The 2019 ACM Awards LIVE Blog
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Saving Country Music 2019 ACM Awards LIVE blog. As the presentation transpires over the evening we’ll be leaving real time quips and observations, snark, praise, disapproval, and whatever else is fancied in real time and completely unscripted. This means typos may be presented and harsh language is not off the table, so come with a thick skin and understand this is all just the way for true country music fans to stay sane and offer spirited dissent. Feel free to leave YOUR observations below in the comments section as well, and get your refresh fingers ready.
For what to expect on the evening, including performers, presenters, nominees, etc., check out the 2019 ACM Awards Complete Preview.
All times Central time.
WINNERS:
- Entertainer of the Year – Keith Urban
- Female Artist of the Year – Kacey Musgraves
- Male Artist of the Year – Thomas Rhett
- Album of the Year – “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves
- Duo of the Year – Dan + Shay
- Song of the Year – “Tequila” by Dan + Shay
- Single of the Year – “Tequila” by Dan + Shay
- Group of the Year- Old Dominion
- New Male Vocalist of the Year – Luke Combs
- New Female Vocalist of the Year – Ashley McBryde
- New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year – Lanco
- Music Event of the Year – “Burning Man” – Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne
- Songwriter of the Year – Shane McAnally
- Video of the Year – “Drunk Girl” by Chris Janson
10:14 – Once again Keith Urban walks away with an unearned Entertainer of the Year trophy just like he did at the CMAs in November, but this still feels like it will eventually become a footnote of history. In fact giving the award to Keith Urban feels like it just diminishes the award overall.
But the artist who had the biggest night was Kacey Musgraves. She wins Album of the Year, and gets Female Artist of the Year off her Grammy momentum, and breaks the chain of Miranda, Miranda, Carrie Miranda. Kacey Musgraves is becoming a non radio superstar, and the country music industry better take notice.
Dan+ Shay also had a big night with three awards, and appear to have overtaken Florida Georgia Line as the power duo of the moment.
Overall there was a lot more country music than expected, with George Strait performing three times, and numerous other traditional performances. The bad stuff was luckily compartmentalized to a few moments.
And remember, it’s just the ACMs.
10:00 – THANK YOU to everyone for following along, sharing, liking, tweeting, retweeting, and commenting. I am going to compose some final thoughts on the evening overall, run down the winners, and then we’ll wrap this up!
10:00 – It is absolutely shocking that when people refer back in the country music history books, they will see that Keith Urban was the biggest “Entertainer” in this cycle. What a joke. Nobody wants this except Keith Urban fans. What an aberration.
9:59 – Holy shit! The front of the Broken Spoke is emblazoned all over national television as George Strait takes it out with “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar.”
9:58 – Can’t believe Keith Urban did it again. What an embarrassment for country music.
9:57 – How did this happen? HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!?
9:56 – The 2019 ACM for Entertainer of the Year goes to … FUCK!
9:54 – “Travelin’ Light” is a great little bluegrass-esque number, and Brandi Carlile can make any song better. So glad to see her having a breakout moment here in the early portions of 2019. She’s been a star waiting in the wings for too long.
9:53 – Dierks Bentley comes out with Brandi Carlile to sing “Travelin’ Light.”
9:51 – The 2019 ACM for Artist of the Year goes to Kacey Musgraves. WOW.
9:49 – This is how you sing a country music duet ladies and gentlemen! Also glad we aren’t just getting 30 second snippets of songs, but a full performance. Great performance George and Miranda!
9:47 – I’ll take two of what Miranda Lambert is wearing in a medium men’s style shirt, please.
9:46 – Miranda Lambert and George Strait take the stage together. That’s the backdrop of Dallas in the background (native Dallasite here).
9:42 – The Chrissy Metz performance was solid, and gave an opportunity to Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae, Carrie Underwood, and Mickey Guyton to feature their vocal strengths, and soak up some face time, which Maddie & Tae, and Mickey Guyton both need and deserve.
9:39 – Chrissy Metz of “This Is Us” takes the stage to perform “I’m Standing With You” from the Breakthrough soundtrack with Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae, and Mickey Guyton joining her. Good to see Mickey Guyton, who Music Row has basically forgotten about.
9:34 – I guess I’m supposed to know this Chrissy Metz person and be super excited, but I’d never heard the name until this morning. Got an open mind though.
9:32 – Well at least we have more George Strait and Miranda Lambert to look forward to. Strait and Reba are getting a bunch of face time tonight after they both released some of the best albums in recent years.
9:29 – Jason Aldean running through all the songs that remind us why today’s country music sucks.
9:28 – One thing we know for sure, Jason Aldean does NOT use Auto-Tune. Yikes!
9:27 – What’s the over under on how long it’ll take for Jason Aldean to get #metoo ‘d ?
9:25 – Saw George Strait giving an intro to Jason Aldean, but all I could see in my mind is “King” George cutting himself off halfway through, flipping off the camera, dropping the mic, and walking off stage.
