Latest news with #LittleBigTown
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Voice' Season 27 Teams: Kelsea Ballerini, John Legend, Adam Levine and Michael Buble's Singers
The Voice season 27 battles have concluded! Several contestants have gone home after tough eliminations, while others have moved on to the knockouts. This time, two artists on each team go head-to-head, singing solos of their choice, and the coaches choose one artist to move forward. Coaches Kelsea Ballerini, John Legend, Adam Levine and Michael Bublé have each fought hard to get some incredible contestants on their teams of 12, but of course, only one singer can emerge as the winner in the end. Life & Style keeps track of each of the teams on The Voice season 27, including all the four-chair turns, steals and more. Kelsea may be a first-time coach on The Voice (not counting her stint as the coach of the 'Comeback Stage' in 2018), but she's had no trouble convincing artists that she's the best choice to mentor them to victory. During the premiere on February 3, 2025, the 'Miss Me More' singer gained three contestants on her team — Iris Herrera, 19, of Newaygo, Michigan, Angie Rey, 25, of Nashville and Dan Kiernan, 33, of Long Island, New York. Dan was the recipient of Kelsea's only 'Coach Replay,' which meant that she was able to press her button to invite him to her team after she initially didn't turn around during his performance. The second night of blind auditions on February 10, 2025, brought singers Tatum Scott, 22, of Nashville and Jaelen Johnston, 21, of Derby, Kansas, to Team Kelsea. During episode 3 on February 17, 2025, Kelsea gained Page Mackenzie, 32, of Nashville, and Jessica Manalo, 31, of Las Vegas. The February 24, 2025, episode saw singers Hailey Wright, 19, of Redwater, Texas, and Robert Hunter, 33, of Garner, North Carolina, join Team Kelsea. Robert's young daughter convinced him to pick Kelsea as his coach because the country singer, whom she adorably called 'Kelsea Ballerina,' was her favorite. During the final round of auditions on March 3, 2025, Kelsea obtained artists Brook Wood, 33, of New York City (originally from Indianapolis), Simone Marijic, 20, of Los Angeles, and Alanna Lynise, 21, of Toledo, Ohio. With help from country group Little Big Town, Kelsea coached Angie and Tatum on a performance of 'Girl' by Maren Morris during the first night of battles on March 10, 2025. Angie won the round, but John pressed his button to steal Tatum for his team, so both artists will advance to the knockouts. Alanna and Brook tackled Miley Cyrus' song 'Angels Like You' during night two of the battle rounds on March 17, 2025, and Alanna progressed to knockouts. Jaelen outshined Hailey on stage while singing 'Neon Moon' but Kelsea saved Hailey, leading both contestants to advance. During the final battle on March 24, 2025, Iris came out victorious against Simone when they performed Lizzy McAlpine's 'Ceilings.' Dan also beat Jessica when they sang Chappell Roan's 'Good Luck, Babe!' and Page beat Robert after their performance of Morgan Wallen's 'Lies Lies Lies.' After Tinika was eliminated from Team Adam, Kelsea saved the singer by stealing her for her team. During the first round of knockouts in the March 31, 2025, episode, Team Kelsea's Tinika sang The Emotions' "Best of My Love,' while Dan performed Shontelle's 'Impossible.' Kelsea chose Tinika as the winner, sending her to the playoffs. Later in the episode, Iris sang Ray LaMontagne's 'Jolene,' and Angie sang Cody Johnson's 'Dirt Cheap.' Though Kelsea crowned Iris the winner of the knockout, Michael stole Angie for his team, sending both artists to the playoffs. During the April 7, 2025, episode, Alanna sang "I'll Never Love Again" from the 2018 film A Star Is Born, while Page sang 'You're Still the One' by Shania Twain. Kelsea named Alanna the winner of the knockout. Kelsea's final knockout during the April 14, 2025, episode was between Jaelen, who sang Noah Kahan's 'Dial Drunk,' and Hailey, who sang Patsy Montana's "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart." She named Jaelen as the winner. John returned to The Voice for his 10th season in 2025 after taking a hiatus during season 26. He started season 27 by gaining Philadelphia-based Renzo, 33, on his team during the premiere. The 'All of Me' singer gained three more artists during the