ACM marks 60th anniversary with ‘Firsts’ web series, beginning with Thomas Rhett’s 2015 win.
The Academy of Country Music is commemorating its 60th anniversary with a new web series on YouTube titled “ACM Firsts,” which will feature fresh content leading up to the May 2025 awards ceremony. The first installment of the series stars Thomas Rhett, reflecting on his remarkable victory for the Single of the Year category in 2015 with his hit song “Die a Happy Man.”
Recalling the emotional moment of his win, Rhett expressed, “Holy crap, my heart is beating a million miles a minute and I have lipstick on my lips from kissing my beautiful wife.” Since his initial triumph at the ACM awards, Rhett has seen a meteoric rise in his career, accumulating an impressive 17 number-one hits, with “What’s Your Country Song” standing out as his most recent success.
The highly-anticipated 60th ACM awards show is scheduled to be broadcast on Prime Video from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco on May 8. Country music icon Reba McEntire will reprise her role as the host for the ceremony, marking her 18th time leading the event.
From its inception in 1964, the Academy of Country Music has burgeoned to encompass 5,000 members globally. The organization has expanded its reach to support music programs and foster industry growth through its ACM Lifting Lives initiative, serving as a pivotal influence for artists, songwriters, and industry professionals.
In each episode of “ACM Firsts,” artists will share poignant ACM memories while delving into archival footage for an enriching retrospective experience. Additional episodes of the series are slated to be released on the ACM’s YouTube channel in the build-up to the awards show.
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Erica Banas is a seasoned news blogger specializing in coverage of the rock and classic rock landscape since 2014. One of the most memorable events she had the privilege of covering in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which included the iconic moment of Sir Paul McCartney inducting the Foo Fighters. Banas is recognized for her expertise in etiquette and embodies extraordinary kindness, advocating for #TransRightsAreHumanRights.