The 2025 ACM Awards are just around the corner, and this year’s list of first-time nominees is packed with fresh talent making waves in the world of country music. From viral hits to breakthrough performances, these rising stars are setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Country icon Reba McEntire is set to host, and the show will stream live at 8 p.m. EDT on Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.
Rising Stars: First-Time ACM Nominees for 2025
These artists are receiving their very first ACM nods — and many are up for some of the night’s biggest categories.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
1. Ella Langley
Ella Langley leads all first-time nominees with an impressive eight nominations, including Female Artist of the Year and New Female Artist of the Year. Her duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” has been a standout hit.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
2. Zach Top
Bringing traditional country back to the mainstream, Zach Top is nominated for New Male Artist of the Year.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
3. Shaboozey
With a viral single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey has earned nominations for New Male Artist of the Year and Single of the Year.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
4. Tucker Wetmore
Tucker Wetmore rounds out the strong New Male Artist field as another first-time nominee.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
5. Jessie Murph
A rising powerhouse, Jessie Murph lands her first nomination for New Female Artist of the Year.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
6. Gavin Adcock
Known for his high-energy style, Adcock is nominated for New Male Artist of the Year.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
7. Dasha
Another standout female newcomer, Dasha is also competing for New Female Artist of the Year.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
8. Noah Kahan
Crossing over into the country genre, Noah Kahan earns his first ACM nod for New Male Artist of the Year.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
9. Red Clay Strays
This genre-blending group scored a nomination for Group of the Year — a huge milestone in their journey.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
10. Muscadine Bloodline
The Southern duo is up for New Duo or Group of the Year, earning their first recognition at the ACMs.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
11. Treaty Oak Revival
Another exciting newcomer in the group category, Treaty Oak Revival is nominated for New Duo or Group of the Year.
Meet the First-Time Nominees at the 2025 ACM Awards was originally published on hankfm.com
