The 60th Annual ACM Awards delivered no shortage of unforgettable moments, but one emotional highlight stood above the rest: Keith Urban receiving the prestigious Triple Crown Award, a rare and coveted honor that recognizes artists who have achieved New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year over the course of their careers.
Held on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, the milestone-filled ceremony was hosted by country music legend Reba McEntire and featured an all-star lineup of performances. But it was Urban’s deeply personal celebration — 18 years in the making — that brought the house down and left fans, peers, and even his wife Nicole Kidman in tears.
Keith Urban Joins Elite Company With Triple Crown Achievement
Keith Urban first earned New Artist of the Year back in 2001, followed by back-to-back Male Vocalist of the Year wins in 2005 and 2006, and finally Entertainer of the Year in 2019.
Achieving all three awards places him in a highly exclusive group of country music legends — and makes him the first artist since Carrie Underwood in 2010 to receive the Triple Crown Award during a live ACM Awards broadcast.
This achievement isn’t just about accolades — it’s a testament to Urban’s consistency, creativity, and staying power in an industry that constantly evolves. Eighteen years between the first and final qualifying awards? That’s what legacy looks like.
Star-Studded Tribute Performance Celebrates Urban’s Career
To honor the moment, the ACMs brought together a powerhouse lineup to perform some of Keith Urban’s most iconic songs. The tribute segment became one of the most talked-about highlights of the night.
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Megan Moroney delivered a stunning rendition of “Stupid Boy” (2006), highlighting the emotional depth of Urban’s songwriting.
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Chris Stapleton took on “Blue Ain’t Your Color” (2016), captivating the audience with his signature soulful delivery.
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Brothers Osborne energized the room with a dynamic version of “Where the Blacktop Ends” (1999), taking fans back to one of Urban’s earliest hits.
Throughout the medley, Urban and Nicole Kidman were seen dancing in the audience, visibly emotional and joyful. Then came the surprise moment: Keith strapped on his guitar and joined Brothers Osborne on stage for the performance’s grand finale.
A Night of Celebration, Reflection, and Musical Magic
Following the tribute, Urban was officially presented with the Triple Crown Award on stage to thunderous applause. The crowd rose to their feet as he took the mic, holding back emotion while thanking his fans, industry peers, and especially Nicole Kidman, who beamed with pride from the front row.
“It’s been a long road, but it’s been worth every moment,” Keith said during his heartfelt acceptance speech.
“This award means more to me than I can put into words — thank you for believing in the music, and thank you for walking this journey with me.”
Relive the Moment
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Keith Urban’s music, this moment at the 2025 ACM Awards is one for the history books. With a heartfelt tribute, emotional speeches, and a legacy cemented in gold, Urban reminded the world why his music continues to resonate across generations.
