Pope Leo XIV’s message to the world after becoming first US-born leader of Catholic Church
The Vatican announced the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church, shortly after white smoke began pouring from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday.
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti announced Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election as pope to the thousands of faithful who descended on St. Peter’s Square after the 133 voting cardinals deliberated in the Sistine Chapel for roughly 24 hours.
Prevost, a 69-year-old Augustinian, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica wearing the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Pope Francis had chosen not to wear after his election in 2013.
His first words as pope were “Peace be with you,” which he said in Italian, and delivered a message to the faithful building bridges, peace and dialogue “without fear.” Prevost then switched to Spanish to recall his years as a missionary and later archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru. He did not deliver any words in English.
LIVE UPDATES: CARDINAL ROBERT PREVOST ANNOUNCED AS FIRST AMERICAN POPE, TAKING NAME LEO XIV
Prevost succeeds the late Pope Francis, who died at age 88 on April 21 following health challenges.
Prevost, whose views are close to those that Francis held, thanked his predecessor in his remarks.
Francis brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 to serve as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. As a result, Prevost had a prominence going into the conclave that few other cardinals have.
Prevost was born on Sept. 14, 1955, in Chicago. He is also a citizen of Peru, where he lived for years as a missionary and later as an archbishop.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977 before taking his solemn vows and studying theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago in 1982.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
VP Vance turns tables on Biden after criticism of infamous Oval Office meeting
Vice President JD Vance fired back at Joe Biden’s new criticism of the infamous Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, dismissing the former commander-in-chief’s foreign policy as a “total disaster.”
“I think it’s rich for Joe Biden to comment on anything that we’re doing when it comes to Russia and Ukraine,” Vance on Thursday told Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum on “The Story.” “Under Biden’s administration, Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine… I wish Joe Biden the best. I don’t really care what he has to say about American foreign policy because so much of what he actually did was a total disaster.”
In an interview with the BBC earlier this week — his first since leaving office in January — Biden called the President Donald Trump-Vance meeting with Zelenskyy “beneath America.”
VANCE SAYS RUSSIA’S DEMANDS ARE TOO HIGH, BUT THERE’S STILL A PATH TO ‘DURABLE PEACE’ WITH UKRAINE
In addition to addressing Biden’s criticism, Vance reaffirmed the Trump administration’s support for Ukrainian sovereignty but stood by earlier comments suggesting the U.S. may scale back its role as lead negotiator in peace talks.
VANCE PREVIEWS US-IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS, SAYS TRUMP ‘OPEN’ TO SITTING DOWN WITH RUSSIANS, CHINESE IN FUTURE
“We obviously want Ukraine to remain a sovereign country,” he said. “We knew that the Russians’ first offer would be too much. We knew that they would ask for more than was reasonable to give. That’s how negotiations often work. I’m not bothered by that.”
“What would bother me is if we conclude that the Russians are not engaging in the negotiation in good faith. And if that happens, yeah, we’re [going to] walk away,” said Vance.
Despite a recent rejection of a ceasefire proposal by Russia, Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone about the direction of peace talks.
“I actually think it’s progress that they’re even talking,” he said. “We’re putting concrete peace plans on the table.”
BIDEN TRASHES TRUMP’S RUSSIA-UKRAINE EFFORTS IN FIRST INTERVIEW SINCE LEAVING OFFICE
Vance also addressed developments in global trade, touting the administration’s first formal tariff agreement reached with the U.K. Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed a 10% reciprocal tariff on U.K. imports, and additional tariffs on global products like steel and vehicles.
“Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!”
TRUMP CONFIRMS TRADE DEAL WITH UK: ‘FULL AND COMPREHENSIVE’
Vance said the U.K. was chosen first because of its openness and strong relationship with the current administration. As for China, which retaliated with steep tariffs of its own, Vance acknowledged the difficulty of rebalancing global trade but said the administration remains committed.
“We’re [going to] have a conversation with them. We’ll see where it leads,” he said. “We just [want a] deal with any country, whether it’s China or anybody else that makes American workers and American businesses in a better position,” Vance continued, saying he felt that goal was “very achievable.”
Turning to domestic issues, Vance discussed ongoing efforts under DOGE, even as its leader, Elon Musk, steps back from day-to-day involvement.
ELON MUSK DOES NOT REGRET WORK AT DOGE, SUPPORT FOR TRUMP: ‘ESSENTIAL’ FOR AMERICA TO ‘REACH GREATER HEIGHTS’
“Elon’s not disappearing,” Vance said. “Nobody said that the work of DOGE would only last 110 days and that would be it… We think there’s a lot more waste and fraud that we can find.”
He confirmed that Attorney General Pam Bondi is preparing investigations into potential large-scale fraud and that lawsuits could follow.
