The Academy of Country Music® is set to honor the stalwarts and rising stars of country music at the 18th ACM Honors™, scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at The Pinnacle in Nashville. This prestigious event celebrates achievements across various categories, building anticipation following the recent announcement of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards™ on July 8, 2025.
Industry and Studio Recording Award Recipients
The Academy revealed a distinguished list of recipients for its Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards, showcasing excellence in the business and creative aspects of country music. Among the Studio Recording Award winners are several first-time honorees who have made significant contributions to the genre’s sound. Drew Bollman has been recognized with the award for Audio Engineer of the Year, while Alex Wright takes home the honor for Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year. Craig Young also makes his debut as a recipient, earning the award for Bass Player of the Year.
Further cementing his legendary status, Dave Cobb has once again been named Producer of the Year, marking his seventh win in this highly coveted category. The masterful Brent Mason continues his streak of accolades, securing his twelfth Studio Recording Award for Electric Guitar Player of the Year, underscoring his enduring impact on the instrument’s role in country music.
In the Industry Award categories, The Caverns has been named Theater of the Year, a testament to its significant role in hosting live music. The Theater at Virgin Hotels has earned the award for Casino of the Year – Theater, recognizing its contribution to the entertainment landscape. Aaron Spalding is celebrated as Promoter of the Year for his efforts in bringing country music to audiences. Additionally, Ed Warm has a remarkable showing, receiving two ACM Awards: one for Club of the Year for Joe’s on Weed St., and another for Festival of the Year for the Windy City Smokeout, highlighting his broad influence across different live music venues and events.
Special Award Honorees and Ticket Information
Anticipation is also high for the announcement of the ACM Special Award honorees, which was scheduled for July 9, 2025. These special awards recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the country music industry.
Fans eager to attend the 18th ACM Honors™ will have opportunities to secure their tickets soon. A pre-sale for ACM A-List subscribers and Academy members begins on July 10, 2025, offering them an early chance to purchase tickets. Following this, tickets will go on sale to the general public starting July 11, 2025, ensuring broad access to this celebrated event.
Artist-Songwriter Recognition and Broader Country Music News
Adding to the season of accolades, Lainey Wilson has already been recognized with the Artist-Songwriter of the Year award, highlighting her dual talents as a performer and creator. Jessie Jo Dillon has been named Songwriter of the Year, acknowledging her exceptional contributions to country music’s lyrical and melodic landscape.
In related country music news, CMT announced the upcoming premiere of “CMT Music Awards: Ultimate Party Edition” on July 17, 2025. This special programming promises exclusive content, including new interviews with prominent artists such as Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, offering fans a deeper look at their careers and performances. The network is also engaging fans by opening voting for the Ultimate Fan Favorite Performance award, with the voting window running from July 11-14, allowing the public to have a direct say in recognizing outstanding performances.
The upcoming ACM Honors™ event in August promises to be a significant milestone, celebrating the diverse talent and dedication that drives the country music industry forward, from the studio engineers and instrumentalists to venue operators and promoters. The convergence of these award announcements and special programming underscores a vibrant period for country music, filled with recognition and fan engagement.