9:24 – Oh shit, now we’ve got to sit through this Jason Aldean Artist of the Decade bullshit.
9:22 – Also important to note about Kacey Musgraves winning Album of the Year, “Rainbow” lost its bullet at radio this week, stalling at #33. It hit #17 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
9:20 – Album of the Year was Kacey Musgraves’ to lose. Her losing would have been more surprising. In the field, she was the most deserving winner and it cements her place as one of the top women in country music at the moment, regardless of radio play.
9:18 – Kacey Musgraves’ “Golden Hour” wins the 2019 ACM Award for Album of the Year. The win gives Kacey Musgraves the country music TRIPLE CROWN of an ACM, CMA, and Grammy for the same record. She’s only the 12th artist to ever do this.
9:15 – I probably would have chosen a different song off of “Stronger Than The Truth” than “Freedom,” but it’s a high energy song, and good for an awards show. Good performance, Reba!
9:14 – Reba, we’ve missed you and your red boots, your red hair, and the way you can deliver a country song like no other. Welcome back, and please never go back. Country music needs you.
9:12 – Reba!
9:06 – So we could find time for R&B star Khalid to perform a full, unedited song, but Kacey Musgraves who’s up for multiple awards couldn’t get a performance slot?
9:05 – It’s not even that this Kane Brown song is bad. It’s just so incredibly forgettable, generic, and not country, just like so many of these performances. They’re so dry, you can’t even find hate for them. Flavorless.
9:04 – Hear the banjo in this Kane Brown song? Anyone see a banjo?
9:01 – This Jay Hernandez dude is the new Magnum P.I.? Tom Selleck’s mustache could kick this dude’s ass with one hand tied behind its back.
9:00 – I get it, “Southbound” is a fun song and everything, but one of the few highlights of these awards shows is seeing Carrie Underwood perform a powerful ballad and shakes the rafters with her incredible voice. I won’t remember this performance tomorrow.
8:58 – Um, country performances aren’t supposed to start with DJ’s scrating on baby blue vinyl, Carrie.
8:56 – As Curtis pointed out in the comments, very strange that both Kacey Musgraves and Maddie & Tae’s nominee presentations for awards didn’t include their actual music like it did for the other nominees. Could the ACM’s not secure rights? Something else in the midst? Very strange.
8:52 – LANCO would have been super cool if they were wearing suspenders and bowties and it was 2012.
8:50 – What is this Imagine Dragons version of a Lumineers song bullshit band we got here? LANCO? Yeah, screw these guys.
8:48 – Give Eric Church props for trying something different instead of coming out slinging his penis around backed by arena guitar and pyrotechnics. Your 10-year-old boy thought his snake background was cool as hell.
8:46 – “The Snake” is a strange song for Eric Church to perform on an awards show, but we’ll see how this goes. Remember, he’s the primary reason Ashley McBryde got a big record deal.
8:44 – More than half way through and the server hasn’t crashed! Duct tape holding! Thanks to everyone commenting down in the comments section. I’m reading when I can!
8:43 – Notice that Thomas Rhett’s wife got just as much screen time as Thomas Rhett? That’s the way it is at all of these awards show. It’s because she’s interesting, and he isn’t. Thomas Rhett is the product of nepotism and lifestyle branding. He’s a walking Kohls commercial.
8:41 – The ACM for Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett.
8:39 – Looks like Hunter Hayes finally hit puberty at 27. Way to go tiger!
8:38 – Was not opposed to that Keith Urban performance, though it got a little crazy at the end. Surprisingly good.
8:37 – Well screw me, this Keith Urban performance is pretty damn compelling. Not country at all, but he’s commanding the moment.
8:36 – If Keith Urban wins Entertainer of the Year, I’ll be flipping more cars tonight than the entirety of the Texas Tech student body.
8:34 – Not sure “Brand New Man” has enough room for three vocal lines. Also not sure if Luke Combs could legally operate a motor vehicle at the moment.
8:33 – I know a lot of folks love the original version, but this reboot of “Brand New Man” does it for me. Yeah it’s too rock, but if it gets an actual country song in the earholes of Bro-Country refugees, I’m all about it.
8:32 – Well damn. Here’s comes Luke Combs’ solo cups again.
8:31 – I don’t know about you, but I think Midland’s new promo photos sound excellent!
8:29 – So let’s get this straight, Old Dominion gets a performance slot, but Kacey Musgraves who’s up for three major awards doesn’t?
8:27 – Lol Jason Isbell on Twitter, “When Reba made the joke about Maren Morris’s birthday party being at Chuck E Cheese she really put me in a bind. Now the toddler is gonna be very offended if she isn’t at Chuck E Cheese for Maren’s birthday party
8:25 – Is it too late to change my vote for most generic country band ever from Dan + Shay to Old Dominion?
8:23 – This Old Dominion guy looks like he made his gold coat out of Nintendo classic Adventures of Zelda cartridges.
8:22 – I’m a professional country music writer, and I can’t name you one Old Dominion song. Including this one.
