Composer Division, Hires Jeff Jernigan UMG Seeks to Dismiss Drake's Amended "Not Like Us" Defamation Lawsuit Tribeca Festival Adds Slick Rick Visual Album, 'Twinless' New York Premiere The award for song of the year, presented by Lionel Richie, went to Cody Johnson for 'Dirt Cheap,' while host Reba McEntire presented the award for single of the year to Langley and Green for 'You Look Like You Love Me.' Old Dominion was named group of the year and Brooks & Dunn won the award for duo of the year. Langley came into the night with the most nominations with eight, and the ACMs had already announced her as the new female artist of the year back in April, and her breakout hit 'You Look Like You Love Me' with Green won for visual media of the year over the weekend. Zach Top was also named new male artist of the year back in April, while Red Clay Strays won for best new duo or group of the year. The night was filled with performances, from a star-studded opening segment with Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Winona Judd, Leann Rhymes and Dan + Shay, to a collaboration between Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys. Stapleton, Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn Rimes and Wilson also performed, among others. Alan Jackson, who became the first recipient of the honor called the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, performed later during the ceremony. Keith Urban also earned the ACM Triple Crown Award. A full list of 2025 ACM Awards winners follows. Chris StapletonCody JohnsonJelly RollKelsea Ballerini Lainey Wilson (WINNER)Luke CombsMorgan Wallen Ella LangleyKacey MusgravesKelsea Ballerini Lainey Wilson (WINNER)Megan Maroney Chris Stapleton (WINNER)Cody JohnsonJelly RollLuke CombsMorgan Wallen Brooks & Dunn (WINNER)Brothers OsbourneDan + ShayMuscadine BloodlineThe War and Treaty Flatland Cavalry Little Big TownOld Dominion (WINNER)Rascal Flatts The Red Clay Strays Ella Langley (WINNER)Ashley CookeDashaJessie MurphKassi Ashton Zach Top (WINNER)Bailey Zimmerman Gavin Adcock Shaboozey Tucker Wetmore The Red Clay Strays (WINNER)Restless RoadTreaty Oak Revival Am I Okay? (I'll Be Fine), Megan MoroneyBeautifully Broken, Jelly RollCold Beer & Country Music, Zach TopF-1 Trillion, Post MaloneLainey Wilson (WINNER) 'A Bar Song (Tipsy),' Shaboozey 'Dirt Cheap,' Cody Johnson 'I Had Some Help,' Post Malone, Morgan Wallen 'White Horse,' Chris Stapleton'You Look Like You Love Me,' Ella Langley, Riley Green (WINNER) '4x4xU,' Lainey Wilson 'Dirt Cheap,' Cody Johnson (WINNER)'The Architect,' Kacey Musgraves 'I Had Some Help,' Post Malone, Morgan Wallen 'You Look Like You Love Me,' Ella Langley, Riley Green 'Cowboys Cry Too,' Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan'I Had Some Help,' Post Malone, Morgan Wallen'I'm Gonna Love You,' Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood'We Don't Fight Anymore,' Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton'You Look Like You Love Me,' Ella Langley, Riley Green (WINNER) '4X4XU,' Lainey Wilson'Dirt Cheap,' Cody Johnson'I'm Gonna Love You,' Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood'Think I'm In Love With You,' Chris Stapleton'You Look Like You Love Me,' Ella Langley, Riley Green (WINNER) Ashley GorleyChase McGillJessi AlexanderJessie Jo Dillon (WINNER)Josh Osbourne ErnestHardyLainey Wilson (WINNER)Luke CombsMorgan Wallen Best of The Hollywood Reporter Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Amazon, ACM Awards Extend Streaming Deal Through 2028
The Academy of Country Music Awards will remain on Prime Video for several more years. The academy, producer Dick Clark Productions and the Amazon-owned streamer have signed a three-year deal to keep the annual show on Prime Video through 2028. The previous agreement was up after last week's 60th ACM Awards. More from The Hollywood Reporter Tory Lanez Hospitalized After Getting Stabbed In Prison (Reports) Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour Wraps L.A. Leg - How to Get the Best Ticket Deals for Remaining Cities Lisa's Limited-Edition Bose Earbuds Are the Ultimate Audio Accessory for Blackpink Superfans 'Our ongoing partnership with the Academy of Country Music and Dick Clark Productions has been an amazing experience for everyone involved,' said Vernon Sanders, global head of television at Amazon MGM Studios. 'With the tremendous success of this year's 60th anniversary show hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, we are overjoyed to continue our relationship with the Academy and DCP for the next three years. We look forward to maintaining this success and bringing even more star-studded and captivating shows to our global Prime Video customers.' The ACM Awards were the first big awards show to move exclusively to streaming, beginning in 2022 (the SAG Awards followed suit in 2024, moving to Netflix). The Tony Awards, Grammys and, as of this year, Oscars have live streamed simultaneously with their network broadcasts in the recent past. 'Our powerful partnership with Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video has expanded the reach and accessibility of our show and the country music genre to viewers anytime, anywhere around the world and has redefined what an awards show experience can and should be in today's environment,' said Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. 'The synergies between Prime Video, Amazon Music, Twitch, and the other divisions of Amazon bring exponential value to our artists, our genre, and our fans through an immersive 360 music experience they can't get from any other platform. I am so proud of our pioneering first four years in the streaming space, and we are excited to continue to deliver the future of country music and the ACM Awards to fans everywhere over the next three years.' Added Dick Clark Productions CEO Jay Penske, 'We're thrilled to continue our partnership with Prime Video through 2028. The Academy of Country Music Awards made history in 2022 as the first major awards show to exclusively livestream and continues to break new ground, creating a world-class music event and providing dynamic, unparalleled reach through Prime Video, connecting country music with a global audience.' Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, The Hollywood Reporter's parent company, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise 'Yellowstone' and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree, Explained
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Urban honoured as Wilson rules at Country Music Awards
