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Unpredictable Moments That Set Social Media Ablaze
Country music fans expected a night of glitz, but no one could have predicted the wild, hilarious, and heartfelt scenes that unfolded at the 2025 ACM Awards. Jelly Roll, ever the rule-breaker, sparked laughter by live-posting his backstage antics—yes, even sharing that he and ERNEST were openly passing a joint behind the scenes. The energy was raw and real, a reminder that even superstars crave a little freedom and fun when the spotlight is brightest. Meanwhile, Jessie Murph stunned the crowd by walking the red carpet with a miniature pig in her arms, breaking every unwritten rule of celebrity arrivals. These moments weren’t just viral gold—they captured the true spirit of country music: authenticity, laughter, and rebellion.
*Prompt for image: Jelly Roll and ERNEST sharing a candid backstage laugh, Jessie Murph cradling her pig at the red carpet.*
Legendary Collaborations Electrify the Stage
The crowd’s roar reached new heights when Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys joined forces for a surprise, genre-bending live performance. They kicked off with Rascal Flatts’ emotional “What Hurts the Most,” then exploded into the pure pop of “Larger Than Life” before uniting for “Life Is a Highway.” The energy was contagious, as two generations of fans found themselves singing along together, blurring the lines between country and pop. Later, Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert debuted their powerful anthem “Trailblazer,” celebrating the grit and dreams of women in country. The chorus—about paving your own way—struck a chord, making every woman in the audience feel seen and heard. These collaborations proved that country music thrives on connection, courage, and the joy of mixing things up.
Heartfelt Triumphs and Honoring Icons
Tears flowed when Alan Jackson received the first-ever ACM Lifetime Achievement Award named after him, a moving tribute to his decades-long impact. Reba’s introduction and Jackson’s humble, funny speech—where he joked about fans naming dogs after him—reminded everyone why legends endure. The show was also a celebration of new voices: Ella Langley led the nominations, while Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind” and Chris Stapleton’s artistry took center stage. Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley’s fiery duet of “Kerosene” honored the 20th anniversary of the iconic album, bridging eras and evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride. For fans and artists alike, seeing legends and newcomers share the spotlight meant the future of country music is in passionate, talented hands.
*Prompt for image: Alan Jackson on stage, emotional as he accepts his lifetime achievement award.*
Personal Stories, Fashion Statements, and Unforgettable Firsts
Personal milestones brought extra joy to the night—Cody Johnson and his wife Brandi revealed they’re expecting a baby boy, turning the stage into a place of family celebration. On the red carpet, love and friendship shone bright: Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo, and a radiant Gabby Barrett (solo for the night as her husband graduated college) all turned heads. Reba McEntire, ever the gracious host, arrived arm-in-arm with Rex Linn, sharing laughs and excitement. Every detail—from Jessie Murph’s playful pig to the bold, sparkling outfits—showed the culture of country is as much about individuality and belonging as about music. Every face, story, and sequin stitched together a tapestry that fans will never forget.
Source: ACM Awards 2025: Read the Full Recap
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