“I know that she’s working on building the case against some of these people who have committed absolute fraud on the American people. You’re [going to] see some of those prosecutions over the next few years,” he said.
When asked about rumored tension between himself and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both of whom have been floated as potential Trump successors, Vance dismissed the idea.
PRESIDENT TRUMP CALLS FIRST AMERICAN POPE LEO XIV AN ‘HONOR’ FOR US, ‘VERY HAPPY’
“Marco’s actually my, probably my best friend in the administration,” he said. “We hang out and talk all the time. He’s doing a really good job. And, of course, I’m doing the best job that I can.”
Still, Vance didn’t rule out a run for the presidency in 2028.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I can see myself doing a really good job for the next 1,100 days, and then the American people can figure it out from there,” he said.
Wild brawls break out as anti-Israel mob overruns another NYC college campus
Chaos and wild brawls broke out at a New York City university on Thursday evening after pro-Palestinian activists tried setting up an encampment on college grounds.
New York Police Department (NYPD) officers were dispatched to Brooklyn College after anti-Israel agitators refused to take down their tents. Videos show activists, many of whom were wearing keffiyehs, yelling and swearing as police officers attempted to get the unruly crowd under control.
“Stop shoving people! Stop f–king shoving people!” one female protester yelled.
“Get the f–k out! Get the f–k out!” another screamed.
DOZENS OF ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS ARRESTED AFTER STORMING, TAKING OVER COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURING FINALS
In an emotionally charged portion of the video, police pulled back a man’s shirt and tased him as he screamed.
An officer urged a woman to take her child away from the scene.
“Get that baby out of here now!” a cop warned the phone-wielding woman. “Get that baby out of here!”
Another clip shows police officers restraining protesters on the ground as demonstrators scream and attempt to intervene.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LAYS OFF AROUND 180 STAFF AFTER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION REVOKES GRANTS
“The cops are out of control,” a woman is heard saying.
Brooklyn College told Fox News that the protesters “erected tents on the Brooklyn College quad in violation of college policy.”
“After multiple warnings to take the tents down and disperse, members of CUNY Public Safety and NYPD removed the tents and dispersed the crowd,” the statement added.
“The safety of our campus community will always be paramount, and Brooklyn College respects the right to protest while also adhering to strict rules meant to ensure the safe operation of our University and prohibit individuals from impeding access to educational facilities.”
The chaos comes a day after over 100 anti-Israel agitators stormed the Butler Library at Columbia University. The chaos erupting as students were trying to study for finals.
In total, the NYPD made 80 arrests at the prestigious college, a source told Fox News.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital reached out to the NYPD for additional information.
President Trump taps FOX News’ Judge Jeanine Pirro for position in DC
President Donald Trump has tapped “The Five” co-host Judge Jeanine Pirro to be the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C.
“I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Thursday. “Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position, and is considered one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York. She is in a class by herself. Congratulations Jeanine!”
Pirro has left Fox News Channel and a rotation of Fox News personalities will fill her seat on “The Five” until a new co-host is named.
“Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across FOX News Media who contributed greatly to our success throughout her 14-year tenure. We wish her all the best in her new role in Washington,” a spokesperson for FOX News Media said in a statement.
TRUMP PULLS HIS NOMINATION FOR DC US ATTORNEY, SAYS HE’LL REVEAL NEW PICK SOON
Pirro served as the assistant district attorney and district attorney in New York’s Westchester County and became the first woman to service as a judge in Westchester County Court.
She joined Fox News Channel in 2006 and hosted “Justice with Judge Jeanine” for 11 years before joining “The Five,” which has emerged as the most-watched show on cable news.
FOX NEWS CHANNEL FINISHES HIGHEST-RATED FIRST 100 DAYS IN CABLE NEWS HISTORY WITH DOMINANT APRIL
Trump also announced on Truth Social that Ed Martin, who was the previous interim U.S. attorney in D.C., will be moving to the Department of Justice as its “Director of the Weaponization Working Group, Associate Deputy Attorney General, and Pardon Attorney.”
“In these highly important roles, Ed will make sure we finally investigate the Weaponization of our Government under the Biden Regime, and provide much needed Justice for its victims. Congratulations Ed!” Trump wrote.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Trump pulled Martin’s nomination for U.S. attorney in D.C. following resistance on Capitol Hill signaling he did not have the votes to be confirmed.
“He wasn’t getting the support from people that I thought,” Trump told reporters at the White House earlier in the day. “You know, he’s done a very good job. Crime is down 25% in DC during this period of time… I can only lift that little phone so many times of the day. But we have somebody else.”
Trump’s decision to replace Martin came amid a May 20 deadline to confirm the former defense attorney and “Stop the Steal” organizer. That’s because if the Senate fails to confirm a U.S. attorney nominee within 120 days, federal district court judges may select an interim U.S. attorney, according to the Department of Justice.