8:19 – “God’s Country” would be so much better if they had played it more country. But Blake Shelton finds the passion the song calls for.
8:17 – Whatever you think about Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” this song is going to be massive. Huge spins at radio, massive sales on iTunes, big streaming numbers.
8:14 – P.S. – Did you see Amanda Shires? Kind of brings it full circle when she showed up to the CMAs a couple of years ago to potentially accept for Jason Isbell’s “The Nashville Sound” wearing a protest T-shirt. Cool that they kind of accepted her into the fold here.
8:10 – Man, I have to be honest. I appreciate the message of all of these women empowerment songs. But there’s better ways to do this than these mawkish, pandering odes hoping to find appeal from fawning media and the hashtag crowd. You want to lift up women and daughters? Tell a story that can appeal to people instead of stringing together platitudes. That’s what “I Hope You Dance” was about. That’s what “Fancy” was about. That’s what “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” is about. Just my opinion.
I’m talking about the new Little Big Town song “Daughters” by the way. Otherwise, it was a fine performance. Probably better than most we will see tonight. Brandi Carlile was crying.
8:05 – Holy shit. Dan + Shay has won three ACM Awards. So mild.
8:04 – The ACM for Vocal Duo of the Year does NOT go to Florida Georgia Line!
8:02 – Why can’t Kelly Clarkson be the one we’re concerned about crossing into country. She’d get no complaints here.
8:01 – Dan + Shay is so inoffensive it’s offense. They’re every pop band from America ever with updated haircuts.
7:59 – Great performance by Luke Combs. Decent, not great song, but he did something great with it, and didn’t need any bombastic production to do it.
7:58 – I know a lot of folks consider Luke Combs a lite version of Bro-Country, but you can’t convince me it’s not a positive development that this guy is quickly becoming the biggest thing in country music at the expense of Florida Georgia Line and Kane Brown.
7:57 – Thanks god Luke Combs isn’t holding a solo cup. That was a bit that needed to die.
7:56 – Something tells be Luke Combs can bankrupt a Chinese buffet.
7:53 – Back to Ashley McBryde, the only flaw in her performance was the ACMs not allowing her to perform the full song. After she worked her magic, and then Brother Osborne and Maren Morris took the stage, it exposed just how fleeting and superfluous party country is, and how important a song can be.
7:51 – Excellent performance by George Strait.
7:50 – This was no “Murder On Music Row,” but make no mistake, George Strait singing “God and Country Music” on the ACM was meant to deliver a message. And it did.
7:48 – “King” George Strait takes the stage. “There’s still two things still worth saving, God and country music.” I like to pretend that line got written after someone spent an afternoon catching up here.
7:46 – Generally speaking, fun performance with Maren and Brothers Osborne. Not country, but fine. The Osborne’s know how to bring it.
7:45 – “All My Favorite People” wish that Maren Morris would take her weak shit to the pop format already.
7:44 – Ashley McBryde just had a “moment” on the ACM Awards. She’s a “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” no more. Millions were just hushed, she received a standing ovation from her peers, and now America and now the world knows how a real country music song can make you feel.
7:42 – When I saw the performance lineup, THIS was the song I was most anticipating. ACMs gave Ashley McBryde the opportunity to have a “moment.”
7:41 – Ashley McBryde!
7:38 – Simple and sweet performance by Stapleton. Classy and country. Just could have used some gas, or put him out there solo and let him wail.
7:36 – I want Morgane Stapleton’s turquoise to hang on my wall.
7:34 – Chris Stapleton is great of course, and “A Simple Song” is a really sweet tune. But I’m not sure this is the most compelling performance they could have pulled together for an awards show. Give him something that can be a launching pad for his voice, and requires electric guitar. This is prime time, after all.
7:32 – Dan + Shay are the scented candles of country.
7:31 – The ACM for Single of the Year goes to “Tequila” by Dan + Shay. Sound familiar?
7:30 – These Single of the Year nominees are pure shit.
7:29 – 30 minutes in, and the first real cowboy hat. Thanks Clint Black.
7:27 – Mouths need shutting.
7:25 – This Luke Bryan performance feels like a good time to evoke the immortal words of Sturgill Simpson:
7:24 – The cameras want to cut to Blake Shelton SO bad. Especially after the “I Got the hell out of Oklahoma” line.
7:23 – Hate these medley performance. You never get the opportunity to get into the groove of anything.
Who’s the old guy on the acoustic behind Lambert in the dark sunglasses? My bet it’s someone cool.
7:21 – Here comes Miranda Lambert. 32 ACM awards. Goodness.
7:17 – Song of the Year is supposed to be an award for a song that has impact and resonance beyond a given calendar year. Can anyone make that claim for Dan + Shay’s “Tequila”?
7:15 – Thomas Rhett looks like that loser trying to date your daughter who swears he’s flexing his shifts delivering for Dominoes to finish his GED at the community college.
7:13 – Bert and Ernie, who were 40-something involuntarily celibate Muppets who lived together and slept in the same room were still more cool than Dan + Shay.
