The show opened with a 12- minute medley of ACM Songs of the Year from the six decades the show has been in existence, featuring McEntire along with Clint Black, Dan+ Shay, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland and Wynonna Judd.

The star also admitted to having "a little bit" of imposter syndrome while accepting the honor, which she also won at the 2024 ceremony

Lainey Wilson's fans continue to be in awe of her career trajectory, including her most recent performance at the 2025 ACMs. Blake Shelton introduced her as the "reigning ACM entertainer of the year, Lainey fricking Wilson," as she took the stage to cheers from the audience.