In a year where genre lines continue to blur and fandoms grow louder, the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards promises to be nothing short of a blockbuster spectacle — and not just for country music fans. Streaming live on Prime Video and Twitch from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the May 8 show is loaded with star-studded collisions, nostalgic firepower, and groundbreaking storytelling through song. Think of it as the Avengers: Endgame of country music broadcasts, but with more boots, hats, and heartfelt twang.
The explosive opening sequence that unites six decades of country hits
Every great origin story needs a prologue that sets the tone, and the ACMs deliver one with a 12-minute medley of “Songs of the Decades.” Reba McEntire — who isn’t just hosting but helming the show for the 18th time — leads a legendary lineup through a sonic time warp. Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland join her in a high-octane montage of ACM Song of the Year winners.
Fans will hear iconic anthems interwoven into one seamless tribute: Dan + Shay’s “Tequila,” The Judds’ “Why Not Me,” Rimes’ “Blue,” and Sugarland’s “Stay.” It’s more than a medley; it’s a country comic crossover event, where past and present heroes share the spotlight in a celebration of the genre’s evolution. This isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a powerful reminder of how these songs shaped the emotional landscape of country music for generations.
Show-stopping collaborations that break genre and generational barriers
If the opening is the ACMs’ Infinity Saga, the rest of the night is packed with team-ups that fans never knew they needed. One of the most electrifying pairings? Jelly Roll and Shaboozey. Fresh off their explosive chemistry at Stagecoach Festival, the duo will bring a raw, unfiltered energy to the stage. Their gritty blend of country, rock, and rap feels like a genre remix — think of it as the Deadpool of ACM performances.
Then there’s the surreal yet somehow perfectly fitting alliance of Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts. These vocal powerhouses from different pop-country eras will merge worlds in a way that echoes the nostalgic magic of “I Want It That Way” meeting “Bless the Broken Road.” It’s a boy-band-country-trio mashup that defies categorization and embraces pure entertainment.
And just when you think the show can’t get any more iconic, Brooks & Dunn team up with Cody Johnson for a performance that promises to be both a tribute and a torch pass. Brooks & Dunn, the genre’s equivalent of Batman and Superman, joining forces with Johnson — a modern-day outlaw with soul — creates a dynamic that’s equal parts legendary and next-level.
Megan Moroney’s rise and Ella Langley’s nomination dominance
Adding to the momentum is Megan Moroney, the 2024 ACM New Female Artist of the Year, who will take the stage once again. Her inclusion among the heavy hitters underscores the ACMs’ commitment to spotlighting emerging talent alongside established stars. Moroney’s blend of youthful energy and storytelling grit makes her a perfect fit for a show that’s as much about the future as it is about the legacy.
Speaking of the future, Ella Langley is leading the nominations with an impressive eight nods. Her breakout presence at the ACMs mirrors the kind of momentum that propels artists from fan-favorite to genre-defining. With Langley, Moroney, and other rising stars like Zach Top in the mix, the ACMs are planting a flag on the next generation of country heroes.
Reba McEntire’s iconic hosting cements her place in awards show history
Reba McEntire isn’t just hosting — she’s anchoring the entire celebration. With 16 ACM wins and 18 hosting gigs, she’s closing in on Bob Hope’s record for most frequent host at a major awards show. Her presence is more than ceremonial; it’s symbolic. Reba is country music’s Wonder Woman, a bridge between eras, and a constant in a genre that's always evolving.
Her opening medley with six decades of stars isn't just a performance — it's a coming full circle moment for a genre that she’s helped define. Reba’s role this year is emblematic of the ACMs themselves: honoring the past, embracing the present, and steering boldly into the future.
More than an awards show — it’s a global celebration of country culture
With a runtime expanded to two and a half hours, global streaming via Prime Video, and live engagement on Twitch, the ACM Awards are breaking new ground in how country music connects with fans worldwide. The event’s executive producer Raj Kapoor — who’s helmed recent Grammys and Oscars — brings a Hollywood-level polish to the production. This is country music’s moment on the global stage, and it’s shining brighter than ever.
From the Ford Center in Frisco to living rooms around the world, the 60th ACM Awards aren’t just looking back at six decades of songs — they’re sounding the call for the next chapter of country music. Whether it’s through legendary medleys, genre-defying collaborations, or the rise of new stars, this is a celebration of a community that’s always been about storytelling, soul, and standing tall.
In the world of country music, where authenticity is the ultimate superpower, the 2025 ACM Awards are the ultimate hero team-up. And they’re ready to take center stage.