Keith Urban earns rare Triple Crown at ACMs; Stapleton’s tribute and Nicole Kidman’s tears steal the show.
Six years after Keith Urban met the elite criteria for country music’s coveted Triple Crown Award, the recognition was finally given during a live segment of the 60th ACM Awards. This rare accolade is reserved for artists who have achieved the trifecta of honors: New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year—marking an enduring career of excellence and fan connection.
Urban’s path to this award was marked by patience and consistency. He first earned New Artist of the Year in 2001. Years later, he claimed the Male Vocalist of the Year title in both 2005 and 2006. Then, in 2019, he finally reached the pinnacle with Entertainer of the Year. Eighteen years passed between his first major ACM award and this Triple Crown moment, underscoring his enduring presence and influence in country music.
Receiving the honor during the live show brought extra weight, as it marked the first such presentation at the ceremony since Carrie Underwood was similarly honored back in 2010. For Urban, the moment was not only personal—it was symbolic of the respect and admiration he has earned from both peers and fans across decades of music-making.
The recognition came during a vibrant night at the 2025 ACM Awards, held on Thursday, May 8, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. Hosted by Reba McEntire, the show celebrated the best in country music, blending tradition with modern energy. The night featured a compelling mix of past favorites and present stars, all brought together for the 60th anniversary celebration.
Urban’s tribute segment stood out as a highlight. As the crowd roared with anticipation, the stage was set for a musical salute to his legacy. The showrunners brought together some of the most respected names in country music today to deliver heartfelt renditions of Keith’s biggest hits, infusing them with personal flair and reverence.
The 2025 ACM Awards took place Thursday, May 8, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.
Chris Stapleton, Brothers Osborne, and rising star Megan Moroney all took turns honoring Keith onstage. Each artist performed one of his standout songs, adding their own unique interpretations. The audience was treated to a blend of nostalgia and freshness as these musicians brought new energy to Urban’s timeless catalog.
Moroney kicked things off with a soulful rendition of “Stupid Boy,” a hit from 2006 that showcased Urban’s emotional storytelling. Stapleton followed, pouring his signature bluesy power into “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” The energy soared again with Brothers Osborne’s version of “Where The Blacktop Ends,” a spirited track from 1999 that got the entire crowd clapping along.
.@ChrisStapleton BLUE us away with his cover of "Blue Ain't Your Color" 💙 #ACMawards
Watch now on https://t.co/H8DgKcESzm pic.twitter.com/fLuHjPMZGj
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 9, 2025
As the medley came to a close, Keith and Nicole could be seen standing and dancing, fully immersed in the tribute. When the final note rang out, Keith picked up his guitar and joined Brothers Osborne for a surprise encore. The audience erupted as the moment unfolded live—genuine, joyful, and unforgettable.
Following the performance, Keith Urban was handed the Triple Crown Award onstage. The crowd’s cheers swelled with admiration as he accepted the honor. His speech was filled with gratitude, humility, and a deep appreciation for his supporters, peers, and especially Nicole, who had shared every step of the journey by his side.
See Keith Urban accept his award and hear his acceptance speech in the video below.
