Lainey Wilson Clinches Back-to-Back Entertainer of the Year Wins at the 2025 ACM Awards

The country powerhouse reflects on childhood dreams, imposter syndrome, and heartfelt gratitude after sweeping four major honors at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Lainey Wilson brought the house down — again — at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, winning the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, for the second year in a row. The milestone moment, which unfolded on May 8 in Frisco, Texas, at the Ford Center at The Star, cemented Wilson’s place as a defining voice in country music.

As she accepted the prestigious award from presenter Blake Shelton, the 32-year-old star was overcome with emotion and humility. “Thank you so much,” Wilson began, turning her gaze to fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen. “I love every single one of y’all in this category, and y’all have taken me under y’all’s wings and took me out on the road with you, asked me to be on songs, supported me in every way that you possibly can.”

Wilson opened up about dealing with imposter syndrome, admitting, “I won’t lie to you. I have a little bit. But I read something not long ago that just said, ‘If something is given to you, then you need to accept it with an open heart and an open mind.’ And I just appreciate it.”

The “4x4xU” singer, known for her soulful lyrics and signature bell-bottom style, also shared a poignant childhood memory that foreshadowed her future as a performer. “My parents had this old hunting spotlight… my sister would turn all the lights off in the house and shine the spotlight on me as I was running back and forth across the living room,” she recalled. “I dreamed about entertaining. I love making people feel things. I love making people laugh and smile and cry. I’m sorry, I like to make you cry, because I love to feel things.”

And feel things she did — Wilson took home an impressive four ACM Awards this year: Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Whirlwind, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Among her six nominations, “4x4xU” also earned nods for Song of the Year and Visual Media of the Year.

Wilson’s reign echoes her 2024 sweep, where she also captured the coveted entertainer title. During that speech, she likened her success to a starry childhood in small-town Louisiana: “I would look up and I’d see the planes flying over my little town of 200 people, and I’d dream about being up there in one of those planes.” Now, she says, “I still climb out on the roof and look at the stars, except I feel like I’m a little more eye level with them now.”

Dressed in a dazzling ensemble that added a playful twist to her signature bell-bottoms, Wilson radiated gratitude and authenticity. She praised her fans and peers alike: “Everybody in this category has loved me… took me on the road, sang songs with me, wrote with me, encouraged me every step of the way. And I love y’all for that.”

This year’s ACM ceremony was a star-studded affair, with presenters including Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Clint Black, Crystal Gayle, Gabby Barrett, Lionel Richie, and Wynonna Judd. Leading the nominations was breakout star Ella Langley with eight nods, followed closely by Morgan Wallen, Wilson, and Cody Johnson with seven each.

Lainey Wilson’s 2025 ACM triumph isn’t just a win for her — it’s a moment for the genre. Through tears and grit, heart and spotlight, she’s proving that country music isn’t just about telling stories — it’s about living them.