ACM Celebrates 60 Years with ‘Firsts’ Web Series, Kicking Off with Thomas Rhett’s 2015 Win

The Academy of Country Music is rolling out a new web series called "ACM Firsts" on YouTube to celebrate its 60th anniversary. New content will drop regularly leading up to the May 2025 awards ceremony.

Thomas Rhett opens the series by looking back on his memorable 2015 Single of the Year win for "Die a Happy Man."

"Holy crap, my heart is beating a million miles a minute and I have lipstick on my lips from kissing my beautiful wife," Rhett said after winning.

Since his first ACM win, Rhett's career has taken off. He's now racked up 17 number-one hits, with "What's Your Country Song" being his latest success.

The landmark 60th show will air on Prime Video from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco on May 8. Reba McEntire will take the helm as host for an amazing 18th time.

The organization has grown from its humble beginnings in 1964 to include 5,000 members worldwide. The group now backs music programs and industry growth through its ACM Lifting Lives initiative. It continues to be a driving force for artists, songwriters, and industry pros.

In each episode of "ACM Firsts," artists share their favorite ACM moments alongside archival footage. New episodes will pop up on the ACM's YouTube as we get closer to the awards show.