Biden denies giving Harris widely reported order during her doomed 2024 campaign
Former President Joe Biden denied telling former Vice President Kamala Harris that there could be no “daylight” between them while she was on the campaign trail, and defended what was widely seen as a flubbed opportunity for the vice president to differentiate herself from Biden during her October 2024 interview on the ABC show.
Co-host Sunny Hostin brought up her question posed to Harris ahead of the election. Hostin asked at the time if there was anything the then-vice president would have done differently from Biden and Harris said “not a thing comes to mind.”
Hostin said the vice president’s answer was “weaponized against her,” and asked Biden about the reporting that he had told Harris “there could be no daylight” between the pair while she was campaigning.
“Well, look, first of all, I did not advise her to say that, number one. Like I said, I was vice president. I understand the role, number one. Number two, I think it was, I think she was talking about, she wouldn’t have changed the successes we had, not opposed to, we wouldn’t change anything at all. She has to be her own person, and she was. She was. And so I think that was used in a way that is contrary to what she meant by it, when she said that and I think that, you know, she was part of every success we had,” the former president said.
BIDEN TELLS ‘THE VIEW’ HE WASN’T SURPRISED HARRIS LOST, BLAMES SEXISM, RACISM
A book, written by reporters Amie Parnes and Jonathan Allen, alleged Biden “would say publicly that Harris should do what she must to win. But privately, including in conversations with her, he repeated an admonition: let there be no daylight between us.”
“But the day of the debate Biden called to give Harris an unusual kind of pep talk — and another reminder about the loyalty he demanded. No longer able to defend his own record, he expected Harris to protect his legacy,” they wrote. “Whether she won or lost the election, he thought, she would only harm him by publicly distancing herself from him — especially during a debate that would be watched by millions of Americans. To the extent that she wanted to forge her own path, Biden had no interest in giving her room to do so.”
Hostin asked the former president during the interview on Thursday to respond to critics who argued that he should have dropped out of the race sooner to give Harris more time, noting that Harris’ campaign was roughly 90 days.
“I say, number one, that there were still six full months, she was in every aspect, every decision I made, every decision we made, and I don’t think, I hope I don’t sound the wrong way. I don’t think anybody thought we’d be successful as we were,” Biden responded.
JEN PSAKI RECALLS REACTION TO BIDEN’S DEBATE, ‘HEARTBREAKING’ SUMMER BEFORE 2024 EXIT: ‘I WAS LIKE, IS HE OK?’
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
Biden dropped out of the race on July 21, 2024. That left Harris with the full month of August, September and October to run her campaign, in addition to a few extra weeks.
The former president blamed sexism and racism for Harris’ loss and revealed he wasn’t surprised by Trump’s win.
Hostin has also blamed Harris’ loss on racism and misogyny after the election.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“As a country, it’s very difficult for people to believe that racism and misogyny, they’re just alive and well. I think that we don’t want to think that about ourselves, our neighbors, our friends, but it’s – my lived experience tells me that it does still exist, even if your lived experience doesn’t tell that it exists and, you know, the facts support that,” Hostin said, pointing to a graph that showed “a clear racial divide” in who voted for Trump as opposed to who voted for Harris.
Trump admin’s top health officials reveal shared ‘lifelong vision’ for future of America
Four top Trump administration officials from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shared their visions for improving the American healthcare system and aligning the agency with the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) platform in an exclusive interview Thursday on “Special Report.”
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and National Institutes of Health director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya sat down with Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building in Washington, D.C., for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of healthcare and improving the quality of care nationwide.
“We all share a vision that’s been a lifelong vision for all of us, which is to make our country healthy, to have evidence-based science, to have gold standard replicable science, and then use that to challenge what we have — this kind of bedrock system that is destroying our health,” said Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“The healthcare system in this country is a bundle of perverse incentives that force people to do the wrong thing. And we’ve turned this country into a sick care system rather than a health care system. And all these people are the people who are gonna change that.”
Drs. Bhattacharya, Makary and Oz said their goals at their respective agencies are to: improve the health and longevity of the American people, focus on cures and meaningful treatments and improve the quality of care on all levels.
MAHA MOMS CALL FOR ‘RIGOROUS TRANSPARENCY’ INTO HEALTH CONCERNS
“We’re laser-focused on the broader picture, the more holistic picture,” said Dr. Oz, quoting Hubert Humphrey, a former Democratic vice president whose name is on the building they work in. “He [Humphrey] said, ‘It’s the moral obligation of government to take care of those of us at the very dawn of our lives, children, at the twilight of our [lives], the elderly, and those living in the shadows.’ That’s our focus.”
Baier then turned to recent HHS leadership changes critical to advancing the MAHA agenda, asking RFK Jr. about the U.S. Surgeon General nomination change.
