Lainey Wilson solidified her superstar status Thursday night, taking home the top honor — Entertainer of the Year — for the second year in a row at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, The AP reports.
Wilson also earned trophies for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, making her the night’s most celebrated artist.
The ceremony, broadcast live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, was a night of both celebration and nostalgia. The event opened with a powerful 14-minute medley showcasing six decades of country hits, performed by legends and fan favorites. Host Reba McEntire kicked things off with Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee,” followed by Clint Black performing Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy,” and Wynonna Judd reviving The Judds’ classic “Why Not Me.” LeAnn Rimes returned with her signature ballad “Blue,” while Little Big Town performed “Girl Crush” and Dan + Shay revisited their hit “Tequila.”
Newcomer Ella Langley also made a splash, winning Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year for her hit duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me.” In their shared acceptance speech, both artists credited the influence of classic country “story songs” in shaping their careers and the track’s style.
A new tradition was born during the broadcast with the introduction of the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to its namesake, country icon Alan Jackson. Jackson accepted the inaugural honor following a heartfelt performance of his hit “Remember When.” In his speech, he jokingly remarked about a fan naming a dog after him — and now, an award.
Elsewhere, Cody Johnson earned Song of the Year for his chart-topping single “Dirt Cheap,” taking home the night’s first award.
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