The 2025 ACM Female Artist Of The Year Awarded
on May 08, 2025
Lainey Wilson Wins ACM Female Artist Of The Year
“This is a wild ride, and it’s nice to be able to have people to call and relate to, and I’m so proud of every single one of y’all,” Lainey Wilson said as she accepted the ACM Female Artist of the Year Award for the third year in a row.
She added, “Y’all are whoopin’ butt. The girls are kickin’ down some barn doors, and I like it!”
Her fellow 2025 nominees for ACM Female Artist of the Year were Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Kacey Mugraves.
Of those nominees, Lainey Wilson and Kacey Musgraves have won this distinction before, with Musgraves winning in 2019.
Five Country Legends Introduce The Nominees
The award was presented by five past ACM Female Artist of the Year winners: Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, and Wynona Judd.
Prior to announcing the winner, each of the past winners took a moment to speak on the accomplishments of the nominees.
“What an honor for us to stand together as we remember 60 years of talented, powerful, and amazing women in country music,” Martina McBride said before turning to speak on 2025 nominee Kelsea Ballerini.
McBride said, “From the first time you stepped on the world stage, I’ve loved cheering you on and seeing you grow as an artist, and as a woman, who bravely speaks, writes, and sings her truth.”
Gretchen Wilson then spoke on Ella Langley, saying, “By being bold, being badass, and being yourself, you earned eight nominations this year — including this one!”
Continuing, Wilson described herself as a “redneck woman” who is “proud and happy” for Langley.
Sara Evans then spoke on Megan Moroney, stating, “You called your album ‘Am I Okay?,’ but you’re so much more than ‘okay.’ You’re a shining star who connects powerfully with guts and grace.”
Speaking on Kacey Musgraves, Crystal Gayle said, “You’ve been on this merry-go-round for a while now, and I am in awe of the way you always dig deep as one of the truest artists and songwriters in music today.”
Lastly, Wynona Judd spoke on Laynie Wilson, saying, “You’ve been a powerful force, making real country music — feeling like part of the family, right from the start.”
Judd added that she believes Laynie is “carrying the torch for the next generation,” and that she is “taking country music to great places while staying true to [her] roots.”
Watch their full remarks on the nominees here:
Lainey Wilson’s Female Artist Of The Year Victory
Ultimately, it was Laynie who was named the winner, and she began by acknowledging the presenters, saying, “I can’t believe that I’m getting to stand up here with all these ladies that I was influenced by, every single one of y’all.”
Joking that she would never be able to grow hair like Gayle, Laynie recalled her first visit to the Grand Ole Opry to see Gayle, and how she knew “in that moment” that she wanted to pursue country music.
She also thanked her family and her team before thanking Jesus, declaring, “Thank you so much, Jesus. I’ll tell y’all, my momma always said, ‘Believe and receive, and He will give you the desires of your heart,’ and I firmly believe that.”
Watch her music video for “Whirlwind” here:
