2025 ACM Awards Predictions: A Year of Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, and Rising Stars
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM) are shaping up to be a thrilling celebration of country music’s current legends and the fresh faces who are making waves. Based on early successes, streaming stats, and tour performance, Lainey Wilson is positioned for a dominant night, but don’t count out some of her formidable competition.
Here are the smart money predictions for the biggest categories at the 2025 ACMs:
Entertainer of the Year
Predicted Winner: Lainey Wilson
Spoiler: Luke Combs
This year belongs to Lainey Wilson. After a stellar arena tour and the success of Whirlwind, Wilson’s momentum is unstoppable. While Luke Combs remains a consistent powerhouse, Wilson is likely to cement her place as one of country’s biggest stars.
Female Artist of the Year
Predicted Winner: Lainey Wilson
Spoiler: Ella Langley
Wilson has solidified herself as country’s top female artist. However, Ella Langley, with nine nominations and a No. 1 single, could split the vote and nab a win if the ACM opts for a fresh face.
Male Artist of the Year
Predicted Winner: Cody Johnson
Spoiler: Chris Stapleton
Cody Johnson has built a reputation as a tour-de-force with hits like “Dirt Cheap” and platinum sales. While Chris Stapleton remains a critical favorite, Johnson’s rise this year may see him take the title.
Duo of the Year
Predicted Winner: Brothers Osborne
Spoiler: Dan + Shay
Brothers Osborne’s consistency and touring success give them a slight edge over the dynamic, crossover-friendly Dan + Shay. But don’t be surprised if the latter pulls an upset.
Group of the Year
Predicted Winner: Old Dominion
Spoiler: The Red Clay Strays
Old Dominion has dominated this category, and their success seems unstoppable, despite The Red Clay Strays making waves in the genre.
New Female Artist of the Year
Winner (Already Announced): Ella Langley
Ella Langley’s nine nominations and viral hits have cemented her place as one of the most exciting new talents in country music.
New Male Artist of the Year
Winner (Already Announced): Zach Top
Zach Top has burst onto the scene with his blend of classic country and fresh appeal, making his victory feel inevitable.
New Duo or Group of the Year
Predicted Winner: Treaty Oak Revival
Spoiler: The Red Clay Strays
Treaty Oak Revival’s grassroots rise from Texas may be the ACM’s pick for the next big duo/group, with their authenticity and DIY story giving them the edge over The Red Clay Strays.
Album of the Year
Predicted Winner: Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Spoiler: Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
Wilson’s Whirlwind hit the charts hard with its mix of country grit and stadium-friendly hooks. Jelly Roll’s emotionally raw Beautifully Broken could earn him the win, but Wilson’s chart dominance is hard to beat.
Single of the Year
Predicted Winner: “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
Spoiler: “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
Stapleton’s “White Horse” is a powerful track that resonates deeply with fans, but Shaboozey’s viral success and TikTok domination might take the ACMs by surprise.
Song of the Year
Predicted Winner: “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Spoiler: “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
Johnson’s storytelling prowess on “Dirt Cheap” makes it an early favorite, though Wilson’s nostalgic hit “4x4xU” could give him a run for his money.
The 2025 ACMs are poised to be a defining moment for Lainey Wilson, as she completes her rise to superstardom. Cody Johnson’s ascent continues, while Ella Langley’s breakout year will shape the next generation of country stars. With strong competition from acts like Treaty Oak Revival, this year’s awards will showcase the best of country’s grit, storytelling, and heart. Expect these predictions to come to fruition — they’re more than likely; they’re inevitable.