BREAKING NEWS: Clint Black Joins Reba McEntire and Country Legends for a Historic ACM Awards 2025 Opening Tribute
In Long Branch, New Jersey, country music fans were stunned and elated as Clint Black, age 63, made an electrifying announcement: he will take the stage alongside Reba McEntire and other legendary artists for a 12-minute opening performance at the ACM Awards 2025. The performance, set to honor past “Song of the Year” winners, is being described as one of the most ambitious and emotional opening numbers in the award show’s history.
Speaking with excitement, Clint shared that the tribute will weave together some of the genre’s most celebrated songs into a medley that not only honors the past but also bridges generations of country music fans. “These songs tell the story of country music,” he said. “To stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Reba and so many others in celebrating them is something I’ll never forget.”
The reveal immediately sparked anticipation, with fans flooding social media to express their joy and disbelief. Hashtags like #ACM2025 and #ClintBlackReturns began trending within minutes of the announcement. Many longtime admirers said they expected the performance to deliver “chills, tears, and unforgettable music.”
The Academy of Country Music Awards, scheduled for spring 2025 in Las Vegas, has long been known for its dazzling collaborations, but this year’s opening act is shaping up to be particularly historic. With multiple generations of performers uniting on stage, the medley will pay tribute to the enduring power of songs that have defined lives, soundtracked memories, and carried country music from honky-tonks to arenas worldwide.
Reba McEntire, herself a past host and lifetime icon of the ACMs, will lead the lineup with her trademark energy and stage presence. Clint Black, whose breakout hits like “Killin’ Time” and “A Better Man” remain staples of the genre, brings both nostalgia and authenticity to the performance. Together with other soon-to-be-announced stars, the ensemble promises to deliver a show-stopping reminder of why country music remains one of America’s most cherished traditions.
But it was Clint’s second revelation that left fans truly breathless. While keeping details under wraps, he hinted that the performance might include a surprise collaboration or an unexpected song choice—a twist designed to bring the audience to its feet. “There’s something special planned,” Clint teased. “I can’t say more, but I promise it will be a moment worth remembering.”
The hint of a surprise only added fuel to the excitement. Industry insiders speculated that the moment could involve a reunion of country legends, a tribute to an artist who has passed, or even the debut of a new arrangement blending traditional and modern sounds. Whatever the case, fans are already calling it the “can’t-miss moment of the year.”
For Clint Black, the announcement also marks a powerful return to center stage. Though he has continued to record and tour, this ACM spotlight places him once again at the forefront of the genre he helped define in the late 1980s and 1990s. His inclusion in the opening tribute is seen as recognition of his lasting impact on country music’s golden era.
As the countdown to the ACM Awards 2025 continues, excitement is reaching fever pitch. Fans across the nation are already making plans to tune in, knowing they may witness a performance that will be remembered for decades.
For now, one thing is certain: with Clint Black, Reba McEntire, and a star-studded lineup, the ACMs are preparing to open with not just a show, but a historic celebration of the songs that built country music—and a surprise twist that promises to leave the world talking.