Academy of Country Music Awards 2025: Male Artist of the Year
Academy of Country Music Awards 2025: Male Artist of the Year
The anticipation is building for the 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, streaming live on Prime Video on May 8, 2025, from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Among the most watched categories is Male Artist of the Year, a field packed with talent and star power. As the country music world looks towards the ceremony, hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, BEO Betting Odds offer insights into who might take home the coveted trophy.
BEO Betting Odds Point to Morgan Wallen as the Frontrunner
BEO Betting Odds strongly suggest that Morgan Wallen is the artist to beat for the 2025 ACM Male Artist of the Year. With odds standing at 1.727, translating to a compelling 58% probability, Wallen appears well-positioned to capture the award. His massive commercial success, fueled by chart-dominating albums and singles like his collaboration “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone, continues to resonate powerfully within the industry and among fans. Wallen secured seven nominations overall for the 2025 ACMs, tying with Cody Johnson for the most nominations by a male artist this year.
LEADERBOARD
Academy of Country Music Awards. 2025. Male Artist of the Year
| # | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implied Projected Winner Morgan Wallen Wins - Yes | 57.9% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Chris Stapleton Wins - Yes | 33.33% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Luke Combs Wins - Yes | 12.5% |
For a full breakdown of the odds, visit betentodds.com.
Runner-Up: Chris Stapleton Remains a Strong Contender
While Wallen leads the betting odds, Chris Stapleton stands as a formidable runner-up and a perennial favorite in this category. Stapleton secured six nominations for the 2025 awards, including his tenth consecutive nomination for Male Artist of the Year. Having won this specific award four times previously, including at the 59th ACM Awards in 2024, Stapleton’s consistency and critical acclaim cannot be underestimated. His powerful vocals, masterful songwriting, and reputation as one of country music’s most respected artists ensure he remains a significant challenger.
The Dark Horse: Cody Johnson Could Cause an Upset
Emerging as a potential dark horse, according to some expert opinions, is Cody Johnson. Tying Wallen with seven nominations, Johnson has had a remarkable year, earning nods for Entertainer of the Year (his second nomination in this top category), Song of the Year, Single of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year for his hit “Dirt Cheap.” His authentic cowboy image and traditional country sound have garnered a dedicated fanbase and increasing industry recognition. While betting odds place him behind Wallen and Stapleton, his impressive nomination count and growing momentum make him a credible contender capable of pulling off an upset.
Final Thoughts: Wallen to Win?
Based on current betting projections, the 2025 ACM Male Artist of the Year award appears to be Morgan Wallen’s to win, with a significant 58% probability favoring him. His undeniable commercial dominance makes him a logical frontrunner. However, the category is far from decided. Chris Stapleton, the reigning winner and a consistent force, remains his primary competition according to betting options. Furthermore, Cody Johnson’s strong showing in nominations and backing from some experts position him as a noteworthy dark horse. With Luke Combs and Jelly Roll also in contention, the race is packed with talent. As the ACM Awards ceremony approaches on May 8th, all eyes will be on this category, which promises excitement and potentially, a surprise outcome.