Lainey Wilson has been named entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards for the second year in a row, while Keith Urban polished his superstar status by picking up the event's prestigious triple crown. "I really do have the best fans in the world," she said in her final acceptance speech after also taking home trophies for female artist and album of the year. "I dreamed about entertaining. ... Country music has given me more than I deserve." Beyond Wilson's dominance, the 60th ACM Awards were packed with celebration. 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. The top of Thursday's ceremony paid an epic visit to the past with 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, and Little Big Town tackled their 2014 track Girl Crush and Dan + Shay delivered their Tequila. It was an exciting way to kick off the 2025 ACM Awards on Thursday, broadcast live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. And it was a show highlight, rivalled 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. The first trophy of the night, the coveted song of the year, was awarded to Cody Johnson for his radio hit Dirt Cheap. 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 a neuromuscular disorder. Another tear-jerker: 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, and 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 before 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 honoured in 2010. The prize is given to artists only if they have won the top three prizes at the ceremony: new artist, male or female artist, and entertainer of the year. Urban has done so after winning top new male vocalist in 2001, male vocalist of the year in 2005 and 2006, and scooping the entertainer of the year accolade in 2019 after being nominated on eight other occasions. with BANG Lainey Wilson has been named entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards for the second year in a row, while Keith Urban polished his superstar status by picking up the event's prestigious triple crown. "I really do have the best fans in the world," she said in her final acceptance speech after also taking home trophies for female artist and album of the year. "I dreamed about entertaining. ... Country music has given me more than I deserve." Beyond Wilson's dominance, the 60th ACM Awards were packed with celebration. 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. The top of Thursday's ceremony paid an epic visit to the past with 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, and Little Big Town tackled their 2014 track Girl Crush and Dan + Shay delivered their Tequila. It was an exciting way to kick off the 2025 ACM Awards on Thursday, broadcast live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. And it was a show highlight, rivalled 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. The first trophy of the night, the coveted song of the year, was awarded to Cody Johnson for his radio hit Dirt Cheap. 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 a neuromuscular disorder. Another tear-jerker: 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, and 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 before 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 honoured in 2010. The prize is given to artists only if they have won the top three prizes at the ceremony: new artist, male or female artist, and entertainer of the year. Urban has done so after winning top new male vocalist in 2001, male vocalist of the year in 2005 and 2006, and scooping the entertainer of the year accolade in 2019 after being nominated on eight other occasions. with BANG Lainey Wilson has been named entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards for the second year in a row, while Keith Urban polished his superstar status by picking up the event's prestigious triple crown. "I really do have the best fans in the world," she said in her final acceptance speech after also taking home trophies for female artist and album of the year. "I dreamed about entertaining. ... Country music has given me more than I deserve." Beyond Wilson's dominance, the 60th ACM Awards were packed with celebration. 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. The top of Thursday's ceremony paid an epic visit to the past with 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, and Little Big Town tackled their 2014 track Girl Crush and Dan + Shay delivered their Tequila. It was an exciting way to kick off the 2025 ACM Awards on Thursday, broadcast live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. And it was a show highlight, rivalled 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. The first trophy of the night, the coveted song of the year, was awarded to Cody Johnson for his radio hit Dirt Cheap. 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 a neuromuscular disorder. Another tear-jerker: 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, and 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 before 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 honoured in 2010. The prize is given to artists only if they have won the top three prizes at the ceremony: new artist, male or female artist, and entertainer of the year. Urban has done so after winning top new male vocalist in 2001, male vocalist of the year in 2005 and 2006, and scooping the entertainer of the year accolade in 2019 after being nominated on eight other occasions. with BANG Lainey Wilson has been named entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards for the second year in a row, while Keith Urban polished his superstar status by picking up the event's prestigious triple crown. "I really do have the best fans in the world," she said in her final acceptance speech after also taking home trophies for female artist and album of the year. "I dreamed about entertaining. ... Country music has given me more than I deserve." Beyond Wilson's dominance, the 60th ACM Awards were packed with celebration. 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. The top of Thursday's ceremony paid an epic visit to the past with 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, and Little Big Town tackled their 2014 track Girl Crush and Dan + Shay delivered their Tequila. It was an exciting way to kick off the 2025 ACM Awards on Thursday, broadcast live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. And it was a show highlight, rivalled 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. The first trophy of the night, the coveted song of the year, was awarded to Cody Johnson for his radio hit Dirt Cheap. 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 a neuromuscular disorder. Another tear-jerker: 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, and 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 before 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 honoured in 2010. The prize is given to artists only if they have won the top three prizes at the ceremony: new artist, male or female artist, and entertainer of the year. Urban has done so after winning top new male vocalist in 2001, male vocalist of the year in 2005 and 2006, and scooping the entertainer of the year accolade in 2019 after being nominated on eight other occasions. with BANG
