Lainey Wilson wins big at 2025 ACM Awards: ‘Thank you so much’

Lainey Wilson has added another feather to her cap on Thursday as she won the ‘entertainer of the year’ trophy at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.

The 32-year-old country singer was honoured with the award during the ceremony in Frisco, Texas.

“Thank you so much,” Lainey began after accepting the trophy. “I love every single one of y’all in this category, and y’all have taken me under y’all’s wings and took me out on the road with you, asked me to be on songs, supported me in every way that you possibly can.”

The Never Say Never hitmaker further said, “I will tell you this: I’m sure everybody deals with a little bit of imposter syndrome, but I won’t lie to you.”

“ I have a little bit. But I read something not long ago that that just said, ‘If something is given to you, then you need to accept it with an open heart and an open mind.’ And I just appreciate it.,” she continued.

Recalling a sweet childhood memory that foreshadowed her country stardom, Lainey said “I remember I was thinking about it earlier this morning — I was just trying to like wrap my head around today — and I remember, my parents had this old hunting spotlight that we used to take off the charger all the time.”

“And my sister would turn all the lights off in the house and she would shine the spotlight on me as I was running back and forth across the living room. I dreamed about entertaining. I love making people feel things. I love making people laugh and smile and cry. I’m sorry, I like to make you cry, because I love to feel things,” added the 4x4xU musician.

“Everybody loves to feel things. And country music has given me more than I deserve,” added the singer. “And I appreciate everybody in this room. My heart is so full. Thank you so much. God bless every single one of y’all. I don’t even know what else to say.”

For those unversed, Lainey defeated Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, and Chris Stapleton to win the trophy.