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It was an unforgettable night for breakthrough artist Lainey Wilson at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards. The singer took home not one but two of the evening’s biggest honors, claiming Female Artist of the Year and the coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy.
“I’ve been in Nashville for 13 years doing this. Everybody in this category has loved on me and believed on me, And I love y’all for that,” she said in her speech.
Her Entertainer of the Year win puts Wilson in elite company, following in the footsteps of powerhouses like Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. Underwood herself was the last woman to receive the honor back in 2020. Of course, Taylor Swift still holds a special place in fans’ hearts as the recipient in 2012.
Later in the evening, Jordan Davis got to experience his own memorable moment when his ubiquitous hit “Next Thing You Know” took home the coveted Song of the Year trophy. Clay Walker and Randy Travis were on hand to present the honor. “I love songwriting because of songs that won song of the year, so to be holding this right now is crazy” Davis shared.
Jason Aldean paid homage to the late, great Toby Keith with a solo acoustic rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” that had the entire audience singing along. Keith’s family watched from the audience, taking in the poignant moment. The iconic artist received 14 ACM wins throughout his storied career before passing away from cancer earlier this year.
Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Miranda Lambert were among the many other big winners of the night. But it was truly Lainey Wilson’s landmark career accomplishment that will surely be remembered as one of the most pivotal ACM moments in years to come.