President Donald Trump pulled Dr. Janette Nesheiwat’s nomination for U.S. Surgeon General Wednesday ahead of her Senate confirmation hearing.
Nesheiwat, a former Fox News medical contributor, had her nomination withdrawn due to scrutiny over her credentials and criticism about her medical views not aligning with the White House.
Trump announced wellness influencer Casey Means would replace Nesheiwat, who will work at HHS in another capacity.
FOX NEWS POLL: THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF PRESIDENT TRUMP’S SECOND TERM
“Casey Means, we felt, was the best person to really bring the vision of MAHA to the American public,” RFK Jr. told “Special Report.” “She has a unique capacity to articulate it. She’s written a book that really mobilized, galvanized the movement. She is an extraordinary — she is excellence in everything that she’s ever endeavored.”
The former 2024 Independent presidential candidate dismissed criticism of Means, who reportedly did not finish her medical residency nor possess an active medical license.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“She was the top, the very top of her medical class at Stanford. She is in every — during her residency, she won every award that she could win,” said RFK Jr. “She walked away from traditional medicine because she was not curing patients.”
Shedeur Sanders’ first look at Browns locker has Coach Prime cracking jokes
Shedeur Sanders got his first look at his Cleveland Browns locker Thursday, and his father knows just how much it means to him.
The Browns captured Sanders taking a look at his No. 12 nameplate and the gear and apparel he will use his first preseason with his new squad.
Cleveland posted the moment to its social media platforms, and Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders once again pointed to his family’s collective faith.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
He also joked about Shedeur’s jersey number.
“God is faithful! I know for a fact that smile is Genuine! Let’s go #2 I mean #12,” Deion Sanders said on Instagram.
SHEDEUR SANDERS IS ‘SET UP TO FAIL’ WITH BROWNS, ROBERT GRIFFIN III SAYS
Shedeur, who the Browns took in the fifth round after his surprising slide in the NFL Draft sparked national debate, looked at his cleats and new Browns shirts and showed off his Browns offense notebook.
“I got everything I need to be successful now,” Sanders said with a big smile.
While veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco appears to have the upper hand in the competition, Sanders will compete with Flacco, Kenny Pickett and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel in an open quarterback competition for head coach Kevin Stefanski this training camp.
Because many believed him to be a first-round pick and a potential starter his rookie season, the NFL world will be tuned in to see how Sanders progresses with the Browns and whether he has a shot at the starting role.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback is well known for his accurate arm and ability to work through his progressions in the pocket. One of the main criticisms of Shedeur among experts is that he needs throw the ball away instead of trying to extend plays and taking unnecessary sacks.
Alan Jackson gives emotional performance, honors his wife at ACM Awards
Alan Jackson brought every emotion to the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music awards Thursday in Texas.
Jackson, 66, performed a moving rendition of his 2003 hit, “Remember When,” for the crowd at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
The country music superstar wore his signature white cowboy hat as images of his family flashed across the screen.
While accepting his lifetime achievement award, Jackson reminisced on his career.
“A few years ago, one of my fans named their dog after me,” Jackson said. “I thought that was something, but this is really amazing.”
“Be serious now, I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream, and all these years later, I’m standing here receiving such an honor as this is mind blowing.
“I thank God all the time for all the people that have been part of my life and career that helped me get here, maintain this all this time.”
Jackson thanked his fans around the country for their support before giving a special shoutout.
“I do want to especially thank one person who’s been my best friend since I was 17 years old — it’s my wife Denise out there,” he said.
“She’s loved me through the good, the bad, the happy and the sad. Gave me three beautiful daughters, helped me keep my feet on the ground all these years. There’s not much else I can say that’s better than that.”
Check out the full list of ACM Awards winners.
Last year’s entertainer of the year, Lainey Wilson, is up for the award once again at this year’s award show.
Also nominated for the big award are Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen and Kelsea Ballerini.
Jelly Roll had a great year in 2024, having released his 10th studio album, “Beautifully Broken,” in October 2024 and the announcement of the corresponding tour.
He also performed at the Emmy Awards, the MTV VMAs and was announced as a headliner for the 2025 Stagecoach Festival.
Kelsea Ballerini also had a big year in 2024, with the release of her successful album, “Patterns,” which debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Country Albums.
She also made her acting debut, appearing in one episode of the ABC show, “Doctor Odyssey,” playing a character named Lisa Parsons.
Additionally, the country superstar announced her first-ever headlining arena tour and was nominated for female vocalist of the year at the CMA Awards.
Morgan Wallen had a great year in 2024, having won entertainer of the year at the CMA Awards, beating out Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Combs and Wilson for the top honor.
In addition, he topped the most-played country artists list of 2024 and was the fifth most-played artist on the overall Mediabase 2024 chart.
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
Ella Langley received the surprise of a lifetime during the middle of her performance at Rock the Country.
