Who’s Nominated at the 2025 ACM Awards? Here’s the Full List

Country music fans have a lot to look forward to this spring. The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards is gearing up to be one of the biggest nights in the genre. With rising stars, familiar favorites, and plenty of exciting performances lined up, this year’s show is drawing attention for all the right reasons.

Scheduled for May 8, the ceremony will be held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Once again, Reba McEntire returns as host—bringing her signature charisma to the stage. With decades of experience and 16 ACM wins, she continues to be a key part of the awards’ identity.

How to Watch the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards

Fans won’t have to rely on cable this year to tune in. The 2025 Academy Awards will stream live on Prime Video and on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, making it accessible for audiences across different time zones.

This move toward digital-only broadcasting, while not new, reflects a growing trend in how award shows are delivered. The aim is to make the viewing experience smoother and more interactive, especially for younger audiences who prefer streaming over traditional platforms.

A Big Year for Ella Langley

Instagram | ellalangleymusic | Ella Langley and Riley Green shine with the top-nominated duet this year.

Ella Langley is the standout name this year, with eight nominations to her credit. Her breakout success with “You Look Like You Love Me,” a collaboration with Riley Green, has clearly struck a chord with fans and critics alike.

Her nominations include:

– Female Artist of the Year
– Female New Artist
– Song of the Year
– Music Event of the Year
– Visual Media of the Year

The last three stem from her work with Green on the aforementioned duet, which has now become a defining track in her rising career. Many see this year’s nominations as a launching point for what could be a long and successful presence in country music.

Top Categories and Other Key Nominees

Langley isn’t the only one getting attention. Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Morgan Wallen each have seven nominations, showcasing how dominant they’ve been in the past year.

Chris Stapleton follows closely with six nods, while Riley Green and Post Malone are tied at five. Yes, that Post Malone. His presence in the country music space continues to grow, especially with his collaboration “I Had Some Help” alongside Morgan Wallen.

For Entertainer of the Year, the nominations include:

– Cody Johnson
– Morgan Wallen
– Lainey Wilson
– Chris Stapleton
– Kelsea Ballerini
– Luke Combs
– Jelly Roll

This is considered the most prestigious category of the night, and the lineup reflects a healthy mix of veterans and newer acts.

Album and Single of the Year Highlights

In the Album of the Year category, the competition is tight:

“Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine)” – Megan Moroney
“Whirlwind” – Lainey Wilson
“Beautifully Broken” – Jelly Roll
“Cold Beer & Country Music” – Zach Top
“F-1 Trillion” – Post Malone

Each of these albums brought something distinct to the table. From soulful storytelling to genre-blending production, it’s a diverse group.

As for Single of the Year, here are the contenders:

“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
Six of Langley’s nominations are tied to “You Look Like You Love Me,” marking it as one of the most recognized songs this year.

What’s Missing?

Despite a strong year for women in country, not everyone made the list. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” which recently won both Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year at the Grammys, received no nominations. The absence surprised many who had expected the record to make waves across various categories.

Another surprise omission is Miranda Lambert’s “Postcards from Texas,” which had been a favorite among both critics and fans. These exclusions have already sparked conversations online, hinting at shifting dynamics within the industry.

Performers to Watch

Instagram | musicrowmagazine | Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, and Eric Church bring big energy to the live stage.

Lainey Wilson, who won Entertainer of the Year in 2024, is set to perform and is expected to bring something memorable to the stage. Known for her dynamic stage presence and relatable songwriting, she continues to connect with fans across generations.

Blake Shelton and Eric Church are also on the performance list, which adds to the night’s excitement. While the full lineup hasn’t been revealed yet, the announced names already signal a solid mix of traditional and contemporary country sounds.

The 2025 ACM Awards

The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards has all the right elements to deliver a memorable show. Between fresh faces like Ella Langley stepping into the spotlight and established stars continuing to push the genre forward, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most balanced in recent memory.

Whether you’re tuning in for the performances, rooting for your favorite artist, or just love good country music, May 8 promises to be an evening worth circling on the calendar. Be sure to stream it live and catch every moment as country music celebrates its standout voices of the year.