At the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, Lainey Wilson clinched entertainer of the year for the second year in a row, while legends like Reba McEntire wowed fans and Alan Jackson basked in lifetime achievement glory.

The event celebrated Lainey Wilson’s triumphant night as she snagged not only the top honor but also female artist of the year and album of the year for her chart-topping 'Whirlwind.' Meanwhile, iconic performances and tearful acceptance speeches abounded, showcasing both the old-timers like Reba and the newcomers like Ella Langley, who emerged as new female artist of the year. With awards flying faster than a Texas tornado, the night proved that country music is as genre-defying as ever—especially when it comes to giving awards to those who can spell their names correctly.

The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, served as the glitzy backdrop for this year's gala, where the stars were brighter than the Texas sun, and the sound of boots clattering on the stage could be heard from miles away. Reba McEntire, who has hosted the ceremony a staggering 18 times, brought her signature charm and wit to the evening, reminding attendees that she is not only a staple of country music but also a professional in the art of making people laugh and cry within the span of a single event. Amidst the revelry, she also introduced her new song 'Trailblazer,' a fitting title considering her lengthy and varied career—which has been like a road trip through the smoky backroads of American music. No maps required, just a good GPS and a whole lot of heart.

As the ceremony kicked off, anticipation hung in the air like a well-aged bourbon. The first award, song of the year, went to Cody Johnson for his catchy tune, 'Dirt Cheap.' Johnson accepted his award with a sincerity that could nearly drown out the murmurs of disbelief—the man sings about hard times and still looks like he just stepped off a photoshoot for a cologne ad. The evening’s momentum continued to build, drawing in the best and the brightest from the country music scene as performances by Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, and Jelly Roll added layers of excitement to the already electric atmosphere. The night felt as if it were made from strong coffee and good whiskey, not that those two would ever be mixed, of course.

As Lainey Wilson stepped up to the stage for her entertainer of the year acceptance speech, you could almost hear the collective sigh of relief from the crowd; her win was about as predictable as a sunburn in July. With the grace of someone who has made her evenings a routine of starlit performances, she radiated joy. This year, it wasn't just about winning; it was about securing her name in the history books—next to legends like Alan Jackson, who was honored with the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award that very night. The award, named after him, deserves a round of applause for simply existing as a tongue twister.

Amid these glories, Ella Langley and Riley Green's duet 'You Look Like You Love Me' claimed the titles of single of the year and music event of the year. It's hard to describe the duo without sounding like a matchmaking service, but they certainly clicked in a way that has the audience—and maybe even their parents—beaming with pride. Meanwhile, the buzz continued as Brooks & Dunn snagged the duo of the year award, affirming their longevity as a dynamic duo in a genre often misunderstood by outsiders, who suspect at least one of them wears a cowboy hat just to confuse people.

Old Dominion emerged victorious as group of the year, an award they have mastered. With every victory, it becomes clearer that their group name isn't just a catchy title but possibly an indication of how often they take road trips across the country for the sake of music, friendships, and probably some questionable diner food. And while we’re on the topic of new faces, Zach Top was named new male artist of the year, bringing forth a wave of fresh talent that can only be expected from a night teeming with potential stars waiting to shine brighter than the award statues themselves. And don’t forget The Red Clay Strays, who were awarded new duo or group of the year, proving once again that there’s always room for newcomers in the country music showcase, perhaps as long as they bring their own guitars.

With a 14-minute medley showcasing six decades of country classics highlighting the astounding legacy of the genre, moments flashed by like road signs on an empty Texas highway. The excitement in the air brimmed with nostalgia, as everyone in the room contemplated their own history with these ageless tracks. Who knew a medley could make you feel an intense urge to don a pair of boots and two-step your way through the nearest honky-tonk? It was a celebration not just of winners but of the rich tapestry that country music has woven over generations, proving once and for all that a good well-placed banjo can solve most of life’s problems—or at least distract you from them for a few moments.

So, with laughter echoing through the halls of the Ford Center, it’s safe to say that the night was a true testament to resilience, talent, and the ability to spin a great tale—something country music does better than most. With Lainey Wilson continuing to command her place atop the industry, one can only wonder what she will dream up next while the rest of us are left here simply trying to keep up. The ACM Awards is not merely an event; it's more like a piñata that everyone takes a swing at, hoping to get a good piece of candy—unless you're Alan Jackson, in which case you've already hit the jackpot, and sweets are just a bonus.