ACM Honors Show 2025: Special Winners Announced
The Academy of Country Music has announced the special winners for the ACM Honors Show 2025. The ceremony will take place on August 20 at the Pinnacle in Nashville, marking a new location for the event. The honorary awards will recognize top songwriters, managers, and country stars.
Honorees Announced
This year’s honorees include Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, and Lainey Wilson. Mac McAnally and Jessi Jo Dillon will represent the songwriting community, while Lori Badgett and Ben Vaughn will be celebrated for their work behind the scenes in Nashville. The film "Twisters" will also receive an ACM Honors Trophy.
Ticket Sales and Performers
Tickets for the event will go on sale to Academy members and ACM newsletter subscribers on Thursday, with the general public able to purchase tickets on Friday. Performers for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
Special Awards
The ACM Film Award will be presented to "Twisters" for its prominent feature of country music. The trophy has previously been awarded to films like "A Star is Born" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?".
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Eric Church and Ben Vaughn will receive the ACM Icon Award, considered the highest lifetime honor by the academy. Vaughn, who passed away in January, was a prominent manager in the music industry and served as president and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
International Recognition
Luke Combs will receive the ACM International Award for his efforts in promoting country music overseas. Combs is one of the country stars whose appeal has translated globally, even in areas where the genre is not dominant.
Leadership and Philanthropy Awards
Rissi Palmer will receive the ACM Lift Every Voice Award for her leadership in ensuring underrepresented voices have a platform in country music. Jelly Roll will be recognized with the ACM Lifting Lives Award for his philanthropic work and contributions to causes such as endangered youth, prison reform, fentanyl abuse, and mental health.
Milestone and Poet’s Awards
Randy Travis will receive the ACM Milestone Award for his work in using AI to replicate his voice and raise awareness for stroke and health rights. Mac McAnally will be honored with the ACM Poet’s Award, which recognizes the most venerable songwriter from Nashville.
Service and Spirit Awards
Lori Badgett will receive the ACM Service Award for her dedication to promoting the work of the academy. Cody Johnson will be recognized with the ACM Spirit Award for his success in adhering to a traditional country sound, following in the tradition of Merle Haggard.
Previously Announced Honors
Lainey Wilson will receive the ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award, while Jessie Jo Dillon will collect the ACM Songwriter of the Year Prize, which recognizes Tunesmiths who do not serve as recording artists.
