Industry Ink: Grand Ole Opry, Kelly White, Mitchell Tenpenny, Gibson Gives, More

Grand Ole Opry Unveils Opry 100 Tapestry

Manuel Cuevas and Marty Stuart. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry, with the help of Opry member Marty Stuart, unveiled a specially designed Opry 100 tapestry designed by master tailor Manuel Cuevas in honor of the Opry 100 celebration. The artwork was placed at the artist entrance of the Opry House.

Additionally, the Opry commissioned Manuel to design custom scarves featuring the signature look of the new tapestry to be given to each Opry member throughout the Opry 100 year. The first scarf was presented to Stuart on stage on behalf of the Opry by his wife and fellow Opry member Connie Smith.

 

Prescription Songs Promotes Kelly White

Kelly White.

Prescription Songs has promoted Kelly White to A&R Coordinator. The Atlanta native and Belmont University alumna is based out of the Nashville office and will continue working alongside a diverse roster of artists, songwriters and producers across Atlanta, LA and Nashville, including Big Boss Vette, Ryder Johnson, Trent Dabbs, Sean Small, Lauren LaRue and Kelly Sheehan.

“Kelly joined us with an incredible drive that has only grown since becoming a part of our team,” says Chris Martignago, Prescription Songs’ VP of A&R. “Her taste in music represents the diverse music our team strives to support and I’m excited for that to continue on another level with her new role.”

White adds, “I’m incredibly grateful to the team at Prescription Songs for their support and belief in me. It’s an honor to grow within a company that not only champions creativity and collaboration but also embraces such a diverse range of talent. I feel lucky every day to work alongside such hardworking, talented creatives—both on our team and across our roster—and I’m excited for all that’s ahead.”

 

Mitchell Tenpenny At Key West Songwriters Festival

Columbia Nashville/Riser House’s Mitchell Tenpenny attended a sunset cruise with Sony Music Nashville promotion staff and country radio personnel at the recent songwriter festival in Key West.

 

Gibson Gives And FirstBank Amphitheater Raise Over $49,000 For Music Education

Pictured (L-R): Alex Tinker (Project Manager, Gibson Gives), Demetra Kopulos (VIP Program Director, FirstBank Amphitheater), Jason Golden (Superintendent of Schools, Williamson County), Nancy McEachern and Rick McEachern (Owners, FirstBank Amphitheater), Erica Krusen (Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives) and Mark Kinzer (Director of Fine Arts, Williamson County). Photo: Josh Beech.

Gibson Gives partnered with FirstBank Amphitheater to raise money for Williamson County Public Schools’ music education initiatives. Through their partnership this year, these organizations brought their selection of 15 hand-signed guitars to the Strumming With The Stars Gibson Gives and Julien’s Auction, which raised over $49,000 this spring. To date, the Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program has raised over $169,000 for Williamson County Public Schools.

“The Gibson Gives program helps Williamson County Schools give more complete music instruction to all our students,” says Jason Golden, Superintendent of Williamson County Schools. “We’ve focused Gibson donations on those larger instruments that can be prohibitively expensive for families, such as tubas, baritones and bass clarinets. Thanks to Gibson Gives, students can now choose to learn any instrument they set their hearts on.”

 

EVA Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

Photo: Cass Riley

EVA, the entertainment tech company that connects performers with corporate and private events, just celebrated its 10th anniversary with “EVAlution Fest,” a high-energy, genre-spanning mini-festival held at Eastside Bowl in East Nashville.

EVA co-founders Channing Moreland and Makenzie Stokel kicked off the evening by reflecting on the company’s journey before The Moga Family Band, The Broadway Rapper, Kayley Bishop, Carly Moffa, Kate Cosentino, Alexis Saski, Goodness Gracious Creative and more took the stage.

The celebration follows a breakout year for EVA, which saw its revenue double, an expansion to New York City and the closing of a $2 million oversubscribed funding round. Looking ahead, EVA plans to continue expanding into new markets and categories of talent, all while championing opportunities for independent entertainers across the country.

