The 18th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Honors are just a few weeks away! Ahead of the show, the Academy of Country Music unveiled all the details of what attendees can expect at the coveted awards show, which will take place at The Pinnacle in Nashville on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The star-studded evening, also known as “Country Music Industry’s Favorite Night,” will celebrate “ACM Special Award honorees and shine a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes individuals who make the music and concerts we love possible: our ACM Industry and Studio Recording Award winners.” According to an official event overview, “This intimate celebration brings together the best of the genre, featuring unique tribute performances honoring some of the greatest artists in Country Music.”
Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Randy Travis, Lainey Wilson and more are among this year’s honorees being celebrated during ACM Honors.
“This year’s ACM Special Awards honorees each have played an essential role in Country Music’s success,” said Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards committee. “From some of Country Music’s legendary artists to the incredible songwriters and powerhouse executives, we are so excited to celebrate these well-deserved recipients next month at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Congratulations to all the honorees.”
“We are thrilled to bring the Country Music industry’s favorite night, ACM Honors, to The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest live music venue, next month,” added Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “This is an exciting time for the Academy as we reimagine this special night through new partnerships and a new format that will elevate the show’s impact. We look forward to celebrating our Studio Recording and Industry Award winners, alongside our soon-to-be-announced Special Award Honorees, whose vital contributions make the music we love possible,” he continued.
Music Mayhem compiled a complete list of everything you need to know about the 2025 ACM Honors below.
When And Where Is ACM Honors?
The 18th Academy of Country Music Honors will take place at The Pinnacle, located at Nashville Yards, on Wednesday, August 20 at 6:30PM CST.
How To Attend?
Fans interested in attending the star-studded 18th ACM Honors can purchase tickets and explore limited premium seating options now through AXS.
Who Is Hosting?
Carly Pearce and Russell Dickerson will co-host the coveted ceremony. Pearce returns for the fifth straight year to host the coveted event, while Dickerson makes his ACM Honors hosting debut.
“I’m excited to return as host of ACM Honors for the fifth year in a row,” Pearce shared in a statement. “This night holds a special place in my heart because it shines a light on the songwriters, musicians, and industry voices who make what we do possible. It’s truly one of my favorite nights of the year. It will be such a full circle moment to co-host with one of my oldest friends in Nashville, Russell Dickerson.”
Dickerson added, “It’s a real honor to be hosting ACM Honors for the first time—especially at The Pinnacle, in the heart of Nashville. This night is all about giving credit to the folks who keep the wheels turning behind the scenes, and I’m proud to be part of it. Getting to team up with Carly and celebrate the industry we love so much is going to be one for the books.”
Who Is Being Honored?
Lori Badgett, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, Twisters, Ben Vaughn, and Lainey Wilson will be celebrated during ACM Honors.
Lainey Wilson: ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year
Jessie Jo Dillon: ACM Songwriter of the Year
Twisters: ACM Film Award
Eric Church: ACM Icon Award
Ben Vaughn: ACM Icon Award
Luke Combs: ACM International Award
Rissi Palmer: ACM Lift Every Voice Award
Jelly Roll: ACM Lifting Lives Award
Randy Travis: ACM Milestone Award
Mac McAnally: ACM Poet’s Award
Lori Badgett: ACM Service Award
Cody Johnson: ACM Spirit Award
Among this year’s ACM Industry Award winners, several took home their first-ever honors, including The Caverns (Theater of the Year) — also a first-time nominee — The Theater at Virgin Hotels (Casino of the Year – Theater), and Aaron Spalding (Promoter of the Year). Meanwhile, Ed Warm adds to his impressive collection with his 19th ACM Industry Award, picking up two wins this year for Club of the Year (Joe’s on Weed St.) and Festival of the Year (Windy City Smokeout).
On the Studio Recording Awards side, first-time winners include Drew Bollman (Audio Engineer of the Year), Alex Wright (Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year), and Craig Young (Bass Player of the Year). Dave Cobb secured his seventh ACM Award and third win for Producer of the Year, while Brent Mason earned his twelfth Studio Recording Award and his first for Electric Guitar Player of the Year.
Who Is Performing?
To pay tribute to this year’s honorees, the Academy of Country Music enlisted an elite group that includes nine-time ACM Award winner and three-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan, four-time ACM Award nominee Russell Dickerson, eight-time ACM Award winner Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, multi-Platinum and GRAMMY Winning artist Amy Grant, three-time ACM Award winner Ashley McBryde, and four-time ACM Award winner Carly Pearce and more.
Additional performers will be announced closer to the event.
Who Is Presenting?
Presenters have not yet been announced.
For more information on ACM Honors and all ACM events, visit www.ACMcountry.com. You can like Academy of Country Music on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @ACMawards and Instagram @ACMAwards for more immediate updates.
