The 2020 ACM Awards LIVE Blog
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the 2020 edition of the ACM Awards LIVE blog on Saving Country Music. For the three hours of the presentation, we’ll be leaving quips, observations, and kudos where warranted in real time in an effort to make the awards at least somewhat palatable for those of distinguishing tastes, and who know what actual country music is supposed to sound like.
Usually the snark level is turned to excess and past the point of all decorum during these exercises. But since COVID-19 and political/racial upheaval have put a damper on spirits throughout life, we’ll try to temper the rhetoric at least to some extent this year. But once the snark machine gets going, you never know what’s going to be spit out in real time. So just remember–especially in these times of unprecedented uptightness—this is all in good fun.
If you want to know what to expect from the presentation in regards to performers, nominees, and important moments, check out the preview of the show. And remember, this is all live and unscripted, so apologies ahead of time for typos and stubbed toes.
All times Central time.
WINNERS:
–Entertainer of the Year: Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood
— Male Artist of the Year: Luke Combs
— Female Artist of the Year: Maren Morris
— Album of the Year: Luke Combs – What You See Is What You Get
— Song of the Year: Old Dominion (forgot already)
— Single of the Year: Blake Shelton – “God’s Country”
— Duo of the Year – Dan + Shay
— Group of the Year – Old Dominion
— New Male Artist of the Year – Riley Green
— New Female Artist of the Year – Tenille Townes
— Songwriter of the Year – Hillary Lindsey
— Video of the Year – Thomas Rhett – “Remember You Young”
— Musical Event of the Year – “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” – Miranda Lambert with Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack & Elle King.
10:20 – Overall, I have to say I was really impressed with how the ACMs pull off a socially distanced show, and aside from some outliers, stripped down performances resulted in significant more quality and moving moments, most accentuated by Carrie Underwood’s classic country medley, Eric Church allowing Johnny Cash to say his peace, a great performance by Mickey Guyton, and other quality performances.
The awards themselves left many puzzled. Luke Combs probably deserves whatever they give him. Maren Morris for Female Vocalist wouldn’t be my first pick, but is understandable. But again Old Dominion gets awards for who knows what reason, and the ACMs fumbled an otherwise great presentation including an extended In Memorium segment by giving Entertainer of the Year to two people, one being Thomas Rhett. THIS will be what people remember, and not for the right reasons. More on this soon.
10:10 – THANK YOU to everyone for stopping by, commenting, liking, sharing, etc. I’m going to give some final thoughts, recap the winners, and get out of here.
10:09 – No matter the outcome, I feel like the ACMs failed country music again with Entertainer of the Year. First off, Thomas Rhett deserves no part of any Entertainer of the Year award, and I think he proved that tonight, while Carrie Underwood and Eric Church, or Luke Combs proved to be much more deserving. Giving Carrie Underwood the award with Rhett steals the thunder behind it, and will only lend to conjecture and conspiracy theories of how we got here.
It’s kind of like when they say if your football teams has two quarterbacks, you really have none. If there was a tie, you ask for a revote or a runoff.
10:03 – Obviously, it is very easy to give into conspiracy theories in a moment like this. With THOUSANDS of votes cast, and never a tie in history, was this just a way to give the real winner a trophy, and award Carrie Underwood to save the backlash as well? I don’t know that we have enough information to determine that at this point. LOTS to digest here.
9:59 – Carrie Underwood wins the second Entertainer of the Year trophy. It is her third ACM Entertainer of the Year honor. She also won in 2009 and 2010.
9:57 – The 2020 ACM Entertainer of the Year Award is TIED, with the 1st going to Thomas Rhett ?!?
9:55 – Just a reminder that the chorus for Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country” was straight up filched from Kane Brown’s “Short Skirt Weather” in such an overt act of creative thievery, Kane and his co-writers were added as contributors to the track.
9:54 – ..and then here comes Florida Georgia Line.
9:52 – The ACM Awards started off pretty poorly, but I’ve got to say, they’re really rising to the occasion, understanding the gravity of moments, and putting on a presentation we’ll remember. If only it could be like this every year.
9:49 – A few years the ACM’s have completely forgone an In Memorium segment. Most years, it’s not even close to complete. There’s a couple more they could have included. But to include guys like Jimmy Capps and David Olney, and Gary McSpadded, that was the best In Memoriam tribute I have seen on the CMAs or ACMs since I’ve been covering them. Impressed.
9:46 – Trisha Yearwood sings “I’ll Carry You Home” in tribute to fallen country heroes, including Earl Thomas Connley, John Prine, Jimmy Capps, Biff Adam, Paul English, Sonny Curtis, Bill Mack, Jan Howard, David Olney, Gary McSpadden, Kenny Dixon, busbee, Chuck and Jim Glaser, Joe Diffie, Charlie Daniels, and Kenny Rogers.
9:44 – Maren Morris: “I have to pee.”
I have to puke.
9:43 – The ACM for Female Artist of the Year goes to Maren Morris.