 

Tennessee Entertainment Commission and Levitt Foundation Announce Partnership; Launch Levitt AMP Music Series Grants In Tennessee

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) Commissioner Mark Ezell and Levitt Foundation leadership announced a joint partnership and launch of grant applications for the Levitt AMP Music Series beginning May 1. Through the partnership, both the state and the foundation will be awarding matching grants of up to $40,000 per year over the next three years, 2026-2028. The funding will go toward supporting approximately 180 free outdoor concerts in small or mid-sized cities across Tennessee.

Although this its first partnership with a specific state, the Levitt Foundation has provided funding to more than 50 communities across the U.S. through its Levitt AMP grant program, which activates underused outdoor public spaces in cities and towns nationwide, creating community gathering destinations and ensuring access to the arts by offering free concert series with high-caliber artists across an array of music genres.

To learn more about the Levitt AMP Music Series Grants, see eligibility criteria and access the application, visit levitt.org/partners-tn.

Jessie Murph To Embark On ‘Worldwide Hysteria Tour’ This Summer

Jessie Murph will hit the road later this year on her “Worldwide Hysteria Tour” in support of her new album, which drops this summer. The global tour will visit major cities across North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, building on the success of 2024’s “In The Sticks” run, which sold over 85,000 tickets and included a sold-out hometown show at the Von Braun Center arena in Huntsville, Alabama.

The tour kicks off July 27 in Phoenix, Arizona and wraps the US leg at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on September 27. She heads overseas to Amsterdam in October with stops in Germany, Paris, London and Ireland before finishing up in Australia in November. Tickets are available now.

Murph recently made her Coachella debut before surprise appearances during Jelly Roll, Diplo and Koe Wetzel’s sets at Stagecoach. She was nominated for New Female Artist of the Year at this year’s ACM Awards and her current single, “Blue Strips,” has charted worldwide.

Jessie Murph “Worldwide Hysteria Tour” Dates:

Jul 27 | Phoenix, AZ | Arizona Financial Theatre
Jul 30 | Austin, TX | ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Aug 01 | Durant, OK | Choctaw Grand Theater *
Aug 02 | Dallas, TX | South Side Ballroom
Aug 03 | Houston, TX | 713 Music Hall
Aug 05 | Chesterfield, MO | The Factory
Aug 07 | Des Moines, IA | Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Aug 08 | Minneapolis, MN | The Armory
Aug 09 | Oshkosh, WI | Crossroads 41 Festival *
Aug 10 | Indianapolis, IN | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Aug 12 | Detroit, MI | The Fillmore Detroit
Aug 15 | Columbus, OH | KEMBA Live! – Outdoor *
Aug 16 | Chicago, IL | Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Aug 18 | Cleveland, OH | Jacobs Pavilion *
Aug 19 | Pittsburgh, PA | Stage AE (Outdoors) *
Aug 21 | Buffalo, NY | Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B
Aug 22 | Syracuse, NY | New York State Fair *
Aug 23 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
Aug 25 | New York, NY | The Rooftop at Pier 17
Aug 27 | Washington, DC | The Anthem
Aug 28 | Boston, MA | Leader Bank Pavilion
Aug 30 | Toronto, ON | Massey Hall
Sep 01 | Montreal, QC | MTELUS
Sep 04 | Raleigh, NC | The Red Hat Amphitheater
Sep 05 | Anderson, SC | Wendell’s Outdoor
Sep 06 | Birmingham, AL | Coca-Cola Amphitheater
Sep 08 | Orlando, FL | Hard Rock Live
Sep 09 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | War Memorial Auditorium
Sep 10 | Tampa, FL | Yuengling Center
Sep 12 | Atlanta, GA | Coca-Cola Roxy
Sep 13 | Nashville, TN | Ascend Amphitheater
Sep 17 | Independence, MO | Cable Dahmer Arena
Sep 19 | Denver, CO | Fillmore Auditorium
Sep 20 | Salt Lake City, UT | The Union Event Center
Sep 22 | Vancouver, BC | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Sep 23 | Seattle, WA | WAMU Theater at Lumen Field
Sep 24 | Portland, OR | Theater of the Clouds
Sep 26 | Oakland, CA | Fox Theater *
Sep 27 | Los Angeles, CA | The Shrine *
Oct 08 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Melkweg
Oct 10 | Brussels, Belgium | Ancienne Belgique
Oct 11 | Hamburg, Germany | Grosse Freiheit
Oct 13 | Berlin, Germany | Huxleys
Oct 14 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Vega
Oct 16 | Cologne, Germany | Carlswerk
Oct 17 | Paris, France | Trabendo
Oct 19 | Birmingham, UK | O2 Institute
Oct 21 | Glasgow, UK | Barrowland Ballroom
Oct 22 | Manchester, UK | Manchester Academy
Oct 24 | London, UK | The Roundhouse
Oct 26 | Dublin, Ireland | 3Olympia
Nov 12 | Perth, Australia | Metropolis Fremantle
Nov 15 | Sydney, Australia | Enmore Theatre
Nov 18 | Brisbane, Australia | Fortitude Music Hall
Nov 20 | Melbourne, Australia | The Forum
Nov 22 | Auckland, New Zealand | Town Hall
*Not A Live Nation Date

