The moment Lainey Wilson stepped onstage at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, it was clear this wasn’t just another awards night—it was her night. With poise, heart, and her signature grit, she didn’t just collect trophies. She claimed her spot among country music’s greats.
And she did it in style, taking home the biggest honor of the night—Entertainer of the Year—along with Female Artist of the Year and Music Event of the Year for her collaboration with Jelly Roll on “Save Me.” The crowd at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, was struck silent during her powerful performance and moved to cheers as she accepted the night’s highest award. Viewers at home could feel it too—Lainey Wilson wasn’t rising anymore. She had arrived.
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A Little Girl, A Rooftop, and a Dream
In a deeply personal acceptance speech, Wilson reflected on her long road to this moment. “I’ve been doing this in Nashville for 13 years,” she said, her voice full of emotion and awe. She recalled climbing out onto the roof of her childhood home in tiny Baskin, Louisiana, population 200, to count the stars and watch planes fly overhead—dreaming that one day she’d be up there, among them.
This year alone, she’s already toured the UK, Europe, and Australia, with her American tour still to come. But even with all her success, Wilson said, “I still feel like that little girl. Except now, I feel like I’m a little more eye level with them.”
It’s a sentiment that resonated beyond the ACM stage. Lainey Wilson’s story is one of persistence, belief, and a deep love for the craft of country music.
Breaking Barriers, Blazing Trails
Wilson now joins a short but powerful list of women to win Entertainer of the Year. Miranda Lambert took the title in 2022. In 2020, Carrie Underwood shared it in an unprecedented tie with Thomas Rhett—the first time a woman had won since Taylor Swift in 2012. Wilson’s win is a massive statement, not just for her, but for women in country music as a whole.
And that’s not all. With wins for New Female Artist of the Year (2022), Female Artist of the Year (2023 and 2024), and now Entertainer of the Year, Wilson has officially completed the ACM Triple Crown—an incredibly rare achievement that puts her in elite company.
The Queen of the Night
Wilson kicked off the 59th ACMs with a high-energy mashup of “God Blessed Texas” and her new single “Hang Tight Honey,” setting the tone for the night. From there, it was one powerful moment after another—none more moving than her shared award with Jelly Roll for “Save Me.”
The emotional ballad, which Jelly Roll called life-saving during his acceptance speech, has become a fan favorite and a symbol of redemption and collaboration in modern country. “No pun intended, but seriously, this song saved me,” he told the audience. “I thought I would die and go to jail.” Instead, he found himself celebrating an ACM win alongside one of the genre’s fastest-rising stars.
A Night of Surprises and Tributes
Lainey wasn’t the only star lighting up the night. Chris Stapleton took home Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, sharing his deep gratitude with a simple, “I’m happy just to be included in this company.”
Luke Combs, who led the night with eight nominations, won Single of the Year for his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” And in one of the show’s most emotional moments, Jason Aldean delivered a heartfelt acoustic tribute to the late Toby Keith with “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” as Keith’s family looked on.
Pop-country collaborations also stole the spotlight: Chris Stapleton performed with Dua Lipa, Post Malone debuted a new track with Morgan Wallen (though Wallen didn’t perform), and even host Reba McEntire joined Posty for a surprise duet of “Ramblin’ Man” in honor of the late Dickey Betts.
Bell-Bottoms and Big Moments
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lainey Wilson night without a little bell-bottomed swagger. Known for her unique style, she walked the line between throwback and trailblazer, blending vintage country vibes with the power of a modern superstar. Her performance, stage presence, and speech had fans online declaring her not just a winner, but the moment.
With her distinctive voice, grounded authenticity, and fiercely loyal fanbase, Wilson is more than just a hitmaker. She’s become a symbol of resilience, gratitude, and genuine artistry.
What’s Next for Lainey?
Following her ACM sweep, Wilson shows no signs of slowing down. Her new album is already building buzz, and her American tour promises to bring her signature energy to fans across the country. She’s also set to expand her reach beyond country radio, appearing in crossover collaborations and even teasing a few new genre experiments.
But no matter how far she goes, Wilson’s roots remain planted in tradition—and her eyes, still fixed on the stars.
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