As the highly anticipated ceremony for the 2025 ACM Awards approaches, excitement is already in the air as Ella Langley and Riley Green emerge as early champions with their sensational breakthrough single, “You Look Like You Love Me.” This thrilling announcement was shared with fans during an electrifying performance at Country Thunder in Tampa, Florida, on Friday night, May 2, and was made even more special by the presence of the legendary Reba McEntire, an 18-time host of the ACM Awards, who delivered the news from the stage.
In a heartfelt moment during Green’s set, a celebratory video featuring Reba played, where she extended her warm congratulations to the duo for winning this year’s award for visual media of the year for their stunning music video of “You Look Like You Love Me.” Notably, Langley is honored in the category not just as an artist but also as the director of the captivating visual presentation, showcasing her multifaceted talent in the country music industry.
Reba excitedly declared, “Sorry to interrupt, but I have some big news,” in the video clip announcing the big win. She continued, “Congratulations to Ella and Riley! Can’t wait to celebrate with you both in Frisco!” This enthusiastic announcement added to the joyous atmosphere, highlighting the camaraderie and support within the country music community.
Ella Langley, who is quickly making a name for herself, only learned about her first Academy of Country Music award a week prior during her electrifying performance at Rock the Country in Knoxville, Tennessee. This revelation marks a significant milestone in her budding career, as she embraces the recognition that comes with her hard work and dedication to her craft.
The exciting news of Langley’s first award, which is for new female artist of the year, was delivered by her friend and co-writer Miranda Lambert through a heartfelt video message. Miranda, who referred to Langley as “my soul sister in country music and a partner in crime,” reminisced about her own triumph in this very category 18 years ago, creating a beautiful bond between the two talented artists.
As the most-nominated artist at the 60th ACM Awards, Langley is in the spotlight, receiving recognition for her impressive talent and contributions to country music. Her nominations reflect her hard work and the impact she has made within the industry, further establishing her as a prominent figure in the genre.
With two prestigious awards already secured, Langley still has several opportunities to win additional honors during this year’s ceremony. She is nominated for female artist of the year, as well as single of the year, song of the year, and music event of the year, all for her acclaimed duet with Green, “You Look Like You Love Me.” For the song of the year category, both artists are recognized as nominees, showcasing their collaborative songwriting prowess.
Their catchy, flirty barroom duet, which was released in 2024, soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, reached No. 7 on Hot Country Songs, and landed at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. This impressive performance on the charts highlights the song’s widespread appeal and the growing popularity of both artists in the competitive landscape of country music.
The 2025 ACM Awards promises to be an unforgettable event, set to stream live around the world on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT. Fans can look forward to tuning in for an exciting two-and-a-half-hour show, filled with performances, awards, and memorable moments that celebrate the best in country music.
The Academy of Country Music Awards holds the distinction of being the longest-running country music awards show, having first taken place in 1966. This prestigious event has become a hallmark of excellence in the industry, honoring outstanding achievements in country music and celebrating the rich history and future of the genre.
The ACM Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, a renowned entity in the entertainment industry, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge. This joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Penske Media—the parent company of Billboard—ensures that the ACM Awards continue to thrive and evolve in the vibrant landscape of country music.