Little Big Town To Release Limited Edition Vinyls Of ‘Pain Killer’ & ‘The Breaker’

For the first time ever, Little Big Town‘s albums Pain Killer and The Breaker will be available on vinyl on August 22.

The Platinum-certified Pain Killer (2014) will be available as a Translucent Ruby + Translucent Orange double vinyl set, and their Gold album The Breaker (2017) will be available in Opaque Baby Pink Vinyl.

Pain Killer includes the Grammy-winning, CMA Song of the Year and No. 1 smash “Girl Crush,” which reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, ended up being the second-most played song of 2015 on the format, and is certified seven times Platinum in the U.S. Pain Killer also includes the Platinum and Grammy-nominated song “Day Drinking.  To date, the album has amassed 2M consumption units and almost 1.6B global streams.

The No. 1 Billboard Country Albums chart release The Breaker (2017) features the Grammy-winning song “Better Man,” which hit No. 1 on both the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. “Better Man” also won Song of the Year at the CMA Awards in 2017 along with Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammys in 2018.  The album has amassed nearly 1 million consumption units and 930M global streams.

Little Big Town will hit the road this year as they bring their extensive catalog to amphitheaters nationwide on the “Little Big Town Summer Tour ‘25,” with direct support from Wynonna Judd, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde and Russell Dickerson, along with openers Carter Faith and Shelby Lynne.

Steve Earle, Margo Price, Asleep at the Wheel, More Among Lineup For Outlaw Country Cruise

The initial lineup has been announced for the Outlaw Country Cruise 10, taking place March 20-25, 2026, sailing from Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize and Roatán, Honduras aboard the Norwegian Pearl.

For its 10th anniversary sailing, The Outlaw Country Cruise will feature five nights of performances from Margo Price, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Reckless Kelly, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Asleep at the Wheel, Carlene Carter, Shinyribs, Jesse Dayton, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale, The Warner E. Hodges Band, Rosie Flores & the Talismen, Roger Alan Wade, Roland Dixon, Unbepaman, and Mojo Nixon Presents: The Toadliquors, Your Mama and Some Other Whore!!!

The cruise will include immersive activities and experiences including special performances, unique collaborations, tribute shows, guitar pulls and SiriusXM Sessions at Sea radio tapings recorded for later broadcast on the SiriusXM Outlaw Country channel.

First round pre-sale signups are available now through May 11. Final round pre-sale signups will conclude May 14. Public on-sales begin May 16 exclusively here.

Beyond the onboard experience, Outlaw Country Cruisers will have the chance to enjoy spectacular shore excursions in Harvest Caye, Belize and Roatán, Honduras. Harvest Caye offers luxurious amenities, eco-adventures, and easy access to Belize’s famous barrier reef. Meanwhile, Roatán, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, will offer snorkeling, lush jungles and a blend of Caribbean and Central American culture.

