An Authentic Ascent: Riley Green’s Award-Winning Night and the Enduring Power of “You Look Like You Love Me”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The spotlight at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards shone particularly bright on Riley Green, a moment that felt less like a surprise and more like a well-deserved culmination of years dedicated to genuine, heartfelt country music. While award shows often feel like carefully orchestrated affairs, Green’s triple win for “You Look Like You Love Me” carried an undeniable air of organic triumph, reinforcing his position as one of country’s most compelling and authentic voices.
The previously announced Visual Media of the Year honor for “You Look Like You Love Me” was merely a precursor to the main event, as Green also clinched Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year for the same track. This hat-trick brings his total ACM Awards to an impressive four, a testament to the song’s widespread appeal and impact. It’s a track that resonates, blending a relatable narrative with an infectious melody, encapsulating the kind of genuine emotion Green has built his career upon.
Beyond the trophies, Green’s presence at the ACMs was a subtle but powerful nod to his journey and influence within the genre. His introduction of New Male Artist of the Year, Zach Top, felt like a passing of the torch, a full-circle moment for an artist who himself earned that same honor in 2020. It’s a quiet acknowledgment of the mentorship and camaraderie that often defines the best of country music, far removed from the glitz and glamour of the red carpet.
And indeed, 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Green. His current single, “Worst Way,” recently snagged an RIAA PLATINUM certification, proving its virality long before it dominated the airwaves. Now firmly entrenched in the Top 10 at Country radio and steadily climbing, it’s a track that exemplifies Green’s knack for crafting songs that stick. This, combined with the momentum of his ongoing Damn Country Music Tour – which just kicked off its US leg in Athens, GA, following successful Canadian dates – paints a picture of an artist in full stride. Major stops in iconic music cities like New York, Nashville, and Boston underscore the expanding reach of his relatable sound.
Perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the entire awards ceremony wasn’t about accolades at all, but rather a heartfelt segment showcasing Green’s visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Meeting with patients and their families, and performing a one-of-a-kind acoustic set, highlighted the human connection that underpins Green’s artistry. It’s a reminder that beneath the awards and chart success lies an artist deeply rooted in community and compassion.
Since his self-titled EP debuted in 2018 under Big Machine Label Group, Riley Green has cultivated a reputation for songs that inspire a raise of a glass, a reflective tear, and above all, a celebration of one’s roots. His catalogue is replete with hits that have become anthems for a generation of country fans: the double-platinum number one “There Was This Girl,” the triple-platinum “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” (a song so impactful he performed it live at the 55th ACM Awards), and his chart-topping collaboration with Thomas Rhett, “Half of Me.” These tracks solidify Green’s place as a purveyor of “what Country music does best: making listeners feel something with his no-gimmick, relatable writing and classic feel.” It’s an approach that avoids trends in favor of timeless storytelling, a hallmark of true country authenticity.
Green’s journey to country stardom is as authentic as his lyrics. A former Jacksonville State University quarterback, avid sports fan, and outdoorsman, his down-to-earth persona is no act. His four ACM awards are just the latest in a string of accolades, including MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, a CMT “Listen Up Artist,” and one of CRS’s 2020 New Faces. The trust placed in him by industry titans is evident in his direct support roles for Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs in 2023, where he consistently played to an average of 65,000 fans each night. Recently, he wrapped his own successful headlining Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour, bringing along Tracy Lawrence and Ella Langley, further cementing his draw as a headliner. His re-recording of “Different ‘Round Here” with Luke Combs, after seeing how deeply fans connected to the original, further illustrates his responsiveness to his audience and the organic evolution of his music.
His third studio album, Don’t Mind If I Do, released on his birthday, October 18th, is a masterclass in the “signature Riley Green” sound that fans have come to adore. Produced by Dann Huff, the 18-track set radiates with a newfound confidence, a reflection of Green’s well-earned success. Five of the tracks are solely written by Green, including standout compositions like “Jesus Saves,” the aforementioned “Worst Way,” and the title track, which reunites him with Ella Langley, his duet partner on the award-winning “You Look Like You Love Me” and a recent tourmate. Living still in his hometown of Jacksonville, AL, Green remains the quintessential “good ol’ boy,” whose music consistently mirrors the values and experiences of the audience he so genuinely connects with. His recent ACM wins are not just trophies; they are a resounding affirmation of a career built on authenticity, heartfelt storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to the soul of country music.