ACM Awards Celebrate Emerging Artists in Country Music

FRISCO, Texas — The Academy of Country Music commenced its 2025 Awards by announcing several trophy winners ahead of the main event set for May 8. Notably, Zach Top was crowned 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year, Ella Langley took home the New Female Artist Award, and The Red Clay Strays were recognized as New Duo or Group of the Year.

Zach Top received his award on April 24 during a sold-out concert in Wilmington, North Carolina. Expressing his gratitude, he stated, “I couldn’t be more honored, and I can’t say a big enough thank you to my fans for loving music and loving what we do on the road. It means the world to me.” Top’s album, Cold Beer & Country Music, is also nominated for Album of the Year.

The very next day, Ella Langley received her award on stage at Rock The Country in Knoxville, Tennessee. An emotional Langley shared, “Every day of my life, I’ve just prayed about this and thought about it. I’m just really grateful to have fans that are listening to the music and see that it is truth.” Langley’s success came after competing against notable artists like Dasha.

On April 29, The Red Clay Strays, an Alabama-based band, were surprised with their award while recording with producer Dave Cobb in Savannah, Georgia. The band, which has gained attention for its viral hit “Wondering Why,” was recognized despite their assertion that they don’t strictly identify as a country group. Frontman Brandon Coleman stated, “If anything, we’re Americana…It’s all these different rhythms and genres coming together to form whatever sound it is we play now.”

These early wins at the ACM Awards come with invitations to perform live during the ceremony. The Red Clay Strays have also been nominated for the prestigious ACM Group of the Year Award and are emerging as strong contenders in the country music scene.

As excitement builds for the main event in Frisco, many fans are hopeful that the ACM Awards will continue to highlight deserving artists. With several nominations already under their belts, this year’s awards may signal a positive change in the recognition of talented new faces in country music.