The Academy of Country Music Awards aired live on Wednesday night, bringing together Country Music’s biggest names amidst these unprecedented times.
The televised event, hosted by Keith Urbans, went above and beyond to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Because, for the first time in the show’s history, the awards were broadcast from three iconic Nashville locations. Including the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe, with no fans in attendance.
The Award show, which was originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas on April 5, was postponed by the Academy, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Surprise Announcements and Making History
On Monday, earlier this week, Billboard revealed the winners for three categories: The Music event of the year was bagged by Miranda Lambert’s “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.” Which featured big names, the likes of, Townes, Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Caylee Hammack and Elle King.
Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young” won Video of the year and Hillary Lindsey won Songwriter of the year.
When it came to the big categories, Old Dominion won Group of the year and Luke Combs won Album of the year for “What You See Is What You Get.”
“This has got to be a first. I’ve never heard of it,”
During the announcement of the last and biggest award of the night, Keith Urban was visibly stunned and let out a surprised laugh as he read the envelope enclosing the winner’s name. “This has got to be a first. I’ve never heard of it,” he said before announcing that this year’s winner(s!) ended up being a tie between Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett. Despite having to share the award, both stars seemed equally excited during their acceptance speeches.
Rhett looked visibly elated as he accepted the award with a short speech, mentioning his three daughters. Willa Gray, 4, Ada James,3, and 7-month-old Lennon, whom he and his wife Lauren Akins welcomed in February.
Underwood also looked just as thrilled to be making history as the only woman to have one Entertainer of the Year three times. Her previous wins were back-to-back in 2008 and 2009.
This year’s show also marks a milestone for first-time ACM nominee Justin Bieber. Who was up for awards in four categories thanks to his collaboration with Dan + Shay on the song “10,000 Hours.”
Some Memorable performances of the night
Among the performers were Taylor Swift, who took the ACM Awards stage for the first time in seven years, to perform “Betty” from her new album, “folklore.“
Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs and Tim McGraw also gave some memorable performances.
Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani also made their first-ever appearance together at the ACM Awards, where they sang their new single, “Happy Anywhere.”
Mickey Guyton gave a tear jerking performance as she delivered one of the most powerful numbers of the night with a rendition of her song, “What Are you Gonna Tell Her.” The pregnant singer made history as the first black woman to perform at the ACM Awards.
When he wasn’t busy hosting, or playing piano for Guyton, Urban also teamed up with Pink for a fun performance of their tune, “One Too Many.”
Check out the complete list of 2020 ACM Awards winners below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Luke Bryan
- Eric Church
- Luke Combs
- Thomas Rhett (WINNER)
- Carrie Underwood (WINNER)
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Miranda Lambert
- Maren Morris (WINNER)
- Kacey Musgraves
- Carrie Underwood
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Dierks Bentley
- Luke Combs (WINNER)
- Thomas Rhett
- Chris Stapleton
- Keith Urban
GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Lady A
- Little Big Town
- Midland
- Old Dominion (WINNER)
- The Highwomen
DUO OF THE YEAR
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay (WINNER)
- Florida Georgia Line
- Maddie & Tae
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Ingrid Andress
- Gabby Barrett
- Lindsay Ell
- Caylee Hammack
- Tenille Townes (WINNER)
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Jordan Davis
- Russell Dickerson
- Riley Green (WINNER)
- Cody Johnson
- Morgan Wallen
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Center Point Road — Thomas Rhett
- GIRL — Maren Morris
- Heartache Medication — Jon Pardi
- What You See Is What You Get — Luke Combs (WINNER)
- Wildcard — Miranda Lambert
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
- God’s Country – Blake Shelton (WINNER)
- One Man Band – Old Dominion
- Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves
- Rumor – Lee Brice
- What If I Never Get Over You – Lady Antebellum
SONG OF THE YEAR
- “10,000 Hours” — Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber
- “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” — Ashley McBryde
- “God’s Country” — Blake Shelton
- “One Man Band” — Old Dominion (WINNER)
- “Some of It” — Eric Church
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- “10,000 Hours” — Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber
- “God’s Country” — Blake Shelton
- “One Man Band” — Old Dominion
- “Remember You Young” — Thomas Rhett (WINNER)
- “Sugar Coat” — Little Big Town
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Ashley Gorley
- Michael Hardy
- Hillary Lindsey (WINNER)
- Shane McAnally
- Josh Osborne
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
- 10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber
- Dive Bar – Garth Brooks Featuring Blake Shelton
- Fooled Around and Fell in Love – Miranda Lambert Featuring Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack & Elle King (WINNER)
- Old Town Road – Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
- What Happens in a Small Town – Brantley Gilbert Featuring Lindsay Ell
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