NEW YORK (AP) — The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on Thursday night, marking a significant milestone in country music’s history. With plenty of excitement ahead, the event is set to deliver big moments and unforgettable performances.
This year’s show boasts some notable highlights. Reba McEntire, a 16-time ACM Award winner, will return as host. Keith Urban will receive the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award, a recognition last presented to Carrie Underwood in 2010.
Perhaps the most highly anticipated moment will be the “Songs of the Decades” performance, which will open the show. The 14-minute segment will celebrate 60 years of country music and feature iconic artists like McEntire, Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, and others.
The ACM Awards festivities have already kicked off ahead of Thursday’s main event. First-time nominee Ella Langley earned the title of female new artist, while Zach Top took home the male new artist award.
How to Watch the ACM Awards
The awards ceremony will be streamed live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Viewers do not need a Prime membership to access the livestream.
2025 ACM Awards Nominees
Ella Langley leads this year’s nominees with eight nominations, six of which stem from her hit song “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green.
Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Morgan Wallen follow closely behind, each with seven nominations. Chris Stapleton has earned six nominations, while Riley Green and Post Malone each received five.
The night’s most coveted award, Entertainer of the Year, sees Johnson, Wilson, Wallen, and Stapleton in contention. Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, and Jelly Roll are also nominated for the honor.
Performers at the ACM Awards
Alongside the star-studded opening performance, a wide range of artists will take the stage throughout the evening. Langley, Wilson, Top, Stapleton, Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, Blake Shelton, and Alan Jackson are among the performers.
Expect exciting duets as well. Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts will collaborate, as will Jelly Roll and Shaboozey. Brooks & Dunn will join forces with Cody Johnson for a special performance.
ACM Awards Presenters
The list of presenters is packed with country music’s biggest stars. Among those taking the stage to present awards are Shelton, Judd, Green, Black, Carly Pearce, Crystal Gayle, ERNEST, Gabby Barrett, Gretchen Wilson, Jordan Davis, Lee Ann Womack, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Parker McCollum, Rita Wilson, Sara Evans, Sugarland, The Oak Ridge Boys, and NASCAR driver Chase Elliott.
With so many highlights and a star-studded lineup, the 60th ACM Awards promise to be an unforgettable celebration of country music.
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