As the country singer was performing at the music festival, she was surprised with a prerecorded video featuring Miranda Lambert.
“I’m here to tell you how proud I am of you for being the top nominated artist for the Academy of Country Music Awards this year. You are my friend, first and foremost … are my soul sister in Country Music and a partner in crime,” Lambert said in the video.
“But I’m also here to tell you some bigger news. You, my friend, have won new female artist of the year for the ACM Awards this year. We’re gonna celebrate so big in Dallas, Texas, they ain’t even ready.”
In a video posted to the Rock the Nation Instagram account, recorded after her performance, Langley thanks all her fans for supporting her and expressed how grateful she was for receiving the honor.
Her win comes after the release of her debut album, “hungover,” which was released in August 2024.
“Every day of my life I’ve prayed about this and thought about this,” she said through teary sniffs, “Literally everything I’ve ever done was to do this. I’m so grateful for the team I have around me.
“I’m just really grateful to have fans that are listening to the music and see that it’s the truth. I’m just a real-life human being going through life like everyone else, and to see what I go through is what everyone else goes through so this is…this is…thank you.”
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
This year’s nominees for male artist of the year include Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen.
Each of this year’s nominees have been nominated in this category in the past, and all of them are also up for entertainer of the year.
The same five male artists made up the category at last year’s award show, with Stapleton coming out on top and walking away with the award.
While Wallen lost out on the honor in 2024, he went on to win entertainer of the year at the CMA Awards in November of that year.
With the release of his 10th studio album, “Beautifully Broken,” Jelly Roll had a great year, also performing at the Emmys and the MTV VMAs as well as other televised events.
Johnson and Combs also had banner years, with Johnson winning the CMA Award for album of the year and getting his fourth number one song.
Combs broke records with his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” tour and had his 16th consecutive number one single at country radio.
Check out the full list of ACM Awards winners.
Fox News Digital’s
Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
Reba McEntire introduced Blake Shelton to the stage Thursday at the ACM Awards.
Shelton, 48, smiled through his performance of his No. 1 hit song, “Texas.”
He celebrated the success of the song on Instagram earlier this week, and thanked his fans for supporting him through the years.
“’Texas’ marks my 30th #1 as an artist. 30 is a lot of anything, and to have 30 number one songs is unbelievable,” Shelton wrote. “I’m really trying to take it all in. THANK YOU!!!!”
After an electric set, Shelton introduced the “reigning ACM entertainer of the year” to the stage — Lainey Wilson.
The country music superstar rocked a black leather ensemble complete with fringe cuffs to sing her song, “Whirlwind.”
Wilson earned nods in six separate categories, including her first nomination for artist-songwriter of the year.
She was also nominated for song of the year, which marked her fourth consecutive year in the category.
Check out a full list of ACM Awards winners here.
Ronnie Dunn, of the country duo Brooks & Dunn, gave Fox News Digital a health update while walking the red carpet at the 2025 ACM Awards.
“I’m fine man. I just got dehydrated, that’s it. I slowed down. I stopped drinking water. Stopped hydrating for a few days and let it get away from me,” he explained. “We’d been out in Texas, and I caught COVID. It’s not supposed to be like that, but it hit me pretty hard. I got strep on top of it, and that’s it.”
Dunn worried fans last month when he walked off the stage midway through the band’s performance of their hit song “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”
Shortly after the start of the song, Dunn motioned to his bandmate that he was done performing and walked off stage while shaking his head and tapping on his chest, pointing at the audience one last time before walking off.
At the time of the incident, Dunn’s rep told USA Today, “Ronnie wasn’t feeling well from being sick, but Saturday night’s show went on as planned.”
Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this report.
Just before hitting the stage to perform for a sold-out crowd at Wilmington, North Carolina, as part of his headlining tour, Zach Top learned he has achieved a career milestone.
The most-winningest duo at the ACM Awards surprised the up-and-coming country star with a pre-recorded video, letting him know he has won the award for new male artist of the year.
His nomination comes after the release of his debut album, “Cold Beer & Country Music,” which was released in April 2024.
“I couldn’t be more honored, and I can’t say a big enough thank you to my fans for loving music and loving what we do on the road and listening to the songs every day,” Top said following the announcement.
“It means the world to me, I’ve always wanted to just play and sing for a living, and I get to do that now and it’s cool to be able to get a little trophy every now and then to let us know that we’re doing good doing it. So thank you so much, this is beautiful.”
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
Cody Johnson took home the first trophy of the night during the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music awards.
Johnson won song of the year for his hit, “Dirt Cheap.”
Wilson was nominated for her hit, “4x4xU,” while Kacey Musgraves had “The Architect,” Post Malone and Morgan Wallen
earned a nod for “I Had Some Help,” and Ella Langley and Riley Green were recognized for “You Look Like You Love Me.”