MusicRow Weekly (ACM Awards, News, Charts, More…)

This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly recaps a monumental night in country music and highlights significant developments across the Nashville industry landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards lit up the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas yesterday (May 8), with legendary entertainer Reba McEntire returning to host.

Lainey Wilson stole the show, taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award along with Album of the Year for Whirlwind. She also picked up Artist-Writer of the Year, reinforcing her standout year on multiple fronts. Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year, while Old Dominion earned their ninth consecutive Group of the Year win, officially becoming the most decorated group in ACM history. Brooks & Dunn continued their legacy with another Duo of the Year trophy.

Several winners were revealed ahead of the broadcast, including Ella Langley, who was named New Female Artist of the Year. She also shared a Visual Media of the Year win with Riley Green for their “You Look Like You Love Me” video. Zach Top was awarded New Male Artist of the Year, and The Red Clay Strays earned New Duo or Group. Jessie Jo Dillon was named Songwriter of the Year, and Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap,” penned by Josh Phillips, earned Song of the Year.

Elsewhere in the industry, leadership changes made headlines. Lori Christian stepped down from her role as Executive Vice President of Marketing at UMG Nashville after 13 years. Meanwhile, Heather Vassar exited her post as SVP of Operations at EMPIRE Nashville.

Belmont University celebrated its 2025 Spring Commencement with a star-studded list of honorary doctorate recipients, including Trisha Yearwood and songwriter Hillary Lindsey. President Dr. Greg Jones presided over the ceremonies, honoring more than 2,000 graduates.

Big Loud Texas continues its expansion with the launch of Big Loud Texas Publishing. With Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall at the helm, the new division has signed Timothy Allen as its first songwriter and appointed Lizzy Rector as Publishing Director.

Endurance Music Group also made strategic moves this week, expanding its partnership with Raven Music Partners through a music services agreement. EMG’s Michael Martin has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer, while Mark Ahlberg steps up as Co-President and General Manager.

On the performance front, Hardy made his long-awaited Grand Ole Opry debut on April 29. Introduced via video by Lainey Wilson, Hardy took the stage with fellow rising star Ella Langley to perform “Wait In The Truck,” a collaboration originally with Wilson.

More career moves followed across the city. WME has created a new role, Senior Director, External Relations, for Alexis Rosenberg in their Nashville office. Additionally, veteran Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum staffer Alan Stoker was celebrated upon his retirement after more than five decades of service.

Talent management firm Dynamic Talent International announced its expansion into Nashville, opening a new office on Commerce Street. The local team will represent a slate of rising and established artists, including Danielle Bradbery and Kaylee Bell, and engage in community partnerships and charitable initiatives.

Publishing signings also rounded out the week’s industry news. Lalo Guzman extended his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs following his second No. 1 with Blake Shelton’s “Texas.” Singer-songwriter Grace Tyler joined Concord Music Publishing, while Will Terry signed with both Prescription Songs and 7Hills Music for publishing, as well as Amigo Records for future releases.

This week’s My Music Row Story features an insightful conversation with TheGreenRoom’s Tyne Parrish.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot this week with “Worst Way.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Rising Artists At ‘Opry NextStage Live From Texas’

Jelly Roll. Photo: Danielle Piazza

The Grand Ole Opry celebrated members of its Opry NextStage Class of 2025 on Wednesday (May 7) with a sold-out “Opry NextStage Live From Texas” event held at the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall. Just ahead of the 60th Annual ACM Awards, the event was hosted by Jelly Roll and featured performances from members of the Opry NextStage Class of 2025: Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore. Special guests included Riley Green (NextStage Class of 2019), Ella Langley (NextStage Class of 2024) and Priscilla Block (NextStage Class of 2021).

Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage artists have achieved a combined 33 No. 1 hits, spending a total of 43 weeks atop the Country Aircheck/Mediabase airplay chart. The program has introduced fans to rising stars such as Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and Tenille Townes, all of whom went on to win ACM New Male or Female Artist of the Year after their NextStage inclusion. Wilson also made history as the first Opry NextStage alum to become an Opry member.

Priscilla Block.

Riley Green.

