Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson Win Big At ACM Awards

Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton won Entertainer of the Year at Thursday night’s, ACM Awards. As he got emotional, he acknowledged his family and said “They give up a lot of my time and a lot of my wife's time so we can go do this. This is for them.” Though he’s been nominated before, this was his first win for Entertainer.

Dolly Parton, who won Female Artist of the Year in 1980 announced Lainey Wilson as this year’s recipient. Stepping up to the microphone, she said, “I can’t believe I just met Dolly Parton!” It was a big night for Lainey, she also won the coveted Album of the Year and shared two awards with HARDY for Best Visual Media as well as Best Music Event for “Wait in The Truck.” HARDY also picked up Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

Morgan Wallen won Best Male Artist, but wasn’t in attendance.

Cole Swindell’s hit, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” picked up both Song and Single of the Year. Cole told the audience, “I don’t know what I ever did to get this fortunate.”

Brothers Osborne won Best Duo and Old Dominion won Group of the Year.

The show was packed with live performances from Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, as well as a powerful duet from Luke Combs and Ed Sheeran.

While the ACM Awards historically aired on network television, this year marked their 2nd year to be streamed and network free. Hosted by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards was held in Frisco, Texas.

We are so proud of you @laineywilson 🥲 #ACMawards pic.twitter.com/qo84ijdlnc

— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 12, 2023

And the Winners Are:

• Entertainer of the YearChris Stapleton
• Album of the YearBell Bottom Country - Lainey Wilson
• Female Artist of the YearLainey Wilson
• Male Artist of the YearMorgan Wallen
• Duo of the YearBrothers Osborne
• Group of the YearOld Dominion
• New Female Artist of the YearHailey Whitters
• New Male Artist of the YearZach Bryan
• Single of the YearShe Had Me at Heads Carolina - Cole Swindell
• Song of the YearShe Had Me at Heads Carolina - Tim Nichols, Cole Swindell, Ashley Gorley, and Mark D. Sanders
• Visual Media of the YearWait in the Truck - HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
• Music Event of the YearWait in the Truck - HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
• Artist-Songwriter of the YearHARDY
• Songwriter of the YearAshley Gorley