Exclusive Sneak Peek at Austin City Limits’ Historic 50th Anniversary Episode

Austin City Limits (ACL) marked its 50th anniversary in style with a star-studded special episode taping on Thursday night, featuring a lineup of legendary artists. The show, the longest-running music program in television history, has spent the year celebrating its golden anniversary with special projects, including a digitization initiative preserving all 50 seasons and a free concert by Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel.

The two-hour anniversary episode, “Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years,” will air in April 2025 and includes over a dozen artists, many returning to the iconic ACL stage. Hosted by Austin-based actors Jared and Genevieve Padalecki, the special featured performances from Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr. (joined by Eve Monsees), Billy Strings with Sierra Hull, Indigo Girls, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Brandy Clark, Rufus Wainwright, The Mavericks, Ángela Aguilar, and Cam with Lloyd Maines & the ACL All-Stars, as well as appearances from Trio Los Panchos and Austin’s Tosca String Quartet.

The taping lasted about four hours but will be condensed into a two-hour television special. ACL has also announced that full episodes will typically be available online for a limited time after airing.

The evening kicked off with remarks from Austin PBS President and CEO Luis Patiño and ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona, followed by the Padaleckis discussing their connection to ACL and the show’s rich history. Ángela Aguilar, a 21-year-old Mexican-American singer, performed “Piensa en Mí” and “Toda Una Vida,” accompanied by Cheche Alara and Tosca Strings, marking her ACL debut.

Shawn Colvin, a three-time Grammy Award winner, followed with a performance of “Steady On” before being joined by Lyle Lovett for “The Facts About Jimmy.” The “songwriters circle” segment, featuring Brandy Clark, Cam, and the Indigo Girls, was another highlight of the evening. Clark performed “Dear Insecurity,” Cam sang “Burning House,” and the Indigo Girls delivered “Share the Moon” from their 13th studio album. The four artists came together for a rendition of “Closer to Fine,” which saw a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the 2023 “Barbie” movie.

Billy Strings, a rising star in bluegrass, brought Sierra Hull on stage for a foot-stomping set, including “Midnight on the Stormy Deep” and “Soldier’s Joy.” The Mavericks performed “Recuerdos” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” showcasing their unique rock-country fusion.

Lyle Lovett, an ACL Hall of Famer and one of the most frequent performers in the show’s history, treated the audience to “If I Had A Boat” and the title track of his latest album, “12th of June.” Texas native Leon Bridges performed “Ain’t Got Nothing on You” and “Beyond,” backed by the ACL All-Stars band.

Rufus Wainwright, who performed with Tosca Strings, delivered a powerful rendition of “Going to a Town” and closed with “Hallelujah,” a song he has made his own with poignant performances that often promote healing.

The taping ended with a performance by Austin hometown hero Gary Clark Jr., who played alongside Eve Monsees and the ACL All-Stars, covering Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Dirty Pool” and “Pride and Joy.”

Don’t miss “Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years” when it airs on April 4, 2025, for a glimpse of this historic anniversary celebration.

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