9:40 – Ooh, I see Trisha Yearwood…
9:38 – Luke Combs is having a big night taking home two of the biggest awards so far, which was easy to see coming, and hard to say is not deserved from the massive year he’s having. Still you wouldn’t mind see some of the love shared around. Half the awards given out tonight have gone to two acts: Luke Combs and Old Dominion.
9:36 – The ACM for Male Artist of the Year goes to Luke Combs.
Most obvious pick of the night.
9:35 – Holy ribbon, Lauren Alaina. You could clog a 737 engine with that thing.
9:33 – This new Keith Urban and P!ink song/performance does nothing form me. Stock.
9:32 – Gotta say, for having to incorporate multiple venues, live and pre-recorded stuff, and multiple formats, the ACMs so far have been really snappy, with good sound and overall production.
9:31 – Miranda Lambert has 35 ACM Awards. That’s crazy.
9:29 – Hey Arnold down in the comments section wants credit for “Karen Morris.” Thought I saw that on Twitter a while back, but sure. Just don’t whip our asses the rest of the night about Jon Pardi.
9:25 – Wow! The studio version of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” by Mickey Guyton left some to be desired, but she just gave the 2020 ACM Awards another “moment.” Once again, the stripped down production exposes and excellent song, and let’s a beautiful performance rise to the surface.
9:22 – I have been a bit proponent of Mickey Guyton for many years as she’s gone majorly ignored by the mainstream. It’s really heartening to see all the attention flowing towards her. It’s just a shame it took black men being killed in the streets to make it happen.
9:20 – Tim McGraw brings us up to three cowboy hats, and two steel guitars.
9:18 – As Jared pointed out in the comments section, these stripped down performances really are helping to expose some great songs, and are so much more palletable than choreographed dance troups and pyrotechnics. One rare postitive side effect of COVID. This Tim McGraw performance from the Bluebird of “I Called Mama” is a good example.
9:16 – I think Carrie Underwood and Eric Church have really made a case for themselves tonight why they should be considered front runners for Entertainer of the Year. It’s not just about tickets and sales. It’s about creating moments, and exuding leadership in the the genre. Luke Combs did well too.
9:14 – That was Joanna Cotten there singing with Eric Church.
9:10 – Appreciate that Eric Church just ceded precious minutes from his major awards show performance to allow a full spoken word rendition of Johnny Cash’s poignant and timely “Ragged Old Flag” to play. Class.
9:07 – Very cool. Eric Church’s performance of “Stick That In Your Country Song” starts with a full rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag,” with Cash’s visage in front of a black background.
9:05 – Luke Combs was a pretty obvious pick for Album of the Year. Jon Pardi and Miranda Lambert may have been better picks, but you can’t complain to much about it.
9:04 – The ACM for Album of the Year goes to “What You See Is What You Get” by Luke Combs.
9:01 – Okay, is it me, or were Taylor’s guitar strums out-of-sync? Vocals are live, but it looks like the guitar was pre-recorded.
8:59 – Good visual for Taylor Swift for her “Betty” performance with a spotlight behind her and a dark background, and Swift with her hair up, and little or no makeup adding to the stripped down nature of the song.
8:58 – Here we go with Tay Tay.
8:54 – Really disappointed Karen Morris didn’t use the incredible platform of the ACMs to tell us all how stupid country music fans are.
8:50 – This Karen Morris performance is fine. Even if it was bad, wouldn’t want to give Karen criticism that she would just used to couch herself as a devastated victim on Instagram prattling for sympathy while the fawning media laps it up and calls her empowering.
8:48 – Karen Morris.
8:47 – Blake Shelton is a turd, but “God’s Country” was massive, and much more deserving of an award than that Old Dominion song I already forgot the name of.
8:46 – The ACM for Single of the Year goes to “God’s Country” by Blake Shelton.
8:43 – Sure, the message is great, but “Worldwide Beautiful” is too on-the-nose to have any real impact. Is anyone removing the hate from their heart due to Kane Brown? And the electronic loop is annoying as shit.
8:42 – Glad Kane Brown didn’t get lost on the way to his performance.
8:40 – As many are pointing out on social media, “The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia” that Carrie Underwood performed as a Reba McEntire cover was originally from Viki Lawrence. Not sure why they picked such a recognizable cover instead of a different Reba song, but it worked. Perhaps because Carrie wanted to sing the song, and knew she could hit it out of the park.
8:36 – Good performance of “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green. Just wish he’d up his lyrical game a bit. Oh, and they just cut him off before he got to the “I wish country music still got played on country radio” line. Bastards.
8:35 – Riley Green: Most likely to be cancelled for some overblown pseudo-racist shit published in a high school yearbook 14 years ago.
8:33 – I just don’t even know where to start with Dan + Shat. It’s not even that it’s bad. It’s just so purely fluffy pop, it just makes me want to light a scented candle and watch kitten videos on YouTube.
8:31 – This Gabby Barrett performance has the same problems as Tenille Townes. Many of these young new women performers feel like they need to imbue their music with all this hip-hop attitude that just feels put-on and fake. “I Hope” is a good song with bad execution.
