For the third year in a row, the Academy of Country Music Awards took place at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. Held on Thursday, May 8, the 60th edition of the star-studded event – considered the granddaddy country music awards – was hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire and featured performances by 26 artists, including Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Top.

The show was broadcast live on Prime Video in 240-plus countries (and is still available for streaming).

Locally, it drew 13,000 spectators, and for the first time, I got to be one of them. A longtime country music fan, I threw on my best awards show outfit made "black tie country" (the recommended attire) with tall white boots and trekked from Fort Worth to Frisco for the chance to be part of action.

Before we get to the winners in 15 categories, here are some "insidery" observations and notable takeaways from experiencing the big event in person.

1. Classic country is making a comeback
There’s no doubt about it: Country music fans are craving classic country music. After years of “bro country” dominating the airways with its hip-hop influenced, party-focused lyrics, a new appreciation of '80s, '90s, and early 2000s country sounds have emerged, as evidenced by the excitement for numerous performances and appearances by big acts from those eras.

The show opened with a 12-minute all-star set featuring ACM Songs of the Year from past decades, including Reba McEntire singing “Okie from Muskogee,” Clint Black singing “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Wynonna Judd singing “Why Not Me," and Garland native LeAnn Rimes singing her 1996 hit "Blue."

Zach Top, a 27 year-old newcomer touted for his authentic (and unapologetic) '90s country sound, won New Male Artist of the Year. And '90s country icons Brooks & Dunn, whose last two album releases were simply reboots of their classic hits with new artist collaborations, won Duo of the Year.

Garland native LeAnn Rimes sings "Blue" as part of the opening of the 2025 ACM Awards in Frisco.Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

2. Jelly Roll is the new Ryan Seacrest
With several recent chart-topping hits, including “Need a Favor,” “Son of a Sinner,” “I Am Not Okay,” “Liar,” and his duet with Lainey Wilson, “Save Me,” the former rapper from Tennessee has found a home in the country music scene. ACM Awards nominations for Jelly Roll included Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Male Artist of the Year.

Radio personality Bobby Bones, who hosted backstage interviews with artists during ACM Awards show breaks, gave the rising country music star a new title.

“You’re like the tattooed faced Ryan Seacrest at this point,” said Bones. “You’re everywhere.”

He’s also everywhere in Dallas-Fort Worth right now.

Thousands descended on Billy Bob’s Texas on Tuesday, May 6 (myself included) for Jelly Roll & Friends, a benefit concert held ahead of the ACM Awards that benefited ACM Lifting Lives. He performed “Amen” at the ACMs with Shaboozy and a 16-member choir and is also scheduled to perform with Post Malone at AT&T Stadium on Friday, May 9.

Jelly Roll performs onstage during Jelly Roll & Friends at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth on May 6.Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

3. Alan Jackson is the GOAT
If there was a tear-jerking moment during the ACM Awards, it was Alan Jackson’s performance of 2003 hit, “Remember When.” Written by Jackson himself, the love song recounts decades of memories with his wife, Denise. The relatable lyrics (“Remember when, thirty seemed so old, now looking back, it's just a stepping stone”) coupled with close-ups of Jackson’s authentically tender facial expressions resulted in not one dry eye in The Ford Center.

The ACMs debuted the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of Jackson’s achievements and enduring legacy in country music. He’s sold more than 75 million records worldwide, has more than 50 Top 10 hits, and 35 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country charts. (He also sold out Fort Worth's Dickies Arena back in February with opener Zach Top. I was there, too.)

Jackson was the first recipient of the new award, which will continue to recognize an iconic artist, duo, or group that has achieved national and international prominence through concert performances, philanthropy, record sales, streaming numbers, and public representation.

4. Girl power was big
It was a night for the ladies at the 60th ACM Awards, with females taking the crown for numerous coveted categories. (See below.) The award for Female Artist of the Year went to Lainey Wilson and was presented by five past winners of the category including Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, and Wynonna Judd.

Electrifying female performances included New Female Artist of the Year Winner Ella Langley, and Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson, who together sang their upcoming track, “Trailblazer,” for the first time exclusively on the ACM stage.

Lainey Wilson, winner of the Entertainer of the Year and several other ACM Awards.Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images

5. Morgan Wallen was a no-show, again
For a guy who’s arguably the biggest superstar in country music right now (he sold out back-to-back shows at AT&T Stadium last year), Morgan Wallen has made clear he’s not a fan of awards shows. Despite being up for seven nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, the 31 year-old Tennessee native was notably absent at the 60^th ACM Awards.

He also skipped last year’s awards, along with the 2025 Grammy Awards. He was apparently hanging with Tom Brady instead. Just before those ACM Awards were set to begin, Wallen posted a photo of himself and the legendary NFL quarterback tossing a football on a golf course reportedly in Ireland. Two years ago, he was set to star in an ACM Lifting Lives fundraiser and withdrew the night before.

6. Brooks & Dunn can get a crowd out of their seat
Further proving fans are nostalgic for classic country hits, perhaps the most energetic performance of the evening was the collaboration between Brooks & Dunn and Cody Johnson for Brooks & Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road.” Stars and spectators alike danced out of their seats during the 2003 hit. No wonder they get asked back, again and again, to red-hot DFW events like Cattle Baron's Ball and the Texas Rangers' Tex Gala.

Kix Brooks (right) and Ronnie Dunn, winners of the Duo Of The Year Award, pose in the press room during the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images

7. Jerry Jones arrived via helicopter
Decked-out fans walking into The Ford Center before the ACM Awards were greeted big the loud arrival (and later, takeoff) of Jerry Jones’ helicopter. The Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager is known to make flamboyant entrances via his preferred method of transportation around town. The Ford Center is the official practice center of the Dallas Cowboys, and it’s through a partnership with Jones that the ACM Awards have been hosted there since 2023.

8. The ACM Awards have a signature drink
Attendees of the 60^th ACM Awards could order a specialty cocktail called the Boot & Berry Fizz. Made with Western Son Strawberry Vodka, the fruity concoction included elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda.

9. Ella Langley is the new country music “It” girl
With five big wins, including Single of the Year for her duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” Alabama native Ella Langley shined at the ACM Awards. She had two performances during the event and was also the most nominated with eight nods. At 26 years old, Langley’s just getting started.

10. Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts are the duo we didn’t know we needed
In an over-the-top finale complete with fireworks and ticker tape, the ACM Awards ended with a surprising collab between '90s boy band icons Backstreet Boys and the recently reunited Rascal Flatts. The two groups meshed performances that included “What Hurts the Most,” “I Dare You,” “Larger Than Life,” and “Life is a Highway." The jam-packed set kept the crowd dancing until the very last second - including myself, despite my plans to beat the rush.

Here is full list of winners in the 15 categories voted on by Academy members:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Chris Stapleton

DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn

GROUP OF THE YEAR
Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ella Langley

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Zach Top

NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Red Clay Strays

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR
“you look like you love me” - Ella Langley, Riley Green

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
“You Look Like You Love Me” - Ella Langley, Riley Green

  

Photo courtesy ACM Awards

"It girl" Ella Langley led ACM nominations with eight nods