The Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards is gearing up for a monumental celebration as it marks its 60th anniversary in 2025. This milestone event promises to be a spectacular evening filled with remarkable performances, prestigious awards, and memorable moments that country music fans won’t want to miss. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming 2025 ACM Awards, including the host, date, venue, performers, and how to watch.
When and Where to Watch the 2025 ACM Awards
The 60th ACM Awards are scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). The ceremony will take place at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, marking the third consecutive year the event is held at this venue. Fans worldwide can tune in to watch the live broadcast exclusively on Prime Video, continuing the partnership between the ACM Awards and Amazon’s streaming platform for the fourth consecutive year.
Reba McEntire Returns as Host
Country music legend Reba McEntire will once again take the helm as the host of the ACM Awards. This marks her 18th time hosting the event, more than any other artist in the show’s history. McEntire’s longstanding relationship with the ACM Awards and her charismatic presence ensure a night filled with warmth, humor, and unforgettable moments. Expressing her excitement, McEntire stated, “I’m thrilled to be coming back to host the 60th ACM Awards on Prime Video. It’s going to be an absolute can’t-miss show, and I can’t wait to see everybody back in Texas!”
Star-Studded Performances
The ACM Awards are renowned for their electrifying performances, and the 2025 edition is no exception. The first lineup of performers announced includes some of country music’s biggest stars:
- Blake Shelton: The seasoned artist is set to perform his current hit single “Texas” during the ceremony. Shelton’s performance is highly anticipated, especially with the release of his new album, “For Recreational Use Only,” scheduled for May 9, 2025.
- Eric Church: Known for his dynamic stage presence, Church will take the stage following the release of his new album, “Evangeline Vs. the Machine,” on May 2, 2025. While the specific song he’ll perform hasn’t been announced, fans can expect a captivating rendition from his latest work.
- Lainey Wilson: After clinching the Entertainer of the Year award at the 2024 ACM Awards, Wilson continues her impressive trajectory. She is expected to deliver a performance from her latest album, “Whirlwind,” which precedes her upcoming Whirlwind World Tour set for August 2025.
Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks, promising a diverse and exciting lineup that celebrates the rich tapestry of country music.
Anticipated Nominations
The nominations for the 2025 ACM Awards are slated to be revealed on March 27, 2025. Artists and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the announcement to see who will be recognized for their contributions to country music over the past year. The nomination process involves submissions and voting by ACM members, ensuring that the awards reflect the industry’s choices.
How to Watch
To catch all the action live, viewers can stream the 2025 ACM Awards exclusively on Prime Video. The platform offers accessibility across various devices, ensuring fans worldwide can join in the celebration. For those interested in attending the event in person, ticket information will be made available closer to the date, with sales typically conducted through official channels like SeatGeek.
Looking Back: Highlights from the 2024 ACM Awards
Reflecting on the previous year’s ceremony provides a glimpse into the high-caliber entertainment the ACM Awards consistently deliver:
- Top Winners: Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton each took home three awards, with Wilson earning the coveted Entertainer of the Year title.
- Memorable Performances: The 2024 awards featured standout performances, including collaborations and solo acts that left a lasting impression on audiences.
Conclusion
The 2025 ACM Awards are poised to be a landmark event, celebrating six decades of country music excellence. With Reba McEntire returning as host, a stellar lineup of performers, and the anticipation of award nominations, fans have much to look forward to. Whether attending in person or tuning in via Prime Video, the 60th ACM Awards promise an evening of entertainment that honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to the future of country music.
Note: All information is based on available details as of March 25, 2025. For the latest updates, fans are encouraged to visit the official ACM Awards website and follow their social media channels.