8:29 – Sweet! Don’t know how Gabby Barret roped Weird Al into performing with her, but I’m here for it!
8:27 – Aside from the Tenille Townes performance which I’m still cleaning up the blood from my ears from, stuff has gotten better as time has gone on here.
8:23 – Eh. Tenille Townes should have dried this performance out. Way too much fake energy and attitude, and she’s singing on top of the notes a la Jennifer Nettles. NOt impressed.
8:21 – Wow, how did Tenille Townes get a hold of David Bowie’s iconic space suit for this performance? Would love to hear the story behind that.
8:19 – Yeah, Luke Combs could cut some much better songs, but one of the reasons he’s been one of the best performers of 2020 is her can kill it with just a guitar and a mic. Or in this case, just a piano and a mic. You actually believe his “everyman” approach to country.
8:16 – This Luke Combs segment about bringing guitars to people suffering from PTSD would be much cooler if it wasn’t such a naked advertisement for Ford. Nuance, people.
8:15 – Carrie Underwood just had a moment.
8:11 – Carrie Underwood just sung “Crazy” by Patsy Cline, Loretta’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” Barbara Mandrell’s “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” Dolly’s “Why’d You Come In Here,” and Reba’s “That’s the Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia,” and finished with a killer rendition of Martina McBride. If you want to know why she gets a pass as “pop” country, this is why. She is what pop country should be.
8:06 – There’s a steel guitar on stage. THERE’S A STEEL GUITAR ON STAGE !!!
8:04 – Oh nice, Carrie Underwood singing Patsy, Loretta and others at the Opry in tribute to their 95th anniversary.
8:03 – Fishnet stockings did for country music what …. okay I won’t go there …
8:01 – Nothing says country like performing in front of green screens from Hollywood.
8:01 – Jon Pardi deserved his own performance slot. He’s nominated for Album of the Year. “Beer Can’t Fix” does nothing for me.
8:00 – The cowboy hat count is up to 2 … an hour into a country music awards show.
7:58 – Didn’t we already have to suffer through a Thomas Rhett performance? Oh here comes Jon Pardi. God save this Pardi!
7:55 – You have to keep reminding yourself as the winners are announced, “It’s just the ACM Awards.” Old Dominion being one of tonight’s big winners pretty much sums it all up.
7:50 – Old Dominion received as much applause for winning this dumb award as they would have if there was actually a crowd in the house. Are there any actual fans of this band?
7:49 – The ACM for Group of the Year goes to Old Dominion.
7:47 – Shut it up … shut it up … shut it up. I’d rather listen to The Baha Men than this broken record performance.
7:46 – Morgan Wallen looks like a guy whose future holds many late child support payments. And what’s up with his bass player masturbating on the backline? There’s no crowd to rile you douche.
7:43 – I know Miranda’s cop hubby could billy club me to death, but she ain’t lookin’ half bad tonight. Blue’s her color.
7:41 – My one issue with “Bluebird” was the production. Stripped down like this, is much much more favorable.
7:40 – Miranda Lambert performs “Bluebird” at the Bluebird in blue fringe with her co-writers, with Luke Dick playing guitar, and Highwoman member Natalie Hemby singing harmony.
7:36 – The one good category for these awards was Song of the Year, and they gave it to the worst non-song in the entire category. Another sign these awards are bought and paid for. No way anyone could justify any Old Dominion song as the most important in a given year.
7:33 – Not hating this Kelsea Ballerini “Hold in the Bottle” song or performance at all. Best one so far tonight. She could really develop into something interesting if she continues to mature her career in this direction.
7:31 – Kelsea Ballerini giving Tina Turner’s wardrobe in Beyond Thunderdome a run for its money.
7:29 – The ACM for Song of the Year goes to Old Dominion for “One Man Band.” I write about country music for a living. Never heard this song.
7:27 – “Hey Senorita, don’t you think we need’a.” Deep, Luke. Move over Bill Shakespeare.
7:25 – Way to meet this weighty moment of life and society Luke Bryan with a vapid ode to margaritas. Touching.
7:21 – I just Dan + Shat my pants. Brooks & Dunn got robbed.
7:19 – …and the ACM for Vocal Duo of the Year goes to Dan + Shat.
7:19 – It’s a cowboy hat, and an actual country music artist. Save us Clint Black!
7:18 – Hey wait, I thought this Live Blog was going to be a little less snarky? Sorry, when I turn it on, I can’t turn it off.
7:17 – Old Dominion, you’re not important enough to perform a medley yet. Nobody knows these fucking songs.
7:16 – You know they say the Ryman Auditorium is full of the ghosts of country greats billowing through the halls and rafters. You can’t see them because they’re just spirits, but right now the ghosts of Hank Williams, Jimmy Martin, and Roy Acuff are all standing in front of the stage making lewd gestures featuring the middle digit towards these Old Dominion losers as Minnie Pearl cackles off in the distance.
7:13 – The Bluebird Cafe is the perfect venue for this Jimmie Allen song, because it’s open mic quality. Is that loser to the left playing an electronic drum pad? Come on, get an egg shaker and call it good.