second round of auditions in episode 2, including early frontrunner and four-chair turn Bryson Battle, 21, of Harrisburg, North Carolina. Team Legend's other artists in episode 2 were Jordan Allen, 30, of London, Kentucky, and Ari Camille, 21, of Chicago. Team Legend also gained artists Jacquelyn George, 27, of Franklin, Tennessee, and four-chair-turn BDii, 31, of Hampton, Virginia. John was on a roll during the February 24 episode, with four more singers joining his team — Kolby Cordell, 32, of Ontario, California, Olivia Kuper Harris, 34, of Manhattan, New York, Nell Simmons, 40, of New Orleans and Antonio Ramsey, 35, of Boynton Beach, Florida. Antonio was the recipient of John's Coach Replay. The final four-chair turn of season 27's blind auditions went to Jay Ammo, 27, of Clarksville, Tennessee (originally from Georgetown, Guyana), who joined John's team. Pablo Herrera, 31, of San Diego, California, took the last spot on Team Legend. Singer Coco Jones worked with John to advise Kolby and Pablo on their performance of "Tacones Rojos" by Sebastian Yatra during the first episode of the battles. John chose Kolby as the winner, sending Pablo home. For his team's second battle, John paired Olivia and Nell on Roberta Flack's 'Feel Like Makin' Love.' Olivia won the battle, but John also chose to use his only save on Nell, so both artists are moving forward. During night two of the battle rounds, the pressure was on and only half of the performers rose to the top. Bryson defeated Ari following their duet to 'Made for Me,' but Ari was given a second chance after Adam stole her for his own team. Meanwhile, Antonio went home after showed John his vocal capacity after they sang 'Just Friends (Sunny).' The final battle round saw Renzo out perform Jay while singing 'Is This Love,' and Jacquelyn beating Jordan after their performance of '"Islands in the Stream.' Team Legend's first knockout was between who sang 'Back at One' by Brian McKnight, and Kolby, who sang 'Lately' by Stevie Wonder. John picked as the winner, but Adam stole Kolby for his team. The April 7, 2025, episode saw Bryson perform Aretha Franklin's 'Ain't No Way,' while Tatum sang Noah Kahan's 'Stick Season.' John named Bryson the winner of the knockout. Team Legend's Renzo performed Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever" during the April 14, 2025, episode of the knockouts, while Neil sang 'Sweet Thing' by Rufus. John named Renzo the winner. Later, Olivia sang 'Last Dance' by Donna Summer, going up against Jacquelyn's performance of 'Too Little Too Late' by JoJo. Olivia won the knockout. Adam, who was one of the original coaches on The Voice, made his epic comeback after he previously exited the competition in 2019. Despite his time away from the show, Adam has shown no signs of being rusty and has gained the most four-chair turns this season thus far. Adam was off to an excellent start during the premiere, gaining four-chair-turn singers Grace-Miller Moody, 20, of Florence, South Carolina, and Ethan Eckenroad, 27, of Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania. Darius J, 35, of Pahokee, Florida, also joined Team Adam. His winning streak continued in episode 2 with four-chair turn Britton Moore, 21, of San Antonio, Texas. Adam also gained Hayden Grove, 31, of Cleveland, Ohio. Team Adam enlisted yet another four-chair turn during the February 17 episode with Conor James, 28, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Singers Tinika Wyatt, 50, of San Diego, California, and Tyler Kae, 22, of Olympia, Washington, also joined Adam's team. Tinika was the recipient of Adam's Coach Replay. Adam won over another four-chair turn during the February 24 episode with Lucia Flores-Wiseman, 22, of Maple Valley, Washington. Fran Posla, 25, of Costa Rica and New York City, also picked Adam as her coach. During the last episode of the blinds, Adam gained Tori Templet, 24, of Atlanta on his team. His final spot went to aspiring country singer Trevon Dawson, 17, of Cole Camp, Missouri, and Adam even teased that he might call in former coach Blake Shelton for coaching help. Adam teamed up with actress Kate Hudson to coach Britton and Darius on a chilling cover of Radiohead's 'Creep' during night one of the battles. Adam named Britton as the winner, but he also couldn't resist using his save right off the bat to keep Darius