The 2025 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards are shaping up to be one of the most exciting nights in country music. With a star-studded lineup of performers, top nominees, and an all-star host, this year’s ceremony promises to be unforgettable. Here’s everything you need to know about the nominees, performers, and what to expect from this year’s show.
Who’s Nominated for the 2025 ACM Awards? Full List of Nominees Revealed
The 2025 ACM Awards nominations have been announced, and several names stand out. Leading the pack is Ella Langley, who has earned eight nominations. Her success is largely attributed to her hit duet “You Look Like You Love Me” with country artist Riley Green. Langley’s nominations include key categories like Female Artist of the Year and Female New Artist.
Close behind Langley are Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Morgan Wallen, each with seven nominations. Johnson, known for his blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds, is a fan favorite. Wilson, who was crowned Entertainer of the Year last year, continues to dominate the charts. Wallen, a powerhouse in country music, is once again a top contender.
Also in the mix are Chris Stapleton, with six nominations, and Riley Green and Post Malone, both securing five nods. With such strong contenders, this year’s ACM Awards nominees will surely bring intense competition across all categories.
Who’s Performing at the 2025 ACM Awards? Top Performers to Watch
The performer lineup for the 2025 ACM Awards has already generated plenty of buzz. Several country music legends and rising stars are set to take the stage.
First up is Blake Shelton, who will perform his hit single “Texas.” Shelton is no stranger to the ACM stage, and his performance will be even more special as he prepares to release his new album, For Recreational Use Only, on May 9. Fans are eager to hear new music from this country music icon.
Lainey Wilson, last year’s Entertainer of the Year, is also set to perform. Wilson’s star continues to rise, and her performance at the 2025 ACM Awards will coincide with the start of her Whirlwind World Tour. Fans can expect an electrifying show from this powerhouse performer.
Another big name in country music, Eric Church, will take the stage at the awards ceremony. Church’s new album, Evangeline Vs. the Machine, is set to drop on May 2, just days before the show. His performance will no doubt be a highlight of the night.
Other confirmed performers include Cody Johnson and Morgan Wallen, who are expected to bring their chart-topping hits to the stage.
What to Expect from the ACM Awards: Surprises, Snubs, and Big Moments
The 2025 ACM Awards will be hosted by none other than Reba McEntire, who is making history as the most frequent host of the ceremony. This will be McEntire’s 18th time hosting the event, a record she’s proud to hold. Her charismatic personality and sharp wit will surely keep the audience engaged throughout the evening.
Fans tuning in can expect an exciting mix of performances, surprises, and touching moments. With so many top artists nominated and set to perform, there’s no telling who will take home the biggest awards of the night. Will Lainey Wilson defend her title as Entertainer of the Year? Or will rising stars like Ella Langley and Cody Johnson take home their first big wins? The suspense is building!
As for the ceremony’s broadcast, the 2025 ACM Awards will be streamed live on Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel at 8 p.m. EDT. This allows country music fans across the world to tune in and watch the stars shine.
Notable Snubs and Controversies
Every awards season comes with its fair share of snubs, and the 2025 ACM Awards are no exception. Beyoncé, who won multiple Country Grammy Awards this year, notably did not receive any nominations for the ACMs, leading to some controversy. Her album Cowboy Carter, which gained significant recognition in the country music community, failed to make the cut for this year’s awards. This sparked conversations about representation and diversity in country music, especially when an artist of Beyoncé’s caliber doesn’t get the nod.
There’s also buzz around the nominations in the Male Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories. As these categories can be highly competitive, many fans are eager to see who will take home the coveted trophies. Will it be newcomers like Langley, or will established stars like Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson continue to dominate?
How to Watch the ACM Awards: Live Stream and Broadcast Information
The ACM Awards live stream will be available to fans via Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel. This live broadcast allows country music lovers around the world to watch the ceremony as it happens. Tune in at 8 p.m. EDT to catch all the performances, nominations, and exciting moments as the stars of country music come together for one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 ACM Awards promise to be a night to remember. With star-studded performances, heated competition among nominees, and the legendary Reba McEntire hosting the show, it’s a celebration of everything country music stands for. Fans can expect a fun-filled evening full of music, surprises, and moments that will go down in history.
Mark your calendars and get ready for one of the biggest nights in country music this year. The 2025 ACM Awards are just around the corner—who will take home the most coveted awards of the night? Only time will tell.