7:11 – Can’t wait for Jimmie Allen’s “dayboo” moment, Keith. Guess it’s an Aussie thing.
7:09 – Thanks Keith Urban for the Hallmark moment. You’re 52-years-old and are wearing skinny jeans.
7:07 – If Carrie Underwood wins Entertainer of the Year, it will actually be her third ACM Entertainer of the Year. The ACMs have always been a bit more favorable to Carrie.
7:03 – If you think Luke Combs is good at music, wait till you see him suck a two-day-old BBQ stain out of a pair of Carhartt pants like it was never there.
7:01 – The Entertainer of the Year nominees are starting of the show with a “medley of their hits.” Or in Thomas Rhett’s case, “a medley of songs gerrymandered to #1 on country radio due to excessive promotion and nepotism.”
6:58 – Just thought of something: Lady A was nominated and voted on for Group of the Year BEFORE their whole fiasco with the real Lady A that has them now Public Enemy #1 with many. If they end up winning, it will be like giving a ACM Award to David Duke. This is definitely something to watch for.
6:55 – So there will be three separate venues incorporated into tonight’s presentation: The Bluebird Cafe, The Ryman Auditorium, and the main stage at the Grand Ole Opry House. You can expect most of the performances NOT at the Grand Ole Opry House to be per-recorded.
6:48 – Worth pointing out again, the Americana Music Awards were supposed to be tonight as well, and had the date booked months in advance to the ACM rescheduling their show for tonight as well. Though the Americana Music Associating is citing COVID-19 as the case, they also were having issues with finding funding and sponsors for their presentation. I can’t help but think the rescheduling of the ACMs had some of a factor.
6:45 – Some awards have already been handed out:
New Male Artist of the Year – Riley Green
New Female Artist of the Year – Tenille Townes
Songwriter of the Year – Hillary Lindsey
Video of the Year – Thomas Rhett – “Remember You Young”
Musical Event of the Year – “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” – Miranda Lambert with Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack & Elle King.
Joel B
September 16, 2020 @ 4:56 pm
Honestly looking forward to the CMAs way more. Definitely not perfect, but their nominations this year weren’t terrible and I honestly want to take the time to watch the whole show for once
Officer McLoughlin
September 16, 2020 @ 8:27 pm
I soooo want Miranda to snab that EOTY at the CMAs!
Tubb
September 16, 2020 @ 5:12 pm
I have to admit I like the idea of the different venues. It’s nice to see the Opry House, Ryman, and the Bluebird even on tv.
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 5:35 pm
Cool to see some cool spots get some recognition.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 5:15 pm
I gave up long time ago trying to justify Jimmie Allen’s appeal
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 5:16 pm
LB singing a song I want to hear and it gets cut short. Boo
NPC
September 16, 2020 @ 5:19 pm
Prepare for motion sickness lawsuits due to the egregious use of Google Earth flyovers in 3, 2, 1…
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 5:21 pm
Boo.
This award has already left turn one too many
NPC
September 16, 2020 @ 5:21 pm
You only thought P!nk was out of place at the ACMs… who invited Yanni?
Joel B
September 16, 2020 @ 5:23 pm
Good one! LOL
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 5:24 pm
Dan and Shay suck, but on the bright side, everytime FGL loses an award,an angel gets its wings.
Dee Manning
September 17, 2020 @ 8:11 am
I was ok with Tequila but then deeply, passionately hated 10,000 Hours. Which they played on both country stations and my Top 40 station. Which made me go back to using my old iPod in the car cause the damn song literally put me in a bad mood.
The new one isn’t bad, but, it is 100% not country. (And this is coming from someone who likes a lot of pop country). It is straight up pop, they need to do a Taylor and formally switch over.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 5:26 pm
Quick reminder, that’s a 44 year old man singing “one margarita, two margarita”
Dustin D
September 16, 2020 @ 5:27 pm
What exactly is a Dan and Shay?
KathyP
September 16, 2020 @ 5:30 pm
Ashley got robbed.
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 5:36 pm
All the other nominees got robbed. Old Dominion? Are you kidding me?
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 5:36 pm
Trigger, you’re cracking me up!!!
I’ve never understood the hype for Kelsea Ballerini. It feels extremely forced. With that said, wasn’t a horrible performance. She would be better served going a more traditional route.
Chris31
September 16, 2020 @ 5:44 pm
I was lost for words when Old Dominion won song of the year. Agree with Trig that these awards have to be bought.
NPC
September 16, 2020 @ 5:48 pm
I have never asked, “Who is that?” so many times during an awards broadcast. Modern country music has become so homogeneous that everyone is a brown-haired, patchy-faced white guy with terrible fashion sense.
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 5:49 pm
Third song already about drinking. Hope it’s the last one.
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 6:00 pm
NVM.
#4
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 5:51 pm
Worse part is most people can’t even identify members of Old Dominion by name…
NPC
September 16, 2020 @ 6:34 pm
We can’t write those names here… children might read this comments section!