in the competition. For his second battle during the March 10, 2025, episode, Adam paired Ethan and Fran on 'July' by Noah Cyrus. Ethan won the battle, bringing Fran's journey on The Voice to an end. The following week, Lucia stole the show when she and Hayden sang 'My Bloody Valentine' and was deemed safe. Adam also stole Ari from Team Legend. The final week saw Adam beat Tyler after performing Avril Lavigne's "I'm with You' and Conor out singing Tinika during their rendition of 'How Deep Is Your Love.' During the March 31, 2025, episode, Team Adam's Lucia performed Benson Boone's 'Slow It Down,' while Grace-Miller sang Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams.' Adam crowned Lucia the winner of the knockout. Later, Ethan sang Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down,' while Trevon sang Brooks & Dunn's 'Red Dirt Road.' Ethan was named the winner, sending Adam's young country artist home. During the second night of knockouts, Britton sang Zac Brown Band's 'Free,' and Ari performed Faith Evans' 'Love Like This.' Adam joked that he was going to quit because he didn't want to choose just one winner, but he ultimately chose Britton. Thankfully, Ari got to stay on The Voice and return to Team Legend after John stole her. Team Adam's final knockout was between Conor, who sang 'Forever Young' by Alphaville, and Darius, who sang 'American Boy' by Estelle Swaray. Though Adam named Conor the winner, Kelsea stole Darius for her team, advancing both artists to the playoffs. Michael is back for The Voice season 27, fresh after his win with Sofronio Vasquez during his first time as a coach in season 26. During the premiere, he gained singers Jadyn Cree, 24, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Carlos Santiago, 36, of Nashville and Puerto Rico. Episode 2 saw Team Bublé get artists Ricardo Moreno, 25, of Tracy, California, and Braxton Garza, 28, of Adrian, Michigan. Ricardo was the recipient of Michael's Coach Replay. In the third round of auditions, singers Divighn, 33, of Gardena, California, and Barry Jean Fontenot, 31, of Chicago, joined Team Bublé. Michael gained four artists during the February 24 episode — Dimitrius Graham, 33, of Baltimore, Kaiya Hamilton, 26, of Atlanta, Aaron Rizzo, 27, of Rochester, New York, and Kameron Jaso, 18, of Wichita, Kansas. During the March 3, 2025, episode, Michael recruited Adam David, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Naomi Soleil, 18, of Maplewood, New Jersey, as the final two members of his team. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo worked with Michael as he coached Jadyn and Braxton on a performance of Kenny Loggins' 'Danny's Song.' Jadyn won the battle, with Braxton heading home. During the March 17, 2025, episode of the battle rounds, Michael crowned Kaiya the stronger singer over Barry. However, Barry was still impressive enough to stay on the show after Michael saved him from elimination. During the final battle round, Divighn beat Dimitrius following their performance of 'Leave the Door Open.' Meanwhile, Adam outshined Ricardo during a performance of Michael's classic song 'Home.' Meanwhile, Michael was so impressed with Simone from Kelsea's team that he saved her from elimination. Team Michael's Barry Jean boldly performed his coach's song, 'Haven't Met You Yet,' while Simone performed Sara Bareilles' 'She Used to Be Mine.' Michael, who is often picky about people singing his songs on the show, named Barry Jean the winner. During the April 7, 2025, episode, Kaiya sang Alessia Cara's 'Here,' while Divighn performed Maroon 5's 'Harder to Breathe.' Michael chose Kaiya as the winner. The final night of knockouts saw Adam perform Allen Stone's 'Unaware,' while Carlos sang Calum Scott's 'You Are the Reason.' Michael named Adam the winner. Later, Jadyn performed Avril Lavigne's 'Keep Holding On' against Kameron's rendition of 'Say You Won't Let Go' by James Arthur. Jadyn was declared the winner of the knockout. During the first playoffs episode 14 on April 28, 2025, Adam made three cuts to his team, which he called "brutal." He decided to send home Conor James after his performance of "Pink Pony Club," Ethan Eckenroad — who performed "The Night We Met" — was also eliminated and finally, Britton Moore went home after a performance of "Somewhere Only We Know." That meant Adam picked Lucia Flores-Wiseman and Kolby Cordell to move on in the competition as part of his team for the live semifinals. As a first-time coach, Kelsea admitted that eliminating more than half her team was 'truly the most uncomfortable and nervous' she's been all season. Team Kelsea lost three members in episode 14. Jaelen Johnston was eliminated after a performance of "If You're Reading This." Next to go was Tinika Wyatt, who performed "I Can Only Imagine." Finally, Kelsea sent home Darius J. after he performed "Hey Ya!" The country singer chose Iris Herrera and Alanna Lynise to advance in the competition as part of Team Kelsea in the live shows.