7:11 – Are you kidding me? The extremely mild Dan + Shay wins Song of the Year for “Tequila.” Has there ever been a more mild Song of the Year?
7:10 – You mean Lady Antebellum is still a thing?
7:09 – Oh hell, Luke Bryan is dressed like a box of Valentines chocolates.
7:08 – This Reba McEntire monologue is pretty cornpone, but not bad.
7:07 – Reba take two swipes at the lack of women in country during her monologue, including saying the recent snow in Vegas froze the women out of the Entertainer of the Year nominations.
7:06 – “I’m Reba McEntire and I haven’t been tired in 53 years!”
7:05 – Save us Reba!
7:03 – After this performance, at least we can use the absurdly big chains on Jason Aldean’s wallet to try and pull country music out of the ditch.
7:02 – Tyler Hubbard looks like the 5th of July threw up on him.
7:01 – Florida Georgia Line’s “Can’t Hide Red” reminds me of an old saying my uncle always says that seems to apply to this moment, “Can’t Fix Stupid.”
7:01 – Oh shit, of course they have to start off with Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. I guess get it out of the way.
7:00 – And here we go!
6:50 – Some more early winners:
- Chris Janson wins Video of the Year for “Drunk Girl.”
- Old Dominion wins for Group of the Year
Video of the Year for Chris Janson is much deserved. It really should have been a candidate for Song of the Year at both the CMAs and ACMs, but it’s good to see a solid effort recognized nonetheless.
Really felt that with the year Midland had, they would have been a better pick, and the only actual country music pick for Group of the Year. Does Old Dominion really hold that much sway over people? If they’re handing out their award before the telecast, that kind of answers the question. NOt a lot of strong groups in mainstream country at the moment.
6:48 – Late breaking performance news: It sounds like Amanda Shires will be performing with Luke Combs, likely in his band on fiddle.
6:45 – Some Awards Have Already Been Handed Out:
- New Male Vocalist of the Year – Luke Combs
- New Female Vocalist of the Year – Ashley McBryde
- New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year – Lanco
- Music Event of the Year – “Burning Man” – Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne
- Songwriter of the Year – Shane McAnally
Gabe
April 7, 2019 @ 5:02 pm
Having Jason Aldean and those clowns open the show is a terrible idea
Penny
April 7, 2019 @ 5:02 pm
Well it can only go up from here. They’re horrible
Ed Undy
April 7, 2019 @ 5:03 pm
My FGL boys blowin’ it up! Jason is awesome too. So deserving of the Artist Of The Decade award.
Troy
April 7, 2019 @ 5:04 pm
What a shitty way to start the show. And my partner is watching it. I sure as fuck will not.
Bill Weiler
April 7, 2019 @ 5:04 pm
The Shit Show is off to a steaming start.
CeeCeeBee
April 7, 2019 @ 5:14 pm
Anyone complaining about Tequila winning Song of the Year just remember,FGL could have won.
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 5:15 pm
They’re trying to torture me tonight. FGL and Aldean followed by Thomas Rhett? Mute button is getting a workout.
Rhett sounds like a 70’s lounge lizard.
Trigger
April 7, 2019 @ 5:19 pm
At least we’re getting some of the worst performances of the night out of the way.
Rachel
April 7, 2019 @ 5:16 pm
Goodness gracious the first two performances have been steaming piles of crap. “I know she’s got haters, but it ain’t her fault” is an absolutely miserable line.
Garrett
April 7, 2019 @ 5:17 pm
Dan and Shay, first award, what a way to ruin a night
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 5:19 pm
I need to drink. FGL commercial with the chicken was just bizarre. Might not make it to the real artists.
VT4Me
April 7, 2019 @ 5:19 pm
Wow, I can hear FGL’s live pitch correction from the other room. Yikes, that’s atrocious.
Phil Oxford
April 7, 2019 @ 5:19 pm
A Dan and Shay win into a Thomas Rhett performance making me wish Adult Contemporary radio was still a thing. That would at least keep this shit out of my earshot, not to mention being more honest and keeping it out of country music
Phil Oxford
April 7, 2019 @ 5:26 pm
Not gonna lie, a little disappointed in the song selection for Miranda’s medley
Brian
April 7, 2019 @ 5:38 pm
I couldn’t agree more. I have to admit that part of the reason I am not a huge Miranda fan is that she had so much success with average songs a lot of the time. I basically liked none of those medley songs and they were all big successes. I love some of her songs, but I hated when she won so many awards on average songs.
Trigger
April 7, 2019 @ 5:41 pm
A swim through the hits. ACMs don’t like chances.
CeeCeeBee
April 7, 2019 @ 6:46 pm
She had limited time. Those are the songs most casual fans want to hear. Makes perfect sense.
hoptowntiger94
April 7, 2019 @ 5:28 pm
Would have been time better spent with Pistol Annies.
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 5:28 pm
So Miranda just decided to do the “crazy girl” songs in her melody?
Good Lord, Luke might be a nice guy but this boot song needs a kick in the ass. This steaming pile of crap is making me stabby. It’s like a Sesame Street song gone wrong.
