Lainey Wilson Cheers on Ella Langley as She Leads 2025 ACM Nominations
Just two years ago, Lainey Wilson made history at the 2023 CMA Awards, dominating the night with nine nominations and taking home multiple trophies — including Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year (Bell Bottom Country), and Musical Event and Video of the Year for her HARDY collaboration, “wait in the truck.” That night solidified her place as one of country music’s brightest stars.
Now, in 2025, a new name is lighting up the country scene — and Lainey couldn’t be happier about it.
Ella Langley Takes Center Stage
When the ACM Awards nominations were announced on March 27, fans were thrilled to see Ella Langley leading the pack with eight nominations, putting her shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Old Dominion.
Langley’s breakout duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” earned her nods for Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year. She’s also nominated for Female Artist of the Year and New Female Artist of the Year — a huge feat considering this is her first-ever ACM Awards.
Lainey Wilson: “She’s the Real Deal”
At a Nashville event celebrating her latest No. 1 hits, Lainey Wilson reflected on Langley’s success and the uncanny parallels between their journeys.
“I see a lot of myself in Ella,” Lainey said with a proud smile. “We’re great friends, and I’m just so proud of her. She’s the real deal.”
Wilson praised Langley’s relentless determination, adding:
“She shows up, rolls up her sleeves, and she’s ready to knock down barn doors. In this business, if you don’t have that fire, someone else will knock that door down for you. Ella’s got that fire.”
A Night of Women Taking the Spotlight
As the 2025 ACM Awards approach in Frisco, Texas, Lainey joked that her friend might just dominate the show:
“I wouldn’t be surprised if she comes in there with her broom and starts sweeping it up,” she laughed. “I’ll be right behind her with the dustpan!”
While Ella Langley is the breakout story of the year, Lainey Wilson remains a powerhouse nominee herself, earning six nominations — including Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (Whirlwind), and Entertainer of the Year, the prestigious title she currently holds.
A New Era for Women in Country
With Ella Langley’s fearless rise and Lainey Wilson continuing her reign, this year’s ACM Awards mark a powerful moment for women in country music — a reminder that the genre’s future is as bold, gritty, and unstoppable as ever.
And judging by Lainey’s words, the sisterhood of country music has never been stronger.