Kj
September 17, 2020 @ 3:31 am
Matthew Ramsay, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung. Fuck the haters
Chris31
September 16, 2020 @ 5:54 pm
Trig,
Had this thought ever since a friend told me to check out Hardy because he was in the same vein as Cody Jinks. I think the type of music that folks like Morgan Wallen and Hardy sing needs to be labeled “Trailer Trash Country”. Because all I can think about when I hear those two is two rednecks arguing about how country they are.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 5:59 pm
I need to have a word with your friend for thinking Hardy is in the same vein as Cody Jinks.
chris31
September 16, 2020 @ 6:07 pm
I really tried to find one good Hardy song. I could only last through three songs before I gave up and cleaned my ears out with the newest Colter Wall album. I’ve had to agree to disagree with him and make a point not to talk about music.
DS
September 16, 2020 @ 5:54 pm
Who the fuck even listens to Old Dominion?
Bearly B
September 16, 2020 @ 6:04 pm
I don’t.
Kj
September 17, 2020 @ 3:19 am
I do. And proud of it. Great guys, great songwriters. End of. Fuck the haters
Kj
September 17, 2020 @ 3:27 am
Two number one albums, so obviously they have plenty of fans
Erikstein
September 17, 2020 @ 9:06 am
Has Anyone checked to see if KJ is actually Old Dominion’s publicist?
Kj
September 17, 2020 @ 11:16 am
I’m not unfortunately, I live in New Zealand.
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 5:54 pm
I am actually looking forward to the Carrie Underwood performance. So glad she is including Barbara Mandrell in her tribute – she gets left out much too often.
Sana
September 16, 2020 @ 5:58 pm
Well no surprises..Unfortunately..but the night is young..
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 6:00 pm
My ears, Thomas Rhett’s drawl is ruining this collaboration
NPC
September 16, 2020 @ 6:04 pm
Fun fact: Blake Shelton has still not shown up in person for his once-a-decade Opry performance; he literally phoned the last one in from Oklahoma. Give him the chance to follow Miranda at the Bluebird, though…
Dee Manning
September 16, 2020 @ 9:09 pm
Um he was quarantined with 6 kids last time….
NPC
September 16, 2020 @ 6:10 pm
Carrie Underwood’s performance is single-handedly more country than anything we have seen before or will see after.
Will Niram
September 16, 2020 @ 6:11 pm
I think Carrie is the first performance that had personality. You would’ve thought that she was performing to a full Opry house.
KathyP
September 16, 2020 @ 6:12 pm
Carrie, Is a breath of fresh air tonight. Carrie should re-record that Dolly song. An album of covers by Carrie, now that may be an idea whose time has come. She’d kill it and I’m not a big fan. This was excellent
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 6:12 pm
Watch them follow Carrie’s performance with a forgettable one
DS
September 16, 2020 @ 6:14 pm
Carrie really needs to do a classic country covers album
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 6:26 pm
Good idea.
CountryKnight
September 17, 2020 @ 7:28 am
Carrie doesn’t know enough classic country songs to record a full album.
Maybe an EP.
Trigger
September 17, 2020 @ 7:33 am
After watching her on the Opry recently and last night, I’d have to disagree. Some of these artists know dozens of country classics by heart. They just never get the opportunity to share them.
CountryKnight
September 17, 2020 @ 9:13 am
Carrie has the clout to release those songs. There is no excuse for her not to triumph classic country other than it would hurt her pocketbook.
She simply doesn’t care enough to do so. She is savvy enough to perform them when it earns her points but to actually put classic country music in her commercial career? Well, no, that would bad for business thus we get rock star/pop tart Carrie but sHe HaS A gReAt VoIcE!
Not a fan of two-faced (pun intended) people.
Bill
September 16, 2020 @ 6:16 pm
Carrie’s a great singer, but she only seems to have one volume, 10. Always just belting it out.
Ashley
September 16, 2020 @ 6:20 pm
I agree, but for a brief shining moment we saw her true vocal talent with “crazy.” It was subtle and lovely. I would love if she did more like this.
KathyP
September 16, 2020 @ 6:24 pm
Totally agree.
Countrygirl
September 16, 2020 @ 6:39 pm
Honestly she screams through every song smh
Derek Sullivan
September 16, 2020 @ 6:23 pm
Luke Combs is the face of country music right now and I’m okay with that.
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 6:26 pm
Could be much, much worse. We should be grateful for him.
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 6:24 pm
Carrie was phenomenal!
I do wonder with everything she’s doing outside of music if she’s going to put music on the back burner for a bit. I know Cry Pretty sold well, but most singles performed poorly by her standards. It would be awesome for her to shift back to her more Country/Pop sound of 2010ish.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 6:25 pm
Tenille towns performing was something. That’s all!
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 6:25 pm
Yes, something. Didn’t read the room.
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 6:27 pm
Laff
Derek Sullivan
September 16, 2020 @ 6:25 pm
Luke Combs is the face of country music right now and I’m cool with that.