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Worst-dressed celebs at the Academy of Country Music Awards 2025 revealed
It's one of the most prestigious nights in all of country music. Hosted by in Frisco, Texas Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated the biggest names in the genre. While many stars stepped out in style on the red carpet, others missed the mark entirely. Rising pop princess Jessie Murph turned heads by arriving on the red carpet with a piglet as her date. The Alabama-born singer matched the pig to her outfit, which consisted of a pair of soft pink pants and a plunging fringed top. Appearing to channel Priscilla Presley or Bobby Lee Gentry, Jessie had her black hair styled into a huge bouffant. Piggy plus-one: The singer matched the pig to her outfit, which consisted of a pair of soft pink pants and a plunging fringed top Also in a shade of soft pink was Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, who donned a shiny strapless jumpsuit. Jessie Jo Dillon rocked a white pantsuit with floral prints. She coordinated it with a matching handbag and cowboy hat, and completed the look with a chunky necklace and rings. RHOBH star and singer Morgan Wade walked the red carpet without best friend Kyle Richards. She rocked an ill-fitting pair of black trousers and an oversized pink satin blazer with nothing underneath. Jelly Roll's glamorous wife Bunnie Xo rocked one of the raciest looks of the night. The podcaster, 45, dared to bare in a semi-sheer lace dress that showed off her cleavage and legs. She had her blonde hair teased and tousled and went for a smokey black makeup around her eyes. Also flashing some flesh was Kassi Ashton in a flimsy yellow number that struggled to contain her curves. Joking about the raunchy look on Instagram, the 31-year-old wrote: 'Just a garage dress and some porch stripper shoes.' Not even A-listers were exempt from fashion fails, with Nicole Kidman leading the worst of the rest. Ready to muck out the stables: The Voice's Jake Worthington went for farmer chic on the red carpet ACM Awards 2025 WINNERS Entertainer of the Year Kelsea Ballerini Luke Combs Cody Johnson Jelly Roll Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen Lainey Wilson — WINNER Lainey Wilson was one of the night's big winners 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 Chris Stapleton beat out a tough crowd to win Male Artist of the Year 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 New Female Artist of the Year Kassi Ashton Ashley Cooke Dasha Ella Langley — WINNER Jessie Murph New Male Artist of the Year Gavin Adcock Shaboozey Zach Top — WINNER Tucker Wetmore Bailey Zimmerman
Gulf Today
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Lainey Wilson rules Academy of Country Music Awards once again
It was her night once again. Lainey Wilson took home the top prize at the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards — the title of entertainer of the year — for a second year in a row. And that was after she cleaned house, taking home trophies for both female artist and album of the year. '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. Chris Stapleton. A revisitation of the past might have been a theme on 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.' Kix Brooks (right) and Ronnie Dunn. 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. Ella Langley and Riley Green. 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.' Alan Jackson. '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. Jessie Jo Dillon. 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. Associated Press Winners at a glance 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: Lainey Wilson SINGLE OF THE YEAR You Look Like You Love Me: Ella Langley, Riley Green SONG OF THE YEAR Dirt Cheap: Cody Johnson MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR You Look Like You Love Me: Ella Langley, Riley Green VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR You Look Like You Love Me: Ella Langley, Riley Green ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Lainey Wilson SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Jessie Jo Dillon Tribune News Service
