The 2025 Americana Music Awards, held at Nashville's iconic Ryman Auditorium on September 10th, celebrated the diverse sounds and talents within the Americana genre. This year's ceremony, part of the larger AmericanaFest, shone a spotlight on artists often overlooked by mainstream country music. The night saw a mix of established names and rising stars take home coveted awards, creating a memorable evening filled with exceptional performances and heartfelt acceptance speeches.
Sierra Ferrell, absent from the ceremony due to a tour commitment, earned the prestigious Artist of the Year award for the second year running. The honor was announced by host John C. Reilly, who shared a touching message with Ferrell after her win. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats claimed Album of the Year for their critically acclaimed album, *South of Here*, expressing gratitude for an award that recognizes artists often outside the mainstream spotlight. The night's first win went to Alex Hargreaves, Billy Strings' fiddler, for Instrumentalist of the Year, a victory he dedicated to all musicians working diligently yet often under-recognized.
Other notable wins included MJ Lenderman's Emerging Act of the Year win for his album *Manning Fireworks*, showcasing the growing influence of indie rock within the Americana scene. I'm With Her's “Ancient Light” took home Song of the Year, with a captivating performance of the track during the ceremony. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings were named Duo or Group of the Year, expressing their surprise and appreciation for the recognition.
The evening also included special Lifetime Achievement Awards. The McCrary Sisters, long-time contributors to the Americana music scene, received the Legacy Award, paying tribute to their late sister, Deborah, during a poignant acceptance speech. Old 97’s, a pivotal band in the alt-country movement, were also honored, reminiscing about their early career and acknowledging the impact of Waylon Jennings. Darrell Scott received a Lifetime Achievement Award, performing a powerful rendition of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” with the McCrary Sisters, creating an unforgettable moment for the audience. Jesse Welles was awarded the Free Speech Award, highlighting his current contributions, and underscoring his commitment to expressing his truth through his music. Joe Henry, another Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, humorously shared his initial reaction to the news, emphasizing the importance of persevering in one's artistic vision.
The ceremony included many memorable performances. From SG Goodman's powerful rendition of Neil Young's “Don’t Cry No Tears” to Dawes' emotional performance of “Time Spent in Los Angeles” and Emmylou Harris and Daniel Lanois' collaboration, the night provided a captivating journey through the spectrum of Americana music. John Fogerty closed the show with Creedence Clearwater Revival classics, leaving the audience energized and deeply moved. Despite several winners being absent, the 2025 Americana Music Awards remain a testament to the genre’s vibrant energy and the diverse talents it champions.
---
Originally published at: https://savingcountrymusic.com/winners-revealed-at-the-2025-americana-music-awards/