KathyP
September 16, 2020 @ 6:29 pm
Tenille Townes’ Somebody’s Daughter would have been so much better if slowed down with more empathy. Sad songs like this shouldn’t be overwhelmed with over the top voice IMO.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 6:33 pm
Bathroom break
Bill
September 16, 2020 @ 6:34 pm
What’s country about these two guys? I shoulda gone to bed.
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 6:36 pm
Weird Al – HAHAHA!!!
This Blog always makes these award shows better and more tolerable!!
chris31
September 16, 2020 @ 6:38 pm
Trig,
Would love to hear your thoughts on Rome River Jam 2020 in Rome Ga. it’s happening in early October. Acts include Morgan Wallen, Riley Green, Hardy, Jon Langston, Ashland Craft, and Hunter Chastain to name a few. Two day tickets close to the stage must be bought in sets of 6 and are $420 each. And get this they are almost sold out! I’m in awe that so many people want to pay that much to sit and listen to shallow lyrics.
glendel
September 16, 2020 @ 8:28 pm
looks like “sublime with rome” was left off the rome river jam 2020 lineup. altho, the alternative / ska / punk band would sound more country than the names you named.
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 8:35 pm
There are these kinds of festivals all over the country, and yes, the ticket prices are usually a month of rent. I don;t get it, but if it’s what people enjoy, more power to them I guess.
Yankee
September 17, 2020 @ 1:08 am
Actually….6 tickets started at $480. Those are gone. You can still get 6 for $900 or $1350 though. 😛
Dee Manning
September 17, 2020 @ 8:01 am
Are they doing the platforms? I can’t remember where they started doing this, might have been England?
But, they set up platforms, couple of feet off the ground, with railings. Distanced throughout a festival field. And then you buy 6 tickets and go with people in your bubble. (Like you and 5 friends get tested and then you know you are good to go and don’t have to distance with each other.)
If they are doing that, yay for them, innovative way to have safe concerts.
If they are just selling regular seating, fuuuuuuuuck them and particularly disappointed in Hardy cause I like him, his songs are funny.
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 6:40 pm
I left to prep my coffee and oatmeal for breakfast
hoptowntiger94
September 16, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
Is this an inside joke, because how much time goes into prepping either?
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 7:28 pm
Haha…. Someone said they were taking a bathroom break when Dan and Shae performed and I was trying to reply to it.
CountryKnight
September 16, 2020 @ 6:41 pm
Sounds like Carrie googled biggest CM female hits before performing.
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 6:41 pm
Trigger, you’re right – nights like tonight is why Carrie Underwood gets a pass.
My 19 year old daughter is adding Barbara Mandrell and Loretta Lynn to her spotify playlist. Because of Carrie Underwood. She is a good ambassador for Country Music even if she sings mostly pop.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 6:45 pm
It’s been a minute since an award was presented, just saying.
Now Kane Brown is performing. Talk about reading a room, didn’t he get the message that the ACMs are not into him???
NPC
September 16, 2020 @ 6:45 pm
Oh, great, Kane Brown managed to find his way there… couldn’t someone have tricked him with an outdated roadmap to a shuttered I Love This Bar & Grill?
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 6:52 pm
Here is another stripped down song that is better compared to its single version. I hope artist and country radio are taking note.
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 6:58 pm
Yes, a lot of these songs do so much better when you remove the awful Music Row production. It really says a lot.
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 7:40 pm
Thanks, Trigger! Made my night!
I agree with everything you said in your live blog.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 6:54 pm
Hopefully with this performance, “Hell & Back” connects with listeners because as of now it’s struggling. That was bound to happen anyway after the huge hit she had with”The Bones”.
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 7:07 pm
Luke Combs is the it guy currently, however, Heartache Medication should have won album of the year
Justin
September 16, 2020 @ 7:10 pm
Why should the snark level be reduced because of “racism?” The whole George Floyd thing was stupid.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
….
Chris
September 16, 2020 @ 8:06 pm
Indeed. Racial hatred and murdering an unarmed person of another race are among the most stupid things I can think of.
Justin
September 17, 2020 @ 9:39 pm
It’s been proven that Floyd died of an overdose. He was already saying he “can’t breathe” before the cop lay a hand on him. He was a POS who pointed a gun at a pregnant woman’s belly. Yeah, a real American hero.
Trigger
September 17, 2020 @ 9:55 pm
Let’s please not get into a George Floyd flamewar here. Thank you.
Dee Manning
September 16, 2020 @ 9:20 pm
God forbid anyone speaks out for racial justice and against police murdering Black people. Yeah, really stupid…..
TXGal4Ever
September 16, 2020 @ 7:10 pm
I like the stripped down versions instead of all the usual fakery and crap. Of couse, I dont’ know who many of these people are, because I hate new pop country music, but some of this isn’t half bad. Carrie killed it with the tribute.
bo
September 16, 2020 @ 7:10 pm
Blake isn’t even in LA right now. He is hunting with his buddies. He filmed it on the Voice soundstage on Monday. He can’t even pretend to respect country music anymore.
Dee Manning
September 16, 2020 @ 9:04 pm
Yeah and if they’d showed up at the Opry y’all would have been losing your shit cause a rock star dared to step on the hallowed stage.
