Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Eric Church Honored at 2025 ACM Honors
The Academy of Country Music has unveiled its Special Award recipients for the upcoming 18th annual ACM Honors, scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at The Pinnacle in Nashville Yards.
This event, honoring the 60th ACM Awards, highlights the genre’s most influential artists, songwriters, executives, and special contributors.
🌟 2025 ACM Special Award Honorees
| Award | Recipient(s) | Recognition Details |
|---|---|---|
| ACM Icon Award | Eric Church & Ben Vaughn | Celebrates multi-faceted contributions to country music, including songwriting, touring, philanthropy, and executive leadership |
| ACM International Award | Luke Combs | Honors his global impact—10 billion+ streams, sold‑out tours in Europe and Australia . |
| ACM Lifting Lives Award | Jelly Roll | Recognizes his charitable work and advocacy around mental health and at-risk youth . |
| ACM Spirit Award | Cody Johnson | A nod to Merle Haggard’s legacy; celebrates storytelling and authenticity . |
| ACM Milestone Award | Randy Travis | Highlights unique, standout impact in the past year . |
| ACM Lift Every Voice Award | Rissi Palmer | Acknowledges dedication to elevating underrepresented voices in country music . |
| ACM Poet’s Award | Mac McAnally | Honors his long-standing excellence and influence in songwriting . |
| ACM Film Award | Twisters | For featuring an all-original country soundtrack—first since Urban Cowboy . |
| ACM Service Award | Lori Badgett | Acknowledges her vital service to the ACM organization . |
- Ticket pre-sale begins Thursday, July 10 for ACM A‑List subscribers and Academy members, with general sale starting Friday, July 11 via AXS
- Event details like host, performance lineup, and schedule are to be announced shortly.
As the ACM commemorates its 60th anniversary, the Special Awards bring renewed focus to the music community’s legacy and future. From global outreach (Luke Combs) and social impact (Jelly Roll), to artistic excellence (Eric Church, Mac McAnally) and diversity champions (Rissi Palmer), this lineup represents the broad spectrum of country music’s evolving identity.
Stay tuned for more updates on performance setlists, hosts, and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage leading up to August 20.
