Reba McEntire Returning as 60th Academy of Country Music Awards Host

Reba McEntire, the iconic country music star, has just been announced as the host for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, marking her 18th time hosting the prestigious event. This milestone is a testament to her enduring popularity and dedication to the country music industry. The 2025 ACM Awards will take place on May 8 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and will be streamed live exclusively on Prime Video. Here’s a closer look at Reba’s remarkable career and what to expect from the upcoming ACM Awards.

A Legacy of Hosting

Reba McEntire’s record-breaking tenure as the Academy of Country Music Awards host has left an indelible mark on the country music industry. With a total of 17 previous hosting stints, she has eclipsed the legendary Bob Hope’s record of hosting the Oscars 19 times. Her 17-year stint at the ACMs is remarkable, but her five appearances at the CMA Awards bring her grand total to 22 years. This puts her well ahead of Bob Hope, whose record of hosting the Oscars stands at 19 times.

Returning to the Spotlight

Reba’s decision to return as the host of the 60th ACM Awards was inspired by her experience witnessing Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks co-host the event last year. The competitive spirit she felt then has driven her to rejoin the festivities. "I saw Dolly and Garth host last year, and it brought out something competitive in me in a fun way. I wanted to be a part of it. I miss it, and I’ve got new music, which is a great way to promote it and get back in the swing of things," Reba shared in an interview with Billboard.

Excitement and Preparation

Reba is thrilled about the upcoming show, which will feature new performances and collaborations. She expressed her enthusiasm about the camaraderie that comes with having all the artists in the same hotel. "You get to go have fun with all your friends and buddies that you’ve known for the past 45, 50 years in the business and meet new people. It’s the best place to get to know the new artists, and that’s what I really enjoy getting to do," Reba explained.

Her preparation for the show involves working closely with trusted writers to create engaging dialogue and managing multiple outfit changes. She also has valuable strategies for handling unexpected situations, recalling a 2004 incident where a time delay occurred due to performer Keith Urban’s lost guitar. "Dick was like, ‘Get out there and stall.’ I panicked. I mean, I’ve had experiences like that before, so I think I have flashbacks of that when someone says, ‘Get out there and wing it.’ I’m not [actor/comedian] Melissa Peterman – I cannot do that. So, Dick had to come out and help, and we got through it," Reba shared.

A Legacy of Music and Performances

Throughout her extensive hosting tenure, Reba has taken on various configurations, both solo and co-hosting alongside artists like George Strait, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson, and John Schneider. She even has a few dream collaborators in mind, including her beau, Rex Linn. "I’d love to co-host with Rex," she said. "Rex is the biggest music fan. He and Melissa Peterman are two people who love music more than anybody. Boy, that would be fun. Melissa, Rex, and me hosting it? That would be a hoot. I would just sit back and have an iced tea and let them do all the work," she joked.

Reba has graced the ACM Awards stage with memorable performances, such as her 2007 collaboration with Kelly Clarkson on "Because of You." This year, she will perform her new single, "I Can’t," which she described as "a very strong woman’s song about standing up for herself". Her new album, which she has been working on with producer Dave Cobb since 2021, is nearing completion. "We’ve been working on it for over a year now, so not sure when it will be released, but I’m very proud of it," Reba shared. "We wanted to do something a little more laid-back, with not so many instruments on it. But by the time we got more involved with it, we started putting more instruments back in and making it to where we like it," she added.

Upcoming Performances and Collaborations

The upcoming 2025 ACM Awards will feature a mix of veteran artists and rising stars. Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, and Morgan Wallen lead the nominations for this year’s awards. The event will also mark the comeback of the New Duo or Group of the Year award, with nominations for Neon Union, Restless Road, and Tigirlily Gold, for the first time since 2018.

Conclusion

Reba McEntire’s return as the host of the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is a testament to her enduring influence in the country music industry. Her dedication to the ACM Awards, combined with her new music and performances, promises an unforgettable show. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the country music scene, the 2025 ACM Awards are an event not to be missed. So, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the best of country music with Reba McEntire at the helm.

References

• Reba McEntire's Unmatched Country Awards Hosting Legacy: A Record-Breaking 22-Year Tenure
• Reba McEntire on Hosting the ACM Awards, New Music ...
• Reba McEntire Will Host the 2024 ACM Awards
• The Academy of Country Music Awards 2025 Date Set: https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/reba-mcentire-thrilled-host-milestone-acm-awards.html: https://variety.com/2024/music/news/reba-mcentire-host-acm-awards-prime-video-interview-1236003201/: https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/reba-mcentire-acm-awards-hosting-1235683611/: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/reba-mcentire-acm-awards-host-1235010426/: https://deadline.com/2024/07/acm-awards-2025-date-reba-mcentire-1236011156/