Daniel Cooper
September 16, 2020 @ 7:10 pm
I knew it’d never happen, but part of me was hoping Taylor was going to do the uncensored version of “betty”. Would have been hilarious to hear the ACMs using a bleep for some f-bombs
Hey Arnold
September 16, 2020 @ 7:12 pm
Jon Pardi was robbed…
What You See Is What You Get is not a cohesive body of work. Good songs, Yes. But too many repetitive songs drown it out a bit.
Heartache Medication had a great theme, the flow of songs in the tracklist were phenomenal. Great instrumentation.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 7:12 pm
Hmmm I just realized that all the televised awards have gone to men…
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 7:16 pm
Miranda was the only woman nominated for AotY who deserved to win and she was never winning with two other women splitting that vote. The Combs record was solid. Can’t get upset about it male or not.
Stellar
September 17, 2020 @ 3:34 am
Surprise…
Bill
September 16, 2020 @ 7:15 pm
Agree on the 9:07 comment. Not big on Eric Church but the Cash connection was cool.
Dustin
September 16, 2020 @ 7:17 pm
So far only 3 of the performances have really even been tolerable to me
The Carrie medley, Taylor Swift, and Eric Church
Luke Combs is just very meh to me
KathyP
September 16, 2020 @ 7:23 pm
I’d add Tim McGraw to that list.
Dustin
September 16, 2020 @ 7:52 pm
I will agree with that Tim McGraw did a good job, but he’s looking rougher and rougher every year
Trisha Yearwood was stunning as well
Derek Sullivan
September 16, 2020 @ 7:18 pm
Joanna Cotton is great. That’s all.
Dustin
September 16, 2020 @ 7:20 pm
What is going on with Tim McGraw? The older he gets the sicker he looks
Hey Arnold
September 16, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
Trig, you need to give me credit for Karen Morris!! Give me a shout out in your live commentary!!
Hey Arnold
September 16, 2020 @ 7:40 pm
HahaHa Thank you Trig!!! I’ve said Karen Morris a few times on here over the past few months. Very possible someone tweeted it before me. Thought I was being original
#JusticeForHeartacheMedication 😉
the pistolero
September 16, 2020 @ 7:46 pm
Oh, you were the one responsible for that? Well done!
DFT
September 16, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
That was a very nice country music performance by Tim McGraw.
Joel B
September 16, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
So Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini get recognized all the time but Mickey Guyton is never acknowledged?? She is one of the finest vocalists in the current country music community
Dee Manning
September 17, 2020 @ 8:18 am
psssst you know that racism thing all those millions of people are protesting about? ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Derek Sullivan
September 16, 2020 @ 7:27 pm
Kacey Musgraves just texted Mickey Guyton and said – great song but radio will never play it.
liza
September 16, 2020 @ 7:29 pm
Beverly Keel posted that tonight is the first time that a black woman has performed at the ACMs.
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 7:43 pm
Performed as the primary performer, perhaps. Eric Church brought out Valerie June in 2013. But she might be right. I’ll have to go back and look.
liza
September 16, 2020 @ 7:52 pm
Correction – she posted “She made history tonight when she became the first black female country artist to perform her own music on the ACM Awards stage.”
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 7:31 pm
Mickey Guyton FINALLY got a chance and boy, did she shine!
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 7:40 pm
Agreed.
Lisa
September 16, 2020 @ 8:03 pm
What a beautiful voice she has. Loved that performance!
Dee Manning
September 16, 2020 @ 9:47 pm
LOVE her, bought both her EPs (and I’m usually a streamer). Bout damn time people started paying attention to her.
TxGal
September 16, 2020 @ 7:35 pm
I haven’t watched this in years for obvious reasons and never listen to new country radio. These stripped down versions are very palatable. I have no idea what the studio versions of these songs sounds like.
Mike
September 16, 2020 @ 7:36 pm
Eric Church decided to get political. So now Country music, our last stand in integrity in music, is folding to political and more likely Hollywood pressure. I’m very very saddened.
CountryKnight
September 16, 2020 @ 7:48 pm
Why did The Chief say this time?
Love the guy but the dude is so insecure.
Dan
September 16, 2020 @ 8:19 pm
When has country music not been political?
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 8:31 pm
I don’t see anything Eric Church did as “political.” I saw it as American.
Dee Manning
September 17, 2020 @ 12:47 am
I read your comment before I saw Church’s segment (I’m on west coast time) and was really looking forward to him showing up in a Black Lives Matter tshirt or sonething else awesome that woukd make right wing heads explode.
Now, I’m completely mystified as to what anyone could possibly object to with that performance.. Except for him wearing sunglasses at night. 😁
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 7:38 pm
Urban gave us song #5 about drinking…if anyone besides me is keeping count.
Gabr
September 16, 2020 @ 7:39 pm
Keith Urban’s song builds up to nothing
Keepin it Country
September 16, 2020 @ 7:41 pm
Did not watch it but it doesn’t sound as horrible as it could have been.
