This year marked the 51st anniversary of one of country music’s biggest events of the year: the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM’s). Coming off a giant 50th anniversary in Dallas last year, the award show was held in Las Vegas this year, hosted by long-time host Luke Bryan and newcomer Dierks Bentley.
The show opened with a performance from last year’s ACM “Entertainer of the Year,” Luke Bryan. Bryan performed his new single, “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day”, and was unexpectedly joined onstage by his former co-host and good friend, Blake Shelton. After Shelton’s “Came Here to Forget,” Bryan and Bentley gave their opening monologue, most of which consisted of the two poking fun at Chris Stapleton’s recent success and who should take credit for it.
Stapleton did indeed have a very good year and a very successful ACM’s. The “Male Vocalist of the Year” also won “Album of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and others. Other highlights from the night included a duet of Katy Perry and Dolly Parton for hits “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene” and “9 to 5;” Eric Church paid tribute to recently departed musicians such as David Bowie and Glenn Frey; and Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban teamed up with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons for “Tush.”
The night was filled with very fun and memorable performances. Below is a complete list of winners from Sunday night.
“Entertainer of the Year”- Jason Aldean
“Male Vocalist of the Year”- Chris Stapleton
“Female Vocalist of the Year”- Miranda Lambert
“Vocal Duo of the Year”- Florida Georgia Line
“Vocal Group of the Year”- Little Big Town
“New Female Vocalist of the Year”- Kelsea Ballerini
“New Male Vocalist of the Year”- Chris Stapleton
“New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year”- Old Dominion
“Album of the Year”- “Traveller” – Chris Stapleton
“Single Record of the Year”- “Die a Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett
“Song of the Year”- “Nobody to Blame” – Chris Stapleton
“Video of the Year”- “Mr. Misunderstood” – Eric Church
“Vocal Event of the Year”- “Smokin’ and Drinkin’” – Miranda Lambert feat. Little Big Town