Garrett
April 7, 2019 @ 5:29 pm
Well. so far I don’t know why this called the Academy of Country Music awards………
Bill Weiler
April 7, 2019 @ 5:30 pm
I tuned in, expecting a total abomination. So far it’s exceeding my wildest expectations.
Jon
April 7, 2019 @ 5:31 pm
The old guy in the glasses playing acoustic for Miranda is her long time band member Scott Wray.
Trigger
April 7, 2019 @ 5:40 pm
Okay screw me. Thought it might be someone different going incognito. Thanks!
KathyP
April 7, 2019 @ 5:31 pm
The sound system is better than most. Still love Miranda, got the he’ll out of Oklahoma. Good start for the night.
Trigger
April 7, 2019 @ 5:40 pm
I agree. Sometimes performances are washed out. So far it’s been okay. It’s been the awards presentations that have felt muted.
Joe
April 7, 2019 @ 5:43 pm
I think the ACM’s sound has been pretty good most years (except the one year they went to Dallas for the 50th). It’s the CMAs that has had terrible audio the past few years.
For the Birds
April 7, 2019 @ 5:32 pm
Would have preferred to hear a medley of the Miranda led tracks from Interstate Gospel: Cheyenne, Got My Name Changed Back, Masterpiece.
NCW
April 7, 2019 @ 5:32 pm
Really bad when I found myself rooting for Dan & Stay for single of the year.
Trigger
April 7, 2019 @ 5:38 pm
Could have been worse I guess.
Matt M.
April 7, 2019 @ 5:35 pm
Did anyone notice when Clint Black said, “I feel like such a tool”, the camera flipped to one of the Florida Georgia Line guys? lol
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 5:37 pm
A man, a voice, a guitar. That’s country. Thank YOU Chris Stapleton. We needed that ear cleaner after the bros left the stage.
gabe
April 7, 2019 @ 5:38 pm
Queen Baybay Rexha is 0/3…
Joe
April 7, 2019 @ 5:41 pm
As much as you hate the melodies, remember that up until last year the ACMs wanted nothing to do with the older artists that weren’t on radio anymore. At least now we are getting a little bit of music from artists like George Strait, Miranda Lambert, and Brooks & Dunn. I think the ACMs is finally figuring out what works after seeing the CMAs do well with their segments that have honored country’s past starting with the 50th anniversary show. Would I love to have more from them and a couple full songs, yes. But I will enjoy what I do get.
Rachel
April 7, 2019 @ 5:43 pm
And Ashley coming in on her first performance at the ACMs blowing everyone out of the water so far. First performance to feel like it’s really hitting. Stoked for her!
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 5:45 pm
Ashley was insanely good.
And now it’s Maren with an off key 9 to 5 ripoff. This is painful.
Yikes
Diana Finlay Hendricks
April 7, 2019 @ 6:52 pm
I am glad someone else recognized that “9-5” melody.
albert
April 7, 2019 @ 11:08 pm
when i first heard the album i was stunned that they ripped off 9-5 so closely . dolly’s probably too nice a person to sue but people certainly have been sued for lesser song-stealing offenses .
Rachel
April 7, 2019 @ 5:45 pm
My goodness, the contrast from Ashley to Maren….
NCW
April 7, 2019 @ 5:46 pm
Cannot wait to see her again later in the show. Her, George, and Brooks and Dunn is why I’m even watching.
Biscuit
April 7, 2019 @ 5:46 pm
I feel sorry for Trig having to watch this so he can report on it. I opted not to watch after last year’s debacle.
Gator
April 7, 2019 @ 5:47 pm
Maren is aural diahrea after Ashley
albert
April 7, 2019 @ 11:10 pm
right off the rails with her new album ……
her voice and GREAT songs could have won everything ……its mostly crap , trendy ,bluesy , forgettable stuff …
Black Boots
April 8, 2019 @ 2:19 pm
Nah, it’s all really, really good.
Gabe
April 7, 2019 @ 5:47 pm
Maren, just because you are in Las Vegas doesn’t mean you are a showgirl. This chick makes it easy for people to target her
Barstool Hero
April 7, 2019 @ 5:47 pm
I thought Maren Morris was singing 9 to 5. Sounds like a lawsuit.
MJ
April 7, 2019 @ 5:49 pm
George Strait is the perfect palate cleanser for Maren Morris. Thank goodness.
Marty Shine
April 7, 2019 @ 5:49 pm
King George…3 chords and the truth!
Kathy
April 7, 2019 @ 5:49 pm
Can’t Thomas Rhett afford a t shirt without holes??
albert
April 7, 2019 @ 11:11 pm
who…?
For the Birds
April 7, 2019 @ 5:49 pm
Is Kacey there? I noticed they didn’t actually play Space Cowboy when they read its nomination.
ACMs better not snub her for album!
pmull14
April 7, 2019 @ 5:55 pm
Yes. They showed her in the opening when Reba referenced her. Front row I think.
