Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
While accepting the award—her second consecutive win after 2024—Wilson confessed to feeling “a bit” like an imposter.
Lainey Wilson has once again claimed the title of Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.
The 32-year-old country singer received the prestigious award on Thursday, May 8, during the ceremony held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. She triumphed over fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen—marking her second consecutive win.
Upon receiving the award from Blake Shelton, Wilson expressed heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you so much,” she said. “I truly admire everyone in this category. You’ve welcomed me, brought me on tour, collaborated with me, and supported me in every way imaginable.”
The “4x4xU” singer went on to share, “I think everyone experiences some level of imposter syndrome, and honestly, I do too. But I recently came across a quote that really stuck with me—it said, ‘When something is given to you, accept it with an open heart and mind.’ And I’m just so thankful.”
Wilson also gave a heartfelt nod to her supporters, saying, “I truly have the greatest fans in the world,” before reminiscing about a touching childhood moment that hinted at her future in country music.
Reflecting on her journey earlier in the day, Wilson shared a childhood memory that symbolized her passion for performing. “This morning I was trying to mentally prepare for everything, and I thought about when my parents had this old hunting spotlight,” she said. “My sister used to unplug it, turn off all the lights in the house, and shine it on me while I ran around the living room. I’ve always dreamed of being an entertainer. I love stirring emotions—making people laugh, smile, even cry. I’m sorry, but I like making you cry, because I love to feel deeply.”
She went on to express her gratitude, adding, “We all crave those emotional moments. Country music has given me more than I could have ever imagined. I’m thankful for everyone here. My heart is overflowing. Thank you, truly. God bless each and every one of you. I’m honestly at a loss for words.”
At this year’s ACM Awards, Wilson was nominated in six categories: entertainer of the year, female artist of the year, album of the year, song of the year for “4x4xU”, visual media of the year for “4x4xU”, and artist-songwriter of the year.
She walked away with four wins, including entertainer of the year, female artist of the year, album of the year for her 2024 release Whirlwind, and artist-songwriter of the year.
Wilson also earned the top honor of Entertainer of the Year at last year’s ACM Awards, rising above a similar roster of contenders: Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Kane Brown.
In her emotional acceptance speech at the time, she reflected on her childhood dreams. “As a little girl, I used to crawl out of my bedroom window and sit on the roof, counting stars,” she recalled. “I’d watch planes fly overhead above my tiny hometown of just 200 people, and I’d imagine myself up there, chasing something bigger.”
She continued, “What’s wild is—I still feel like that little girl. I still go out and gaze at the stars, only now I feel like I’m just a little closer to them.”
Wilson also took a moment to express deep appreciation for her fellow nominees and fans. “Everyone in this category has supported me—brought me on tour, collaborated with me, written songs with me, and lifted me up throughout this journey. I love you all for that.”
At this year’s event, newcomer Ella Langley led with eight nominations, while Wallen, Wilson, and Johnson each received seven. Stapleton followed closely behind with six.