Riley Green Maintains No. 1 Position On MusicRow Radio Chart

Riley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan

Riley Green remains atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his solo-penned track “Worst Way.”

The song, which is already certified Platinum, is off of Green’s recent, third studio album Don’t Mind If I Do.

Green and Ella Langley picked up multiple awards last night at the 60th ACM Awards for their hit collaboration, “You Look Like You Love Me.”

“Worst Way” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Ed Schulte Promoted To Sr. Director Facilities, Operations & Sustainability At CMHOFM

Ed Schulte & Leigh Anne Wise. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Ed Schulte has been promoted to Senior Director of Facilities, Operations and Sustainability at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, succeeding Leigh Anne Wise, who previously served in the role and is retiring after 41 years with the organization.

In his senior staff role, Schulte will oversee facilities maintenance, building projects, building operations including security, housekeeping and event set up, as well as sustainability initiatives. He joined the museum in 2023 as Director of Facilities, overseeing operating systems for the museum’s more than 350,000-square-foot building.

During his time with the museum, Schulte has collaborated on significant projects as facilities liaison, including the recent renovation of the museum’s retail spaces and facility updates related to the museum’s core and temporary exhibit spaces. With nearly 40 years of facilities management experience, Schulte previously worked as Director of Facilities for Nickelodeon Studios Orlando and most recently served as Director of Facilities at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

Wise is retiring from her senior staff role June 6. She joined the museum in March 1984 as a tour guide, moving to accounting and then operations. Most recently, she oversaw all facility management and operations for the museum and led the growth of its award-winning sustainability program, which diverted more than 100 tons of trash from landfills last year through composting and other initiatives. During her tenure, Wise managed the museum’s move downtown in 2001 from its original location on Music Row. She also served as emergency response lead during the Nashville flood of 2010, safeguarding the museum’s facilities and restoring operations. She oversaw building construction as the facilities and operations liaison during the museum’s expansion, as well as served as emergency response lead for building and staff safety protocols during COVID-19.

“Leigh Anne has been a key sounding board and trusted partner through many major milestones of our museum,” says Kyle Young, Chief Executive Officer for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Her determination and resolve to improve our facility can be felt in every aspect of our operations. We’re grateful for her incredible 41 years of service, and we look forward to Ed’s steady leadership and expertise as we continue to serve our community and museum visitors.”

Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey Becomes First Official Whiskey Of MLB

A detail shot of Traveller Whiskey during the Traveller Whiskey content shoot at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. Photo: Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller Whiskey, co-created with Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, has been named the Official Whiskey of Major League Baseball.

The new multi-year partnership solidifies the most awarded super premium whiskey release of 2024 as the first whiskey ever designated by MLB as its Official Whiskey. The marketing partnership will promote the brand across game broadcasts, custom social and digital content such as MLB Power Rankings, and in stores across the U.S.

Traveller will also set up fan activations on-site at 2025 MLB All-Star Week and the MLB Speedway Classic, and plans to give fans 21+ the opportunity to attend the events via sweepstakes and giveaways in conjunction with MLB.

“Whenever we’re on the road and it happens to line up, we go to baseball games,” says Stapleton. “It’s become a bit of a tradition over the years. We love to experience all the different ballparks and enjoy the culture of whatever baseball town we happen to be in. My wife and I even went to Game Six of the World Series once on our anniversary. Needless to say, I’m thrilled Traveller Whiskey is going to be the Official Whiskey of MLB.”

“Like a perfect swing or a game-changing slider, developing a great whiskey is an art form that demands passion, time and dedication to master,” adds Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director for Traveller Whiskey. “Starting this summer, we’re bringing that same spirit to ballparks across the country – where unforgettable moments, world-class whiskey and America’s pastime come together. We’re excited to introduce MLB fans to baseball’s newest tradition, Traveller Whiskey.”

 

Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley Dominate At The 60th ACM Awards [Recap]

Lainey Wilson onstage at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards took place last night (May 8), streaming live from The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Reba McEntire returned as host for the milestone event, which was broadcast internationally via Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.

The show opened with an electric, 12-minute medley celebrating 60 years of ACM Song of the Year winners. Reba kicked it off with “Okie from Muskogee,” followed by Clint Black on “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Wynonna Judd with “Why Not Me,” LeAnn Rimes on “Blue,” Little Big Town with “Girl Crush” and Dan + Shay with “Tequila.” The segment set the tone for a night full of nods to the genre’s past while spotlighting the current generation of hitmakers.

Ella Langley at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Texas native Cody Johnson took home the first award of the night: ACM Song of the Year for “Dirt Cheap.” The song’s sole writer, Josh Phillips, joined him on stage to accept.

Eric Church delivered a moody performance of his new single “Hands of Time” before Miranda Lambert offered “Run,” then welcomed Ella Langley onstage for a fiery rendition of “Kerosene” to mark the 20th anniversary of the hit. Langley paid tribute to the song’s original music video by wearing a white tank top emblazoned with “Mama Tried.”

Zach Top followed with a strong acoustic take on “Use Me,” holding the arena’s attention with a stripped-down setup.

Old Dominion won ACM Group of the Year for the eighth year in a row, breaking Rascal Flatts’ record for most consecutive wins in the category. The award brings their ACM tally to 10.

Blake Shelton performed his recent No. 1 “Texas” before Lainey Wilson delivered “Whirlwind,” showcasing her power as a live performer.

Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Chris Stapleton earned ACM Male Artist of the Year for the second year running, and fifth time overall. He dedicated the award to the late Ben Vaughn, the beloved music executive who passed earlier this year.

In a brief in-show memorial, McEntire recognized those the country community lost in the past year, including Joe Bonsall, Melba Montgomery, Vaughn and Karl Dean.

Brooks & Dunn were named ACM Duo of the Year—marking their first win in the category in 15 years and extending their record to 17 total wins in the category. They expressed heartfelt thanks during their speech, joking that the fans had been “paying [our] rent for the past 30 years.”

Kelsea Ballerini performed “Baggage,” and Stapleton returned to the stage with Morgane Stapleton for a duet on “It Takes A Woman.” Langley reappeared for a performance of “Weren’t For The Wind.”

Shortly after, she took home ACM Single of the Year for “You Look Like You Love Me,” which had already won Visual Media of the Year ahead of the livestream. Langley, Riley Green and producer Will Bundy accepted the award together, marveling at the success of a song with “talking in the verses.”

Alan Jackson onstage at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Alan Jackson was honored with the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. He performed “Remember When” and gave a gracious speech reflecting on his journey: “I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream…. all these years later, receiving an honor like this is mind-blowing.”

Wilson later picked up ACM Female Artist of the Year for the third consecutive year. She thanked her fellow nominees and added, “The girls are kicking down some barn doors—and I love it.”

Jelly Roll gave a gospel-infused performance of “Heart of Stone” before joining Shaboozey, who celebrated his birthday on show day, for a performance of “Amen.”

Later in the show, Stapleton, Megan Moroney and Brothers Osborne honored Keith Urban with a tribute performance featuring “Stupid Boy,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Where the Blacktop Ends”—the latter featuring Urban himself joining in. Urban was recognized with the ACM Triple Crown Award, which celebrates artists who’ve won New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

Keith Urban at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

Lainey Wilson also won ACM Album of the Year for Whirlwind.

Cody Johnson returned to perform “The Fall,” then joined Brooks & Dunn for a duet on “Red Dirt Road.”

Langley and Green reappeared once more to accept ACM Music Event of the Year for “You Look Like You Love Me.”

Toward the end of the show, McEntire, Lambert and Wilson debuted their collaborative track “Trailblazer” live for the first time.

Wilson was then named ACM Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row, making her the third woman in ACM history to earn back-to-back wins in the category. In her speech, she acknowledged that she was feeling imposter syndrome and said she’s learning to receive recognition with an open heart.

The show closed on a high-energy note with a surprise set from Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys, who teamed up for a medley that included “What Hurts the Most,” “I Dare You,” “Larger Than Life” and “Life is a Highway.”