The Academy of Country Music Awards has unveiled the list of nominees for 2025, and it’s clear the country music scene is thriving. The impressive list showcases some of the genre’s biggest stars, with names like Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, and Kelsea Ballerini up for various prestigious awards. The nominees represent a mix of established talents and rising stars, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of country music.
Leading the charge with eight nominations is Ella Langley, a newcomer who has captured the attention of both fans and critics alike. She is nominated for Female Artist of the Year, New Female Artist of the Year, and her collaboration with Riley Green, “you look like you love me,” earned six nominations. Following closely behind Langley are country heavyweights Cody Johnson and Morgan Wallen, both with seven nominations. Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton each received six nods, reinforcing their continued influence on the genre.
One of the most exciting categories this year is Entertainer of the Year, where Luke Combs is nominated. If he wins, it will cement his place in the exclusive ACM Triple Crown club, a recognition for artists who have won Entertainer of the Year, Best New Male/Female Artist, and Best Male/Female Artist. Previous members of this prestigious club include Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Kenny Chesney. Along with Combs, Kelsea Ballerini and Jelly Roll are also in the running for the top honor.
2025 also marks the first-ever ACM nominations for several talented artists. Ella Langley is joined by other first-time nominees such as Gavin Adcock, Dasha, Noah Kahan, Jessie Murph, Muscadine Bloodline, Shaboozey, Zach Top, The Red Clay Strays, Treaty Oak Revival, and Tucker Wetmore. This influx of fresh talent highlights the evolving nature of country music and the exciting prospects for the future.
The 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony is set to take place on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hosted by country music legend Reba McEntire, the event will stream live on Prime Video, promising an unforgettable celebration of the best in country music. The show is expected to be bigger than ever, with performances lined up from Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, and several other top country artists.
Here’s a look at the full list of nominees for the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Jelly Roll
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Kacey Musgraves
- Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Jelly Roll
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
DUO OF THE YEAR
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Muscadine Bloodline
- The War And Treaty
GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Flatland Cavalry
- Little Big Town
- Old Dominion
- Rascal Flatts
- The Red Clay Strays
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Kassi Ashton
- Ashley Cooke
- Dasha
- Ella Langley
- Jessie Murph
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Gavin Adcock
- Shaboozey
- Zach Top
- Tucker Wetmore
- Bailey Zimmerman
NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Restless Road
- The Red Clay Strays
- Treaty Oak Revival
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) – Megan Moroney
- Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
- Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
- F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
- Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
- 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
SONG OF THE YEAR
- 4x4xU – Lainey Wilson
- The Architect – Kacey Musgraves
- Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson
- I Had Some Help – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
- you look like you love me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
- 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
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR
- 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
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Luke Combs
- Morgan Wallen
- ERNEST
- HARDY
- Lainey Wilson
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Jessi Alexander
- Jessie Jo Dillon
- Ashley Gorley
- Chase McGill
- Josh Osborne
As the countdown to the 2025 ACM Awards continues, fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will take home the coveted trophies and celebrate another remarkable year in country music.