The country music star is one of the most nominated musicians of the evening with seven nods.
In addition to Johnson’s nomination for entertainer of the year, the “I’m Gonna Love You” singer is nominated for single of the year, visual media of the year and music event of the year for “I’m Gonna Love You” with new “American Idol” judge Carrie Underwood.
Miranda Lambert holds the record for the most ACM Award wins, taking home over 37 awards over the course of her career.
Of those 37 wins are the lifetime achievement awards, including the Gene Weed Milestone Award, which she was given in 2018, the ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award, which she was awarded in 2015, and the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award, which she was given in 2014.
In addition to holding the record for the most career wins, she also holds the record for most wins in the female vocalist of the year award, having won nine times.
After winning the award for nine consecutive years, from 2009 to 2017, she also set the record for most consecutive wins in the category.
Following her win in the entertainer of the year category in 2021, Lambert was awarded the Triple Crown award, meaning she has won all three major awards, including entertainer of the year, female vocalist of the year and new female vocalist of the year, which she won in 2006.
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
The 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards kicked off with a tribute to a few of the best hits from the last six decades.
ACM Awards host Reba McEntire welcomed the crowd at The Frisco in Texas by singing a Merle Haggard song before welcoming Clint Black on stage to sing “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
Wynonna Judd sang “Why Not Me,” by The Judds before handing over the mic to LeAnn Rimes who sang a moving rendition of her 1997 hit, “Blue.”
Little Big Town sang “Girl Crush,” while Dan + Shay belted out “Tequila.”
McEntire, who is hosting the show for the 18th time, has a discography spans 32 studio albums, 26 compilation albums and two live albums.
She’s taken home 16 ACM Awards, 14 American Music Awards, three Grammy Awards and more, as many have dubbed her “the Queen of Country.”
Jelly Roll spoke about his weight loss journey while walking the red carpet at the 2025 ACM Awards. The country star recently revealed he’d lost nearly 200 pounds since December 2022.
While speaking with Fox News Digital, the country star gave some advice for anyone struggling with the same “addiction” he is.
“It’s going really good,” he said. “I haven’t talked to many people about this…but food man. If you’re really battling obesity, you’ve got to, it starts at the dinner table. The walking is great, all the other stuff is great, but you’ve got to fight that addiction at the dinner table.”
In an interview in April on the “Big Night Aht” live show, Jelly Roll shared he was 540 pounds at the start of his weight loss journey, and when he weighed himself that morning he down to 357 pounds.
The star has a lot to celebrate tonight as he is nominated for many awards, including the coveted entertainer of the year award.
Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this file.
Newcomers in the album of the year category include Megan Moroney and Post Malone, who has successfully crossed over into country music.
Moroney is nominated for her sophomore album, “Am I Okay?,” while Post Malone is nominated for his first country album, “F-1 Trillion.”
Until recently, Post Malone was known primarily as a rapper, with two album of the year nominations at the Grammy Awards for his hip-hop and pop music.
Post Malone showed interest in country music
early in his career, having performed acoustic versions of Merle Haggard’s song “The Bottle Let Me Down,” while on a SIRIUSXM radio show in 2018.
He later collaborated with Morgan Wallen on the hit song, “I Had Some Help,” and was featured on Beyonce’s country album, “Cowboy Carter,” before releasing his own.
Maroney started her career as a country artist, with the release of her first album, “Lucky,” in May 2023, and won the award for new female vocalist of the year in 2024.
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
Country star Brian Kelley called the songs and artists being honored during the “Songs of the Decade” opening number “the needle movers” of country music, saying those artists bring a different energy when they come to town on their tours.
One of those artists, is Keith Urban, who Kelley is “very proud of” heading into the award show.
“Keith Urban [is] being awarded tonight, the Triple Crown, that’s a big deal. Very proud of him, excited for him,” Kelley said, before adding that he’s “excited to see Alan Jackson tonight. Gosh that makes me happy.”
The Triple Crown Award goes to the artist who has won awards in the three big categories; Male/female artist of the year, new male/female artist of the year and entertainer of the year.
Kelley walked the Academy of Country Music Awards red carpet with his wife, Brittney Marie, who said, “every night’s a date night.” The country star added that tonight is a “big date night,” going on to compliment his wife, saying “she looks absolutely stunning.”
Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this file
Jessie Murph walked the red carpet at the 2025 ACM Awards with an unusual guest.
Murph, who was nominated for new female artist of the year, carried a baby pig in her arms before heading into The Star in Frisco, Texas.
“This is my date, Wilbur. He’s from Texas,” she told Fox News Digital.
“He’s about a year old. Me and Wilbur are best friends.”
The “Wild Ones” singer, who found fame on TikTok before breaking into the country music world, also gave insight into collaborating with Jelly Roll.
