ACM Awards 2025: How to watch the Academy of Country Music Awards live online or on a smart TV for free
Grab your boots and cowboy hats. The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards will have you two-stepping in your living room tonight (Thursday, May 8). This big anniversary show is sure to be an old-fashioned good time. Here’s everything you need to know about this celebration of country music, including how to tune in.
A brief history of the Academy of Country Music and the ACM Awards
Believe it or not, the Academy was founded in Los Angeles, California: A group of country music lovers led by Tommy Wiggins, Eddie Miller, and Mickey and Chris Christensen founded the organization in 1964.
Their goal was to promote country music and artists, such as Merle Haggard, in the west. As part of this larger mission, the ACM Awards were created in 1966. The signature hat trophy would debut two years later.
Who is hosting the 2025 ACM Awards?
Fast-forward to 2025 and country music superstar Reba McEntire is serving as host. This isn’t her first rodeo, either. It marks year 18 of her having this honor, the most of any emcee.
Who is performing at the 2025 ACM Awards?
Beyond her hosting duties, McEntire will perform. This awards show is famous for its unconventional duet partners, and this year is no exception. Viewers can expect mashups from Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys, Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, and Cody Johnson and Brooks & Dunn.
Solo artists such as Megan Moroney, Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Wynonna Judd, and LeAnn Rimes will also wow audiences.
Let’s not forget groups such as Dan + Shay and Sugarland, who will also perform.
Who is up for the Entertainer of the Year?
Before we get to one of the biggest awards of the night, we have to mention the Triple Crown award.
This has nothing to do with horses but the concept behind it is similar. This lifetime achievement award of sorts will be presented to Keith Urban because he has already won the New Artist, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year awards.
If Luke Combs takes home Entertainer of the Year in 2025, he could be next in line for the Triple Crown himself. This 35-year-old North Carolinian already has New Artist and Artist of the Year under his belt.
Combs is up against some fierce competition in Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson. Viewers will have to tune in to see who takes home the coveted hat.
How can I watch the 2025 ACM Awards?
To see all the action on the Ford Center at The Star stage in Frisco, Texas, all you have to do is stream it live on Amazon Prime Video.
The event begins tonight (Thursday, May 8) at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
According to the academy, you don’t even need a Amazon Prime membership to watch the telecast—just a desire to have a good time.
If Prime isn’t your jam, you can also watch on the AmazonMusic channel on Twitch.