Zach Top Brings Classic Country Back to Center Stage with “Use Me” at the 2025 ACM Awards
At the 60th Annual ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas, country music’s brightest stars came together for a night of history, heart, and unforgettable performances. But one of the evening’s most refreshing and raw moments came courtesy of Zach Top, the 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year.
From Rising Star to Award Winner
Just ahead of the ceremony, Brooks & Dunn surprised Zach with the news of his win while he was on the road in Wilmington, North Carolina. The moment was heartfelt — and Top made it clear he hasn’t forgotten what it’s all about:
“I’ve always wanted to just play and sing for a living… and I get to do that now. It’s cool to get a little trophy to say we’re doing good at it. So thank you — this is beautiful.”
“Use Me” Proves Why He’s a Force in Traditional Country
Taking the stage solo, Zach Top performed his breakout hit “Use Me” on a dimly lit set surrounded by an eager crowd. With just his guitar and a rich, timeless voice, Top brought the room to stillness — a moment that felt less like a modern awards show and more like a throwback to country’s golden era.
It was a performance that cut through the noise. No frills. No flash. Just undeniable talent and a sound that honors tradition while still feeling fresh.
A Career on the Rise
Hailing from Washington state, Top released his debut studio album Cold Beer & Country Music in April 2024 and hasn’t looked back. His classic-country stylings and modern-day authenticity have earned him opening spots for Lainey Wilson, Alan Jackson, and Riley Green, including a buzzworthy appearance at the 2024 Watershed Music Festival.
A New Voice for Old-School Country
With his ACM win and standout performance, Zach Top proved he’s not just a rising star — he’s a revival. In a night filled with genre fusion and pop-country blends, Top reminded fans that the roots of country music still run deep.
ZACH ON 🔝! @Zachtopmusic just performed "Use Me" as this year's ACM New Male Artist of the Year. 🏆
Tune in for more incredible #ACMawards performances → https://t.co/H8DgKcESzm pic.twitter.com/KMUkA03FjR
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 9, 2025
🎶 “Use Me” wasn’t just a song — it was a mission statement. And judging by the crowd’s reaction, country traditionalists have found their new flag bearer.
{"post":85693,"page":1,"next":[{"id":85669,"title":"\u201cIt Takes A Woman\u201d: Chris and Morgane Stapleton Deliver Soulful ACM Showstopper","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85669"},{"id":85666,"title":"Ella Langley and Riley Green Capture ACM Single of the Year for Their Heartfelt Anthem \u201cYou Look Like You Love Me\u201d","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85666"},{"id":85663,"title":"Back-to-Back-to-Back: Lainey Wilson Crowned ACM Female Artist of the Year for Third Year Running","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85663"},{"id":85660,"title":"Miranda Lambert\u2019s Emotional Chicago Concert Takes an Unforgettable Turn as She Brings Dad Richard and Boyfriend Anderson East on Stage for a Heartwarming Duet and PDA-Filled Performance, Making Fans Fall in Love with Her Music and Family Vibes All Over Again!","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85660"},{"id":85655,"title":"When Blake picked up his guitar and locked eyes with Gwen as she belted out \u201cGo Ahead And Break My Heart\u201d on the Honda Stage, it wasn\u2019t just music\u2014it was pure electricity. The Voice power couple didn\u2019t just perform, they ignited the room with raw, romantic fire that left fans breathless. This viral moment is everything we love about them: talent, tenderness, and a love so real you can feel it through the screen.","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85655"},{"id":85652,"title":"Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert\u2019s \u201cTrailblazer\u201d Will Set the ACM Awards Stage on Fire with a Groundbreaking Debut","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85652"},{"id":85649,"title":"Alan Jackson Pauses His Performance to Slow Dance with a Fan On Stage, Creating a Core Memory That Had the Whole Crowd in Their Feelings and Reminding Us That Sometimes the Smallest Moments Mean the Most","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85649"},{"id":85645,"title":"Hillsong UNITED and Lauren Daigle Deliver a Captivating \u201cI Surrender\u201d Experience That Will Move You to Tears","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85645"},{"id":85641,"title":"Riley Green and Ella Langley Set the CMT Stage on Fire with a Jaw-Dropping Duet of \u201cYou Look Like You Love Me\u201d","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85641"},{"id":85637,"title":"Toby Keith\u2019s Powerful Final TV Appearance at the People\u2019s Choice Country Awards Becomes a Tearful Goodbye to Fans","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85637"},{"id":85634,"title":"Chris Stapleton Could Rip the ACM Throne from George Strait and Rewrite Country Music History in One Night","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85634"},{"id":85631,"title":"Breanna Nix Stuns Carrie Underwood and Judges with Adele\u2019s \u2018Water Under The Bridge\u2019 During Ladies Night on American Idol","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85631"},{"id":85628,"title":"Country Music\u2019s Newest Star Ella Langley Shatters Expectations with Unforgettable Tour","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85628"},{"id":85624,"title":"George Strait\u2019s Shocking Retirement Decision Revealed the Hidden Truth About His Farewell to Touring","url":"https:\/\/new24.info\/85624"}]}