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
WORST dressed celebs at the Academy of Country Music Awards 2025 revealed
It's one of the most prestigious nights in all of country music. Hosted by Reba McEntire in Frisco, Texas on Thursday, the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated the biggest names in the genre. While many stars stepped out in style on the red carpet, others missed the mark entirely. Rising pop princess Jessie Murph turned heads by arriving to the swanky event with a piglet as her date. The Alabama-born songstress matched the pig to her outfit, which consisted of a pair of soft pink pants and a plunging fringed top. Appearing to channel Lisa Marie Presley or Bobby Lee Gentry, Jessie had her raven black tresses teased into a huge bouffant. Also in a shade of soft pink was Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, who donned a shiny strapless jumpsuit. The Alabama-born songstress matched the pig to her outfit, which consisted of a pair of soft pink pants and a plunging fringed top Jessie Jo Dillon rocked a white pantsuit with floral prints. She coordinated it with a matching handbag and cowboy hat, and completed the look with a chunky necklace and rings. RHOBH star and singer Morgan Wade walked the red carpet without best friend Kyle Richards. She rocked an ill-fitting pair of black trousers and an oversized pink satin blazer with nothing underneath. Jelly Roll's glamorous wife Bunnie Xo rocked one of the raciest looks of the night. The podcaster, 45, dared to bare in a semi-sheer lace dress that showed off her cleavage and legs. She had her blonde hair teased and tousled and went for a smokey black makeup around her eyes. Jelly Roll's glamorous wife Bunnie Xo rocked one of the raciest looks of the night Also flashing some flesh was Kassi Ashton in a flimsy yellow number that struggled to contain her curves. The brunette bombshell, 31, flaunted her cleavage and long legs in the racy frock. Joking about the raunchy look on Instagram, Kassi wrote, 'Just a garage dress and some porch stripper shoes.' Lainey Wilson emerged as the night's top winner, securing four major awards. The 32-year-old's big wins included Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. Wilson's win was controversial on social media, with many country fans claiming that Kelsea Ballerini or Morgan Wallen should've won instead. 'With no Morgan Wallen awards I am not watching,' raged one fan. 'Glad I stuck to my guns and didn't watch this watch. Morgan Wallen robbed again,' wrote another. 'Once again Kelsea is being robbed at this awards ceremony... year in and year out and the faces don't change,' a third wrote. However, some fans defended Lainey's big victory, with one writing, 'These comments on here are unreal ! Miss Lainey Wilson deserves this a heck of a lot more than the others! She's got it all. True country gal who can SING.' Wallen, 31, was up for seven awards at the ACMs, held at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. While the star didn't comment on his absence from the show, he did post an Instagram snap of him golfing with NFL legend Tom Brady on Thursday afternoon, adding, 'Had a little mustard on it.' Wallen lost out on the Single of the Year award for his Post Malone collaboration I Had Some Help to You Look Like You Love Me by Ella Langley and Riley Green. Wallen also lost Song of the Year for that same track to Dirt Cheap by Cody Johnson, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year to Lainey Wilson. While Wallen didn't show up, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman added some major starpower to the ACMs. The 57-year-old country star got a chance to do some guitar shredding on stage in Frisco, Texas, before he accepted the Triple Crown Award, one of the organization's top honors.
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
