The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, held in Frisco, Texas, celebrated its 60th anniversary with grandeur and glamour. The event was a star-studded affair, with celebrities of all ages coming together to honour the best in country music. Reba McEntire shone as the host, not only displaying her impeccable hosting skills but also turning heads with her stunning fashion choices. Kelsea Ballerini delivered what she called her “biggest performance” at an award show to date, while Nicole Kidman radiated joy as she supported her husband, Keith Urban. From unforgettable performances to surprising moments, let’s dive into the highlights and low points of the 2025 ACM Awards.
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One of the standout moments of the evening was Jessie Murph’s unconventional choice for a plus-one – a one-year-old miniature pig named Wilbur. Murph, known for her unique style, explained that she had always dreamt of having a pet pig, making the ACM Awards the perfect place for Wilbur to make his red carpet debut. The duo even coordinated their outfits, with Wilbur going au naturel and Murph dazzling in a bubblegum pink ensemble.
Another heartwarming moment came when Cody Johnson and his wife Brandi announced that they were expecting their third child, a baby boy. The couple, already parents to two daughters, shared their joy with the world on the red carpet. Cody expressed his happiness at the gender reveal, highlighting the special significance of the ACM Awards as the platform for their announcement.
The night kicked off with a spectacular medley of classic country hits, paying homage to the genre’s rich history. Host Reba McEntire set the tone with a rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee,” followed by iconic performances from Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay. The audience was treated to a nostalgic journey through the best of country music over the years.
However, not all moments were smooth sailing at the 2025 ACM Awards. Despite being a top nominee for six awards, Morgan Wallen was conspicuously absent from the ceremony. This marked his continued trend of skipping major award shows, raising eyebrows among fans and industry insiders. Wallen’s decision to spend the evening playing golf with Tom Brady left many wondering about his priorities in the music world.
An unexpected and humorous moment occurred when co-host Bobby Bones asked singer Jelly Roll to autograph a jar of Smucker’s jam. This quirky exchange led to a playful interaction with Keith Urban’s wife, Nicole Kidman, who received the autographed jar with good humour. The light-hearted incident provided a comic relief amidst the glamour and music-filled evening.
On the performance front, Lainey Wilson stole the show with her high-energy rendition of “Whirlwind,” captivating the audience with her stage presence and powerful vocals. Blake Shelton’s glowing introduction as “Lainey fricking Wilson” set the stage for a performance that had everyone on their feet, showcasing the true spirit of country music.
Kelsea Ballerini wowed the audience not only with her musical talent but also with a visually stunning stage display during her performance of “Baggage.” The singer-songwriter surrounded herself with a towering display of gold suitcases, creating a striking visual backdrop for her dynamic performance. Ballerini’s innovative stage design added an extra layer of excitement to her already electrifying performance.
While the night was filled with memorable moments and stellar performances, there were also instances of disappointment. Kelsea Ballerini, despite her nominations and stellar performances, left the event empty-handed once again. This marked the fifth consecutive year that the talented artist missed out on taking home an ACM Award, highlighting the unpredictability and competitiveness of the music industry accolades.
In conclusion, the 2025 ACM Awards delivered a mix of highs and lows, showcasing the best and worst moments in country music’s biggest night. From heartwarming announcements to show-stopping performances, the event captured the essence of the genre’s rich history and vibrant present. As the stars glittered on the red carpet and dazzled on stage, the audience was treated to a night of music, celebration, and surprises, setting the stage for another memorable milestone in the Academy of Country Music’s illustrious history.