Luke Combs Surprised With Extra Accolade While Walking The Red Carpet At The 2025 ACM Honors
Luke Combs arrived at the 2025 ACM Honors knowing he’d be recognized as the recipient of the International Award. But much to his surprise, he received an extra accolade on the red carpet!
As the ACM’s website details, the late singer-songwriter Jim Reeves inspired the creation of the International Award. It’s bestowed upon “a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of Country Music throughout the world.”
Combs received the International Award this year because of his presence as a worldwide and well-loved superstar.
“Combs’ global reach is evident in his streaming success,” the ACM says. “With over 10 billion streams and 25 million monthly listeners across all platforms, he’s a true international presence. His tours have sold out venues in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Australia, showcasing his global fanbase. Combs’ success is a bridge between Country Music’s American roots and the rest of the world.”
Combs attended the ACM Honors ceremony on August 20th, where he received a tribute performance from Ashley McBryde. Prior to the event, Combs walked the red carpet with his wife, Nicole.
On the red carpet, the ACM surprised Combs with a plaque celebrating the triple platinum certification of his song “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.” Combs recorded the song for the 2024 Twisters movie soundtrack.
Twisters also got its moment in the spotlight during the ACM Honors. The film received the ACM Film Award this year. The award “recognizes an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features Country Music.”
Watch Combs be surprised with his platinum plaque for “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” in the video in the first post below. Scroll through the carousel of images in the second post to see a picture of him with the plaque.
Which Artists Were Recognized During The ACM Honors This Year?
Luke Combs was one of several artists recognized during the ACM Honors this year. Other honorees included:
- Jelly Roll – ACM Lifting Lives Award
- Lainey Wilson – ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year
- Cody Johnson – ACM Spirit Award
- Eric Church – ACM Icon Award
- Ben Vaughn – ACM Icon Award
- Randy Travis – ACM Milestone Award
- Rissi Palmer – ACM Lift Every Voice Award
- Mac MacAnally – ACM Poet’s Award
- Lori Badgett – ACM Service Award
- Jessie Jo Dillon – ACM Songwriter of the Year Award
The ceremony, hosted by Carly Pearce and Russell Dickerson, took place on August 20. The program was filmed and will be featured in an episode of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown on September 27.
The Countdown will include some of the performances and behind-the-scenes interviews with the honorees. The performance footage will be exclusive to the Countdown‘s broadcast, so you won’t want to miss it.
Margaret Comeaux, CMT’s Executive Producer and SVP of Production, said:
“Our special episode of CMT Hot 20: ACM Honors Edition will bring fans an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at one of Country’s most meaningful nights, celebrating the incredible talent and hard work that drives our industry both on and off stage. It’s an honor to share these well-deserved awards and heartfelt performances with viewers coast-to-coast.“
In the meantime, look below to watch a clip of Ashley McBryde singing “Beer Never Broke My Heart” in tribute to Luke Combs at the ACM Honors. Congratulations to him and all of the other honorees!