More info about the 60th ACM Awards on May 8 in Texas: Find out who won the new male and female artist awards early, and get info on attending or streaming the kickoff concerts and ceremony.
You should already be hip to the basic details and the big-award nominees for Thursday’s 60th ACM Awards, airing live from Texas. But did you know that some winners have already been announced? Here’s a look at a few of the early 60th ACM Awards trophies handed out so far:
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The breakout award for female artists has already been announced: ELLA LANGLEY took home the prize, beating out fellow nominees ASHLEY COOKE, DASHA, JESSIE MURPH, and KASSI ASHTON. Congrats to Ella and the other nominees.
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The award for breakout male artists was announced as well: the unstoppable ZACH TOP won over fellow nominees BAILEY ZIMMERMAN, GAVIN ADCOCK, SHABOOZEY, and TUCKER WETMORE. Congrats to Zach and the other nominees.
ACM’S COUNTRY KICKOFF PARTY
You don’t have to wait until Thursday to get the party started. The Academy is hosting outdoor concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday featuring some of the genre’s greatest up-and-comers. Both days will feature performances at the Star from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. CT.
HOW DO I GO TO THE PARTY? “The free two-day festival will take over the plaza May 6 and 7, allowing fans to get up close and personal with some of Country Music’s biggest stars and celebrate the ACM Awards’ return to Frisco, TX. Some of today’s most exciting, up-and-coming artists in Country Music will perform on the outdoor Carhartt Stage, including several ACM Award nominees.”
ARE THE ACM PRE-PARTIES STREAMING ANYWHERE? Yes, the events will livestream on the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch from 8-10 p.m. CT.
WHO IS PERFORMING? ACM Nominees Kassi Ashton, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Restless Road, and Tucker Wetmore, along with Josh Abbott Band, Maggie Antone, Drew Baldridge, George Birge, and Wilder Blue. More info on the event and performances schedules here.
WHAT ABOUT THE AWARDS SHOW ITSELF? It appears that tickets are still available to purchase for Thursday’s ACM ceremony.
IF YOU’RE GOING THURSDAY, DRESS APPROPRIATELY: From the Academy on the ACM Awards’ “dress code”: “This is a black tie affair—but with a cowboy twist that lets your personality shine. Think red carpet meets rodeo. Tuxedos and formal gowns are encouraged. Western accents like bolo ties, cowboy boots, rhinestones, fringe, and hats are welcome.”
CATEGORY BREAKDOWN: FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Two of this category’s nominees are also in the running for Entertainer of the Year. Despite that, the much-coveted female vocalist prize is somewhat up for grabs:
ELLA LANGLEY: How impressive for the 26-year-old Alabama native to get nominated on the strength of her first full-length album, Hungover. The clever duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” certainly didn’t hurt matters.
KACEY MUSGRAVES: The 36-year-old pride of Golden, Texas, went inward and even more self-reflective than was typical for her on 2024’s Deeper Well. No surprise that it was a slow-burner, but a powerful one.
KELSEA BALLERINI: See more in the EOTY breakdown. And then listen to “Cowboys Cry Too” for good measure.
LAINEY WILSON: See more in the EOTY breakdown. And then dig deeper into last year’s C&I cover story.
MEGAN MORONEY: Deep thoughts wrapped in irresistible melodies kept the 27-year-old Georgian top of mind for country fans as she toured around the album Am I Okay? We wouldn’t be surprised if she pulled out a win here.
CATEGORY BREAKDOWN: MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
All the fellas in the running this year are also nominees for Entertainer of the Year — check out our breakdown of that category.
CHRIS STAPLETON: The defending champ took it Higher with a hit album and big public performances.
CODY JOHNSON: The singing Texas cowboy burned up the road — until he couldn’t.
JELLY ROLL: Jelly is more than OK … in the minds of millions of fans who share his redeemed-sinner’s outlook on life.
LUKE COMBS: His voice is a big ol’ hug; his lyrics are a reminder of simple joys and necessary struggles.
MORGAN WALLEN: Simply put, he’s the hottest thing going right now, whether getting “Some Help” from Posty or striking out on his own.
Watch this space all week for more coverage of the 60th ACM Awards, and be sure to follow C&I on X, where we'll be live-tweeting the show on Thursday night.
