The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards took over Texas on May 8 in a star-studded celebration of country’s biggest names — but one name was notably absent. While the genre’s elite gathered at The Ford Center in Frisco, Morgan Wallen skipped the event to play golf with none other than Tom Brady, who shared a video of their day on Instagram, sending fans into a frenzy.
Hosted by country legend Reba McEntire, the commercial-free show streamed live on Prime Video and Twitch, reaching viewers in over 240 countries. The night kicked off with a blazing medley of iconic “Song of the Year” winners and featured powerhouse performances and emotional tributes.
Lainey Wilson reigned supreme, taking home four awards including Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row, joining the ranks of Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Meanwhile, breakout star Ella Langley swept the night with five wins — her first ever ACM nominations — thanks to her hit collaboration “you look like you love me” with Riley Green.
Other highlights included Alan Jackson receiving the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award, and Brooks & Dunn winning Duo of the Year for the first time in 15 years.
FULL LIST OF 2025 ACM AWARD WINNERS
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Entertainer of the Year – Lainey Wilson
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Female Artist of the Year – Lainey Wilson
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Male Artist of the Year – Chris Stapleton
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Duo of the Year – Brooks & Dunn
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Group of the Year – Old Dominion
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New Female Artist of the Year – Ella Langley
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New Male Artist of the Year – Zach Top
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New Duo or Group of the Year – The Red Clay Strays
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Album of the Year – Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
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Single of the Year – “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
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Song of the Year – “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
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Visual Media of the Year – “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
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Songwriter of the Year – Jessie Jo Dillon
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Artist-Songwriter of the Year – Lainey Wilson
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Music Event of the Year – “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Performers included Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Blake Shelton, and a show-stopping medley by Rascal Flatts and Backstreet Boys. Reba, Lainey, and Miranda Lambert even debuted their fiery collab “Trailblazer” to a roaring crowd.
But for all the big moments, it was Morgan Wallen’s no-show that had fans talking — proving once again, when it comes to headlines, he's in a league of his own.