Jared
April 7, 2019 @ 6:09 pm
Yes. They showed her during Reba’s opening monolog.
For the Birds
April 7, 2019 @ 5:51 pm
Is Kacey there? I noticed they didn’t actually play Space Cowboy when they read the nomination.
They better not snub Golden Hour on album!
Jared
April 7, 2019 @ 6:15 pm
Yes
Sam
April 7, 2019 @ 6:20 pm
Yes Kacey is there. She’s in the front row wearing a white/ombré pantsuit.
Brandi Cough
April 7, 2019 @ 5:51 pm
George Strait just made a statement playing “God and Country Music.”
Big Red
April 7, 2019 @ 5:53 pm
Nothing like King George. Classic country.
Marty Shine
April 7, 2019 @ 5:53 pm
Yes…the verses are note for note 9 to 5
pmull14
April 7, 2019 @ 5:54 pm
“7:44 – Ashley McBryde just had a “moment” on the ACM Awards. She’s a “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” no more. Millions were just hushed, she received a standing ovation from her peers, and now America and now the world knows how a real country music song can make you feel.“
Hit the nail on the head. Good for her and good for country music.
They’ve done a good job of mixing “new” and “old” styles to keep both types of fans watching. Took them a little while to get into it but Clint, Stapleton, Ashley, and the King made up for it.
albert
April 7, 2019 @ 11:15 pm
”They’ve done a good job of mixing “new” and “old” styles to keep both types of fans watching. Took them a little while to get into it but Clint, Stapleton, Ashley, and the King made up for it.”
yes indeed ….much improved over recent years in that respect ….
Jared S.
April 7, 2019 @ 5:57 pm
Unpopular opinion time: Maren’s performance was fun, decently country, and appropriate for the show. Strait’s song was a bore.
PBRLOVER
April 7, 2019 @ 6:16 pm
Are you kidding me. Strait was true country. You are in the wrong genre man.
R
April 7, 2019 @ 7:15 pm
I kind of wish he’d done “honkytonk time machine” or “every little honkytonk bar”. But I definitely see why hed chose that one.
Sam
April 7, 2019 @ 5:58 pm
Ok. I’m going to say it. WTF is with Miranda? “Got the hell out of OK?” This time last year she was raving about OK because she was with Evan. Now after 2 relationships and a new marriage she is still dissing Blake? And that’s what is being talked about not her performance. He doesn’t care. We are all glad she got out of OK. But woman grow the eff up.
hoptowntiger94
April 7, 2019 @ 5:59 pm
It’s nice to see Amanda wearing clothes.
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 6:06 pm
It’s nice to see Amanda on stage. The woman is really talented. Whether she’s in a super hero outfit with wacky boots, or wearing a head to toe shapeless sack.
rideus
April 7, 2019 @ 6:01 pm
Maren following Ashley didn’t benefit her at all – Ashley slayed…….love it
hoptowntiger94
April 7, 2019 @ 6:01 pm
What’s the difference between Dan + Shay and Rascal Flatts?
Big Red
April 7, 2019 @ 6:03 pm
Dan and Shay make me think I’m listening to K-Love.
Gabe
April 7, 2019 @ 6:11 pm
There will be no slandering of K-Love here. Thanks
Big Red
April 7, 2019 @ 6:14 pm
I listen to Christian music like I listen to country music: discerningly. Some of it is good. A lot is not. There are a lot of underlying similarities to CCM and country. I’ve often wished for a “Saving Christian Music.”
Phil Oxford
April 7, 2019 @ 6:04 pm
Here’s an ACM hack ™: During the 50% of performances that are auditory suicide, mute the TV and listen through Courtney Marie Andrews’s and Greensky Bluegrass’s recent performances one song at a time (they’re crawling in the links bar)
Chris
April 7, 2019 @ 6:05 pm
Dan or Shay (I don’t know who’s who) look like Jon Snow + Kylo Ren had a baby.
SameOld
April 7, 2019 @ 6:10 pm
Catching up and Ashley and Chris the best parts of the night so far.
Rachel
April 7, 2019 @ 6:11 pm
I know LBT has their fair share of crappy music, but man, when they’re good, they’re in the top tier in country.
Ryan
April 7, 2019 @ 6:12 pm
“The Daughters”
Sean McConnell, Ashley Ray, and Karen Fairchild
Wow. I think that was Brandi Carlile crying. Powerful moment.
For the Birds
April 7, 2019 @ 6:28 pm
That was me crying about Brandi not getting to perform.
Joe
April 7, 2019 @ 6:13 pm
Little Big Town is country music’s version of a cat with 9 lives. My goodness they have had a couple smash hits but then go irrelevant for so long you’d think they have to be out of the mainstream industry, yet here they are again.
Chris
April 7, 2019 @ 6:13 pm
Dan or Shay (I don’t know who’s who) looks like Jon Snow + Kylo Ren had a baby.
John Gasaway
April 7, 2019 @ 6:15 pm
I just figured out why i love all country music and the ACM’S because of the song I was country when country wasn’t cool and i have literally been on this Earth as long as these awards have been given out yes January 18th this year i turned 54 keep up the great work and the same to all of the great performers !