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 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. Here's the full winners list: ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Kelsea Ballerini Luke Combs Cody Johnson Jelly Roll Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen Lainey Wilson — WINNER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Kelsea Ballerini Ella Langley Megan Moroney Kacey Musgraves Lainey Wilson — WINNER MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Luke Combs Cody Johnson Jelly Roll Chris Stapleton — WINNER Morgan Wallen DUO OF THE YEAR Brooks & Dunn — WINNER Brothers Osborne Dan + Shay Muscadine Bloodline The War and Treaty GROUP OF THE YEAR Flatland Cavalry Little Big Town Old Dominion — WINNER Rascal Flatts The Red Clay Strays Photo: Dasha at the 60th ACM Awards (Reuters) NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Kassi Ashton Ashley Cooke Dasha Ella Langley — WINNER Jessie Murph Photo: Jessie Murph at the 60th ACM Awards (Reuters) NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Gavin Adcock Shaboozey Zach Top — WINNER Tucker Wetmore Bailey Zimmerman NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR Restless Road The Red Clay Strays — WINNER Treaty Oak Revival ALBUM OF THE YEAR Am I Okay? (I'll Be Fine) - Megan Moroney (Producer: Kristian Bush; Record Company-Label: Columbia Records / Sony Music Nashville) Beautifully Broken - Jelly Roll (Producers: BazeXX, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Charlie Handsome, Ben Johnson, mgk, The Monsters & Strangerz, Austin Nivarel, SlimXX, Ryan Tedder, Isaiah Tejada, Alysa Vanderheym; Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Republic Records) Cold Beer & Country Music - Zach Top (Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Record Company-Label: Leo33) F-1 Trillion - Post Malone (Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins; Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records) Whirlwind - Lainey Wilson (Producer: Jay Joyce; Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville) — WINNER SINGLE OF THE YEAR "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" - Shaboozey (Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry; Record Company-Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE) "Dirt Cheap" - Cody Johnson (Producer: Trent Willmon; Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville) "I Had Some Help" - Post Malone, Morgan Wallen (Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins; Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records) "White Horse" - Chris Stapleton (Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton; Record Company-Label: Mercury Nashville) "you look like you love me" - Ella Langley, Riley Green (Producer: Will Bundy; Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records) — WINNER SONG OF THE YEAR "4x4xU "- Lainey Wilson (Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson; Publishers: Louisiana Lady; One Tooth Productions; Reservoir 416; Songs of One Riot Music; Sony/ATV Accent) "The Architect" - Kacey Musgraves (Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne; Publishers: Songs for Indy and Owl; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing) "Dirt Cheap" - Cody Johnson (Songwriter: Josh Phillips; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing; Write or Die Music; Write the Lightning Publishing) — WINNER "I Had Some Help" - Post Malone, Morgan Wallen (Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters, Ryan Vojtesak; Publishers: Bell Ear Publishing; Master of my Domain Music; Poppy's Picks; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing; Universal Music Corporation) "you look like you love me" - Ella Langley, Riley Green (Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere; Publishers: Back 40 Publishing International; Langley Publishing; One Tooth Productions; Sony/ATV Tree; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp) MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR "Cowboys Cry Too" - Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan (Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan, Alysa Vanderheym; Record Company-Label: Black River Entertainment) "I Had Some Help" - Post Malone, Morgan Wallen (Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins; Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records) "I'm Gonna Love You" - Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood (Producer: Trent Willmon; Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville) "we don't fight anymore" - Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton (Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce; Record Company-Label: Big Machine Records) "you look like you love me" - Ella Langley, Riley Green (Producer: Will Bundy; Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records) — WINNER VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR "4x4xU" - Lainey Wilson (Producer: Jennifer Ansell; Director: Dano Cerny) "Dirt Cheap" - Cody Johnson (Producer: Dustin Haney; Director: Dustin Haney) "I'm Gonna Love You" - Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood (Producers: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry; Director: Dustin Haney) "Think I'm In Love With You" - Chris Stapleton (Producers: Wes Edwards, Angie Lorenz, Jamie Stratakis; Director: Running Bear [Stephen Kinigopoulos, Alexa Stone]) "you look like you love me" - Ella Langley, Riley Green (Producer: Whale Tale Music; Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney) — WINNER ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Luke Combs ERNEST HARDY Morgan Wallen Lainey Wilson — WINNER Photo: Jessie Jo Dillon won Songwriter of the Year at the 60th ACM Awards (Reuters) SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
