Alan Jackson Delivers Tearful “Remember When” Performance at 2025 ACMs Before Receiving Lifetime Achievement Honor
The ACM Awards unfolded on Thursday, May 8, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, drawing the biggest names in country music under one roof for a celebration of both legacy and rising talent.
It was a night filled with emotion and recognition, where chart-toppers and legends alike were honored for their contributions over the past year. From heartfelt speeches to unforgettable performances, the event reflected the deep spirit of country music.
Amid the buzz of new faces and emerging talent, the evening took a deeply nostalgic turn with a special appearance by Alan Jackson. The country icon returned to the ACM stage with a touching performance that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Jackson moved the audience with an emotional rendition of his beloved ballad “Remember When,” a track long associated with reflection, love, and the passage of time. His voice, seasoned yet still rich with feeling, captured the crowd completely.
Alan Jackson is a familiar and respected presence at the ACM Awards, having even shared hosting duties back in 1994 with fellow legend Reba McEntire. His long-standing relationship with the awards show has been marked by memorable moments and a deep connection to the country music community.
One unforgettable incident that remains a part of ACM lore is Jackson’s subtle protest during a past performance—an act that displayed his quiet strength and principles. Despite that bold stand, the mutual respect between Jackson and the ACMs has remained strong throughout the years.
In 2024, just one year prior, Jackson was honored with the ACM Poets Award during the ACM Honors ceremony—a recognition of his powerful songwriting and poetic contributions to the genre. That tribute paved the way for the lifetime honor he would receive this year.
@countrycentral Alan Jackson accepts the Alan Jackson Lifetime Achivemnet Award at the 2025 ACM awards. #alanjackson #acmawards #countrymusic ♬ original sound – Country Central
Watch Alan Jackson’s 2025 ACM Performance of “Remember When”
@aleen.1o0 Alan Jackson – Remember When live ACM 2025 #alanjackson #rememberwhen #acm #acm2025 ♬ original sound – Aleen
Reba McEntire, herself a towering figure in the country music world, gave a warm introduction before Jackson took the stage. The moment was quiet, respectful, and full of anticipation as the audience prepared to hear one of the most heartfelt songs in the genre’s history.
“Remember When,” first released in 2003, originally appeared as the second single from Jackson’s Greatest Hits Volume II compilation. The track has long resonated with fans for its deeply personal lyrics and its nostalgic reflection on life, love, and growing older together.
Following his moving performance, Alan Jackson was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award—a recognition of his profound influence on the country music landscape. With a career spanning decades, his songs have touched hearts, told stories, and shaped the sound of the genre itself.