Jared
April 7, 2019 @ 6:17 pm
Ashley McBryde was straight fire!!
Jared
April 7, 2019 @ 6:20 pm
I agree 100% with your George Strait comments. It did hit the mark. All you had to do was notice the reaction of the other artists afterwards. Carrie Underwood was fighting back tears.
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 6:21 pm
Eh, if you’re going to sing about daughters, girls dancing random ballet moves around you might be a bit patronizing.
Ooh, Blake. Nice job. I’m hopeful he’s going back to his roots, that’s gritty. Might even forgive him for”chew tobacco, spit”.
Eric
April 7, 2019 @ 6:21 pm
How many guitars can have in one band? Doesn’t matter Blake Sheldon will have more.
Chris lewis
April 7, 2019 @ 6:22 pm
Gods country is actually not too bad. I would rather listen to that than bro country or hick hop. But you can’t tell me this doesn’t sound a lot like a 90s rock song from Blackstone cherry
Katie
April 7, 2019 @ 6:24 pm
My first time hearing the new Little Big Town song. My first reaction was being touched by it. The writing is a bit messy, but you hear these types of lines in the same manner, unsolicited advice and opinions from well-meaning peers about how a woman should be, all of the time. I forgive it.
CeeCeeBee
April 7, 2019 @ 6:24 pm
You can call it “God’s Country” all day. It is a rework of “Photograph” by Nickleback.
Blatant.
Ray
April 7, 2019 @ 6:25 pm
“God’s Country” is Blake Shelton’s best song in 10 years.
Brian
April 7, 2019 @ 6:29 pm
I can’t believe Old Dominion won best group. I was really hoping Midland would win that award I like to see artists rewarded for playing country music. It makes me nervous that execs can throw that in their face how they would be doing better and winning awards if they played different songs.
Johnny Sanderson
April 7, 2019 @ 6:30 pm
This is the APM academy of POP Music sure ain’t Country to this ole Boy!! We are about to change channel!
Brian
April 7, 2019 @ 6:31 pm
I was kinda not sure about the new Blake song, but seeing him sing it live won me over big. I couldn’t agree more with how I wish it would have been more straight country, but Blake puts a lot of emotion into that song, so it works very well.
Rob
April 7, 2019 @ 6:31 pm
Oof. As a longtime reader of this site I’ve gotta disagree that “Beautiful Crazy” is only a decent song. It’s great. To each their own though. Wish Stapleton would’ve picked a different song to sing also. “A Simple Song” is really plain, a good song but I feel like an award show is a better chance for a straight up vocal showcase or a entertainer of a song to draw people in. But hey, great song anyways. Just don’t want Stapleton to lose his momentum.
Curtis Herd
April 7, 2019 @ 6:31 pm
Seems kinda odd (but also kinda not) that the all the female nominees so far have received random instrumental music while every other nominee has gotten the most recognizable parts of their songs. It happened to both Space Cowboy for song and Maddie and Tae for duo.
Trigger
April 7, 2019 @ 6:56 pm
Yes, I noticed that too.
Bill from Wisconsin
April 7, 2019 @ 6:32 pm
Red solo cup sighting…yikes.
albert
April 7, 2019 @ 11:21 pm
that red cup thing is a joke and will get old real fast ….just too cool ….
JonBoy
April 7, 2019 @ 6:33 pm
Spoke to soon about the solo cup there Trig
Trigger
April 7, 2019 @ 6:55 pm
Yeah yeah 🙂 . Habits die hard I guess. We’ll cure him yet.
Aggc
April 7, 2019 @ 6:34 pm
As usual, the highlight of the show is Cam’s hair. Things go rapidly downhill from there.
For the Birds
April 7, 2019 @ 6:35 pm
I want a GIF of Brandi Carlisle singing along to Brand New Man
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 6:35 pm
Put down the sippy cup Luke, you’re past that.
JB-Chicago
April 7, 2019 @ 8:48 pm
I’ve said that for the last 3 years!!!! W T F ????
CeeCeeBee
April 7, 2019 @ 6:36 pm
Good performance by Brooks and Dunn and Luke Combs.
But anyone but me want to rid the world of red Solo cups?
Jared
April 7, 2019 @ 6:37 pm
Legend of Zelda is a classic. Best check yourself before you wreck yourself!!
I kid, I kid
hoptowntiger94
April 7, 2019 @ 6:38 pm
I think Luke Combs got exposed during that performance. I don’t get him or his red cup.
I also like that version of Brand New Man and would like it better without Combs.
Trigger
April 7, 2019 @ 6:46 pm
I agree. They either needed to take it more seriously, or they needed more practice.
Joe
April 7, 2019 @ 6:39 pm
“7:57 – Thanks god Luke Combs isn’t holding a solo cup. That was a bit that needed to die.”
Sorry Trigger, but you’re only 1 for 2 on the red solo cup.
