ACM Honors Celebrates Legacy & Brings Powerful Performances

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Eric Church accepts the ACM Icon Award onstage during the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

The 18th annual ACM Honors took place at The Pinnacle last night (Aug. 20), delivering an unforgettable evening of music, recognition and heartfelt moments. Hosted by returning host Carly Pearce and first time host Russell Dickerson, the ceremony honored some of the most influential figures in country music, blending emotional tributes with standout performances.

ACM CEO Damon Whiteside kicked off the evening with remarks, honoring the legacies of those the country community has lost over the past year. He also highlighted the impact of ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy’s philanthropic arm, setting the tone for a night that celebrated both achievement and giving back.

Pearce and Dickerson then launched into a lively rendition of “Jackson” by Johnny and June Carter Cash, setting an upbeat mood for the night ahead.

Carly Pearce and Russell Dickerson perform onstage during the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

The first award of the night went to Jesse Jo Dillon, who was honored as ACM Songwriter of the Year for the second year in a row. Karen Fairchild and Carter Faith honored her with a performance of Morgan Wallen’s “Lies Lies Lies,” before Dillon delivered a gracious acceptance speech, reflecting on the power of storytelling through song.

Tucker Wetmore took the stage throughout the evening to present the ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards, recognizing the unsung heroes behind the scenes who shape the sound of country music. Winners included Casino Of The Year – Theater: The Theater At Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Casino Of The Year – Arena: Harveys Lake Tahoe, Festival Of The Year: Windy City Smokeout, Fair/Rodeo Of The Year: Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo, Club Of The Year: Joe’s On Weed St. in Chicago, Theater Of The Year: The Caverns in Pelham, TN, Outdoor Venue Of The Year: Banknh Pavilion in Gilford, NH, Arena Of The Year: Moody Center in Austin, Don Romeo Talent Buyer Of The Year: Neste Live’s Gil Cunningham, Promoter Of The Year: Live Nation’s Aaron Spalding, Bass Player Of The Year: Mark Hill & Craig Young, Drummer Of The Year: Aaron Sterling, Acoustic Guitar Player Of The Year: Tim Galloway, Electric Guitar Player Of The Year: Brent Mason, Piano/Keyboards Player Of The Year: Alex Wright, Specialty Instrument(S) Player Of The Year: Jenee Fleenor, Audio Engineer Of The Year: Drew Bollman and Producer Of The Year: Dave Cobb.

Chris Janson performs onstage during the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo” Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

ACM Lifting Lives Award recipient Jelly Roll was honored in absentia but sent in a heartfelt video message, pledging to match donations made to ACM Lifting Lives throughout the night. Ashley Gorley performed “I Am Not Okay” in tribute.

Legendary songwriter and musician Mac McAnally received the ACM Poet’s Award, with Amy Grant moving the audience with a performance of Sawyer Brown’s “All These Years.” McAnally followed with a touching speech, reflecting on a lifetime of music.

The late Ben Vaughn, recipient of the ACM Icon Award, was honored by Chris Janson, who performed an emotional original song, “Music Man,” not leaving a dry eye in the house. Vaughn’s children, Ruby, Griffin and Zeke, gave an emotional tribute, speaking on his influence and legacy in the industry and thanking the community for their support through this time.

 

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Next up, Randy Travis was presented with the ACM Milestone Award. Jamey Johnson honored the country icon with a soul-stirring rendition of “Three Wooden Crosses,” followed by a joint speech from Travis and his wife, Mary, that left the crowd moved.

Randy Travis accepts the ACM Milestone Award with Mary Travis onstage during the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)

Rissi Palmer, a vocal advocate for inclusion in country music, received the ACM Lift Every Voice Award. Miko Marks, Madeline Edwards and K. Michelle paid tribute with a medley of Palmer’s songs including “I’m Still Here,” “Country Girl” and “Seeds,” culminating in an inspiring acceptance speech by Palmer herself.

The hit film Twisters was recognized with the ACM Film Award. Wetmore returned to the stage to perform “Already Had It” from the film’s soundtrack before the soundtrack’s producers Kevin Weaver, Brandon Davis, Ian Cripps and Joseph Khoury took the stage to speak about the power of music in cinema.

Eric Church was presented with the ACM Icon Award, with HARDY surprising the crowd with a performance of “Homeboy” in his honor. Church followed with remarks about the evolution of his career and what the honor meant to him.

Lainey Wilson, crowned ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year, sent in a video message of thanks, acknowledging the fans and co-writers who helped shape her standout year.

Cody Johnson accepts the ACM Spirit Award onstage during the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

Global star Luke Combs received the ACM International Award. Ashley McBryde performed a dynamic medley of Combs’ hits, including “When It Rains It Pours,” “Beautiful Crazy,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Whoever You Turn Out to Be” and “Honky Tonk Highway.” Combs then addressed the crowd with a heartfelt thank-you speech.

City National Bank’s Lori Badgett was recognized with the ACM Service Award, with Victoria Shaw performing Garth Brook’s “The River” in her honor. Badgett took the stage to reflect on her contributions to the country music community and her gratitude for the recognition.

The night concluded with Cody Johnson accepting the ACM Spirit Award. Luke Bryan brought the house down with a rousing performance of “’Til You Can’t,” celebrating Johnson’s enduring grit and authenticity. Johnson delivered a passionate speech about perseverance and purpose, closing out a night that celebrated the heart and soul of country music.

Tucker Wetmore performs onstage during the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

Cody Johnson and Luke Bryan attend the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Pictured (L-R): Kerri Edwards, Damon Whiteside, CEO at Academy of Country Music, Randy Travis and Cris Lacy attend the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo” Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Luke Bryan and HARDY attend the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM

Ashley McBryde & Luke Combs attend the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM

Jamey Johnson & Randy Travis attend the 18th Academy Of Country Music Honors at The Pinnacle on August 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Madison Hahnen
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