“He’s always speaking positive, good things into the world,” Murph said of Jelly Roll’s presence.
She said that the “Save Me” singer simply “radiates gratitude. He’s just a good person, and I love that.”
Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this report.
The women of country music arrived in style for the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
Lainey Wilson sported her signature wide-brimmed cowboy hat to match a glittering black jumpsuit as she walked the red carpet at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
The “Heart Like a Truck” singer will leave a winner even before the show begins. Wilson earned the artist-songwriter of the year award earlier today.
Carly Pearce simply stunned wearing a sparkling silver gown with a halter neckline.
Nicole Kidman opted for an edgy black leather ensemble as she walked alongside her country musician husband, Keith Urban.
In addition to singing, Reba McEntire is set to host the show for the 18th time.
McEntire’s discography spans 32 studio albums, 26 compilation albums and two live albums. She’s taken home 16 ACM Awards, 14 American Music Awards, three Grammy Awards and more, as many have dubbed her “the Queen of Country.”
The nominees for this year’s female artist of the year include Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney.
Wilson is the only artist nominated in the category this year who has taken home the award in the past, having won in both 2023 and 2024.
In addition to her nomination in the category, she is also nominated for entertainer of the year, also alongside Ballerini.
All five nominees have received nominations in the category in the past, except for Langley, who released her debut album “hungover,” in August 2024.
While the other four nominees are going into the night unsure of what’s to come, Langley already knows she’s going home a winner, having already been told she won the award for new female artist of the year this year.
Moroney received her first female artist of the year nomination in 2024, the same year she won the award for new female artist of the year.
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
LeAnn Rimes celebrated love at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Thursday.
Rimes, 42, walked the red carpet at The Star in Frisco, Texas with her husband of 14 years, Eddie Cibrian.
The “Blue” singer admitted their relationship has stayed strong thanks to respect, and a little dose of humor.
“We love each other, we respect each other, we laugh a lot,” Rimes told Fox News Digital. “We can be stupid together, that’s the best part.”
Rimes continued, “Just being able to be ourselves together… he’s so supportive of everything I do and vice versa. We’re very, very lucky.”
Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this report.
The Eli Young Band spoke with Fox News Digital while on the red carpet at the 2025 ACM Awards, where they explained why they’re so excited for the “Songs of the Decade” segment.
The 12-minute opening act will feature a medley of ACM song of the year winning songs from the past six decades, sung by some of country music’s biggest stars.
“This is the perfect time for celebrating 90s country,” the band told Fox News Digital. “I think that so much of that is in the music, and that’s what we grew up on, is 90s country, and you know every time I hear one of the songs, it kind of brings you back to your childhood and its almost like it brings you back to that moment you were in when you first heard it.
“Pick any Garth Brooks song, or Clint Black or any of those, George Strait, it take you back to a moment, so I think a lot of that is what we’re gonna see tonight.”
Some of the performers taking the stage as part of the medley include Wynonna Judd, Leanne Rimes, Reba McEntire, Dan + Shay and Clint Black, as well as others.
Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this report.
The performers at this year’s ACM Awards include some of country music’s biggest names, who promise to put on a great show.
The powerhouse performers include fan favorites, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Alan Jackson, with Shelton expected to sing his latest single, “Texas.”
Also taking the stage is the most nominated artist of the evening, Ella Langley, who is walking into the award show as a winner already, having been announced as the 2025 new female artist of the year.
The winner for new male artist of the year, Zach Top, is also taking the stage at the award show, alongside other nominees, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini and Lainey Wilson, who won entertainer of the year at last year’s show.
Also taking the stage to perform is the night’s host, Reba McEntire
, who will take part in the 12-minute medley called, “Songs of the Decade,” which will feature ACM song of the year winners from the past six decades.
Joining her during the medley will be Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland.
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
Country music legend, Reba McEntire, is set to host the 2025 ACM Awards, marking her 18th time hosting the show.
The “Fancy” singer first hosted the show in 1986, alongside John Scheider and Mac Davis.
“Reba McEntire has hosted more ACM Awards shows than any other artist in history, and after her triumphant return this year for the 59th show, there is clearly no one better suited to helm this milestone show,” Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside said in July 2024 press release.
The “Happy’s Place” star has not only hosted the show 17 times, she has also won 16 ACM Awards and has been nominated for entertainer of the year nine times, even winning the award in 1994.
“I’m thrilled to be coming back to host the 60th ACM Awards on Prime Video,” McEntire said in a July 2024 press release.
“It’s going to be an absolute can’t miss show and I can’t wait to see everybody back in Texas!”
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
Winners of the Academy of Country Music Awards are selected through a vote conducted by voting members of the Academy.
The eligibility period for the 2025 ACM Awards is January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Depending on the category, Academy members are instructed to consider several different factors.