Adam
April 7, 2019 @ 6:40 pm
The guy from old dominion has such a rapey vibe to him.
Levi Genes
April 7, 2019 @ 6:40 pm
Well, they were like a bunch of guys goofing around, but Brand New Man was a lot of fun to watch with Luke Combs’ drunk ass having a blast! It sounded like they actually had Kix’ mic turned on, too?!? Enjoyed it.
Jared S.
April 7, 2019 @ 6:41 pm
Thomas Rhett? What?
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 6:42 pm
I liked that Keith Urban song. Probably because it wasn’t a “pick up a sad chick” song.
What monkeys vote for these awards? In what universe does Thomas Rhett beat Chris Stapleton? Ugh.
albert
April 7, 2019 @ 11:26 pm
sorry ‘the Dot ‘ …that urban thing may have been the low point of the night for me song-wise. no …wait a minute …that was aldean’s off pitch vocals on his sad rock/rap medley . is it not beyond ridiculous that a guy who has never sung on pitch ever is named artist of the decade ?
The Dot
April 8, 2019 @ 5:25 pm
Eh, compared to his recent steaming piles of”music”, this showcased his voice. I’m hoping for a return to the original Urban. But for the Grace of God is still one of my favorite songs.
JonBoy
April 7, 2019 @ 6:52 pm
Apparently the dude in Lanco thinks he’s SRV
Farmer
April 7, 2019 @ 6:52 pm
I love The Snake! EC and Ashley Mcbryde were awesome!
Ray
April 7, 2019 @ 6:53 pm
Lanco just made Kane Brown sound really country.
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 6:53 pm
Church gets more interesting as he gets older. And his support of female artists is commendable.
What’s a Lanco? Costco’s low budget cousin? There was a lot of energy there.
Not looking forward to the Chrissy Metz thing. Seems like a cheap excuse to toss the “girls” together in a group sing. :/
Derek Sullivan
April 7, 2019 @ 6:53 pm
Eric Church has a song barely hanging on radio, but he passes on Some Of It to perform really the only song on Desperate Man that could be a duet to give McBryde more stage time.
Lisa
April 7, 2019 @ 7:06 pm
Yep! Props to him for that.
NCW
April 7, 2019 @ 7:26 pm
I think for years he has acted like a guy that doesn’t give a damn about radio and Nashville bigwigs. I think tonight he proved it wasn’t an act. I honestly think he despises the way his songs are treated at radio compared to some of the new guys. Yet he can sell out shows no problem.
ADJ
April 7, 2019 @ 6:54 pm
Eric Church is just too cool. 🐍
wayne
April 7, 2019 @ 6:54 pm
Kix’s mic turned ON would be a first. Probably for good reason.
LimaOhio09
April 7, 2019 @ 6:54 pm
LANCO. #tools
Alex
April 7, 2019 @ 6:55 pm
The only thing worth seeing was George Strait and I missed it! Oh well.
Been watching for last 10 minutes or so and not impressed much. Eric Church and Ashley McBryde sounded good.
Jared
April 7, 2019 @ 7:10 pm
He’s going to perform shortly with Miranda Lambert.
Steve
April 7, 2019 @ 6:56 pm
For most of the songs, the instruments are drowning out the vocals.
Black Boots
April 7, 2019 @ 6:59 pm
Southbound is a jam. Haters gonna hate.
hoptowntiger94
April 7, 2019 @ 7:01 pm
What is this Carrie Underwood nonsense?
Bill from Wisconsin
April 7, 2019 @ 7:02 pm
What is this crap Carrie Underwood performance?
liza
April 7, 2019 @ 8:18 pm
It’s like a Kenny Chesney beach song.
Skyler
April 7, 2019 @ 7:04 pm
They didn’t play Chris Stapleton’s song during his nomination for song of the year either.
JonBoy
April 7, 2019 @ 7:05 pm
Kane Brown’s song sounds like generic R&B, but they have a guy play a fiddle so it’s obviously country 🙃
albert
April 7, 2019 @ 11:29 pm
so blatantly desperate having the fiddle and banjo on that turd of a song .
The Dot
April 7, 2019 @ 7:05 pm
Carrie went the beach song route. Nice to not hear a scorned woman song out of her.
And it’s mute button time. Why is Kane Brown still a thing? Oh, a fiddle. Can they hit him over the head with it so he’ll stop “singing”?
albert
April 7, 2019 @ 11:33 pm
you’d think that with all of the more traditional-sounding music out there right now carrie might want to at least follow THAT trend , since she’s good at following trends . her song sounded like a maren morris rip-off of a maren morris rip-off .
but at the risk of sounding sexist , carrie looks incredible and does a great job delivering that stuff . if only the song it wasn’t such a yawner ….
hoptowntiger94
April 7, 2019 @ 7:05 pm
This Kane Brown performance sounds like George Jones after that Carrie Underwood mess.
Rex
April 7, 2019 @ 7:06 pm
New Magnum P.I show is actually decent. Of course nothing beats Selleck, but it’s a fun show.