Chris Stapleton Wins Male Artist of the Year at 2025 ACM Awards

Chris Stapleton has done it again! The country star was officially named Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards. The 47-year-old was honored during the May 8 ceremony held at Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, and hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire.

During his acceptance speech, Stapleton thanked his family and acknowledged everyone who has worked with him throughout his career.

Chris Stapleton Wins Big at ACM Awards

“Wow, so many guys in this category that are so deserving and great artists, and I’m happy just to be hanging out in the room still,” he said. “But I gotta thank everybody who works so hard to make these things possible, all the men and women in our crew. My loving wife, Morgane, who keeps me in line all the time. My kids are at home.”

Stapleton also dedicated his trophy to the late Ben Vaughn, a respected Nashville music publisher who died earlier this year at age 49.

“I’m thinking a lot about my friend Ben Vaughn, who we lost this year,” he said. “So I’m gonna send this one out to Ben. Thank you, Ben. Thank y’all.”

Stapleton was nominated alongside Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, and Cody Johnson. This marks his fourth win in the category, with previous wins in 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024.

‘It Takes a Woman’

Later in the evening, Stapleton performed “It Takes a Woman” from his ACM Album of the Year winner, “Higher.” While the track wasn’t released as a single, it gained momentum and became a fan favorite, prompting him to perform it live. His wife, Morgane, joined him on stage to provide harmonies, as she often does.

The song is considered one of the standout tracks from the album and even won Best Country Solo Performance at last year’s Grammy Awards. The country star beat out Kacey Musgraves, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, and Beyoncé.