For example, the voting criteria for the entertainer of the year award on the ACM website cites “factors to be considered include, but are not limited to, success at radio, consumption, success of music videos, vocal performances, live concert ticket sales, artistic merit, appearances on television, appearances in films, songwriting, success in digital media, and contributions to the country music industry.”
The first round of voting took place from February 10-18, 2025 and the second round took place a month later from March 10-17, 2025.
The final round began on March 31, 2025, and ended on April 7. All ACM Awards nominations are subject to the approval of the Board.
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is set to take place in Frisco, Texas, and will stream live on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music Channel at 8:00 p.m. ET.
This year’s host will be Reba McEntire, who is returning as a host for the 18th time, having first hosted the show in 1986 alongside John Scheider and Mac Davis.
Country music’s
brightest stars are up for the night’s biggest awards, including entertainer of the year, female and male artist of the year, album of the year and others.
Not only has Ella Langley already won the award for new female artist of the year, she also has the most nominations this year, with eight total.
Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson and Lainey Wilson are tied for second with seven nominations, and Chris Stapleton comes in third with six nominations.
All except Langley are also up against each other for the coveted entertainer of the year award, alongside Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini and Jelly Roll.
Many of the nominees will also be taking the stage at the show, including Wilson, Jelly Roll, Langley and Stapleton. Joining them will be Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Blake Shelton and others.
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
The Academy of Country Music Awards is celebrating its 60th anniversary of the award show this year, becoming the longest-running country music award show in history.
The historic show is set to stream live on Amazon Prime Video and on the Amazon Music Channel on Thursday, May 8, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Country music’s biggest stars will gather at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas to celebrate the night’s big winners and watch the amazing performances.
The Academy of Country Music was first formed in 1964 to promote country music in the west coast, with the first award show taking place in 1966.
Six years later, the show was broadcast for the first time on ABC. The show bounced around to different networks, moving to NBC and then CBS, before finding a home on Amazon Prime Video.
In the early days of the award show, the event took place in Los Angeles, before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, and Frisco, Texas.
Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report.
Chaos erupted at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina when two Frontier Airlines representatives screamed at a paying customer and barred him from checking in for his flight.
The interaction between the unnamed customer, a 45-year-old married father of three, and the Frontier representatives began shortly before he started filming last Friday, according to the New York Post, which obtained the video that millions have viewed on social media.
He reportedly showed up at the airport 50 minutes before his flight but had not checked in online. He missed the electronic kiosk’s 60-minute check-in deadline, and when he approached the agents, they told him he needed to pay a $25 late check-in fee.
REAL ID DOCUMENTS HELD UP IN MAIL ACCORDING TO AMERICANS WHO ENROLLED BEFORE DEADLINE
“They all kind of started chiming in, ‘Well, you should have checked the website,’ like, not in a professional or polite way,” the man told the outlet. “They were like, ‘It was your fault for not checking the website. Sorry, it’s on you,'”
A back-and-forth with the agents ensued over the fee and lasted for about 20 minutes before he decided to pay it, the customer said.
“I’m never flying this sh—y airline again,” he admitted to saying before he began filming, setting the agents off.
“Oh, you’re going to check me in,” the agent said, apparently quoting the customer’s words back to him. “I bet you was wrong.”
NEWARK AIRPORT DISRUPTIONS LEAVE AIRLINE FLYERS SCRAMBLING AS EXPERTS SHARE TIPS FOR NOT BEING ‘STRANDED’
“I paid for a ticket,” the man said in the video.
“And you didn’t pay $25 for an agent assist fee,” the agent says. “And you thought you was going to check in three hours later, hello?”
“And you thought you was going to get on your flight?” the agent repeatedly asks while filming the customer and snapping her fingers.
Meanwhile, another agent can be heard laughing.
“Because it’s a policy, we don’t control that,” the other agent said.
The customer was reportedly traveling from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Boston.
“Make me check you in,” the first agent says several times.
“You literally work for an airline that I bought a ticket for,” the customer says.
The man vented his frustration to the New York Post.
“What was remarkable to me also is that not one person on their side took the professional route or the high road,” he told the outlet.
“Listen, it’s my money at the end of the day, and when somebody is caught off guard with a charge that they feel is in some ways unfair or unreasonable, of course they have a right to express themselves,” he said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The New York Post reported that he ended up paying $500 for a JetBlue ticket to get home.
“It’s not OK to be disrespectful of somebody for no reason, but I was not being disrespectful to them personally, in my opinion,” he said. “I thought that they were being disrespectful to me out of the gate because I was complaining about a fee that I was completely caught off guard by.”
Frontier said it has cut ties with the representatives, who were not directly employed by the company.
“We are aware of what occurred and have been directly in touch with the customer,” a spokesperson for the airline confirmed. “The individuals in question, who work for a third-party contractor, are no longer associated with the Frontier account.”