Bo
September 16, 2020 @ 7:48 pm
Maren opened for Miranda on tour and had a baby during the eligibility period. The Bones went number 1 but that shouldn’t have put her above Carrie and Miranda. A totally bought award by Maren.
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 7:57 pm
Miranda didn’t put Bluebird out until after the eligibility period was over, so she really wasn’t deserving. Feel like Carrie or Kacey would have been better choices though.
Bill
September 16, 2020 @ 7:51 pm
Who won female artist? I had to pee so I missed it.
marc
September 16, 2020 @ 8:07 pm
Keith Urban.
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 8:30 pm
Ha! 5 points.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 7:53 pm
I completely forgot this dreadful song was being performed tonight.
liza
September 16, 2020 @ 7:53 pm
FGL press mute.
liza
September 16, 2020 @ 7:54 pm
lmao at your 9:44 comment.
K.M.
September 16, 2020 @ 7:55 pm
The fact that Karen Morris could be the future of women in country music is a frightening thought.
TxGal
September 16, 2020 @ 7:55 pm
Ugh. I can’t stand FGL. Just so fake and cheesy.
Tracy
September 16, 2020 @ 7:56 pm
These FGL douche bags get to sing but Brothers Osborne are no where in sight… SMDH!!!
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 7:56 pm
I thought John Pardi not winning album of the year would be the biggest crime of the night. Then, FGL got a performance slot instead of him.
Jared
September 16, 2020 @ 7:59 pm
I retract my previous statement. Thomas Rhett just co-won entertainer of the year. How in the hell did he tie with Carrie Undewood!!!!
KathyP
September 16, 2020 @ 8:00 pm
OH NO! Thomas Rhett? WTF. Congrats Carrie. Should be all yours.
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 8:00 pm
Who knew there could be a tie for entertainer of the year???
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 8:01 pm
What the HELL was that???
I demand a recount! Rhett??? No way.
Bill
September 16, 2020 @ 8:02 pm
Ok great ending with On the Road Again!!!! Thanks Trigger for getting us thru another ACM awards show!
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 8:03 pm
Every good thing they accomplished tonight they destroyed with that last performance by DHL and by crowning Thomas Rhett EotY.
Hey Arnold
September 16, 2020 @ 8:04 pm
So I’m guessing Thomas Rhett had the most votes.. but the ACMS were worried about the backlash for a female not winning – so they called it a TIE between Thomas Rhett & Carrie??
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 8:27 pm
This is what everyone is going to think, whether it’s true or not. And it’s a disservice to Carrie Underwood.
Hey Arnold
September 16, 2020 @ 8:38 pm
Unless Carrie had the most votes , yet Big Machine label pleaded for a TR victory because “this had been his year” lol
NCW
September 16, 2020 @ 8:07 pm
So Thomas Rhett wins EOTY before Eric Church in a tie. What kinda warped f’n twilight zone shit is this? Mind blown.
Joel B
September 16, 2020 @ 8:08 pm
“All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey is more country than Thomas Rhett’s entire career
Scarlet "W" Ferrari
September 16, 2020 @ 8:09 pm
Yea I thought Carrie should have won aftr what shes been thru an doin alot w the Pandemic or any othr not that Mannie not good just young enough to win next yr an in as we’re going through a global pandemic would of been nice to see somone that’s been around that we all know that have really given alot during this yr. OMG while writing this Carries won Entertainer of Yr tied w Rhett. Well alot of othrs must have felt the same so they tried to make up for the award mishaps like also Keith Urban which was cool song w Pink. So thanks for that ending or these awards might have ended up in a Country Song lol Still might. Be Safe All😷🤠🐾
Gabe
September 16, 2020 @ 8:10 pm
Just a reminder, Thomas Rhett won entertainer of the year before Eric Church. Thomas Rhett! This is just as outrageous as when Jason Aldean won it 3x a couple of years ago
Hey Arnold
September 16, 2020 @ 8:20 pm
Ain’t it funny how life changes?
You wake up & nothing’s the same.
A Tie for Entertainer, who’s to blame?
What u see ain’t always what you get,
So I’m drinking one, I’m drinking two to forget.
Stick this in your award ceremony,
We need more exposure for Mrs. Mickey.
You’re missing every color if u see in Black & White, but please no shade of P!nk.
On this note,
I SHOULD PROBABLY GO TO BED….🎶🎶🎶
FeedThemHogs
September 16, 2020 @ 8:24 pm
Definitely not trying to nitpick, because they did honor so many that had passed… But did I miss Harold Reid popping up on screen behind Trisha?
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 8:28 pm
Did not see him, but I was busy typing as they were putting up names trying to keep up, so I missed a few.
CeeCeeBee
September 16, 2020 @ 8:33 pm
He was on the screen…pretty early in the song.
Sana
September 16, 2020 @ 8:31 pm
The tie thing for Entertainer of The Year is..I’m trying to find the right words..
On another note totally happy for Luke, Miranda, and so forth, but sorry to see Eric Church snubbed once again..
MJ
September 16, 2020 @ 8:36 pm
Trigger, did you hear that Doak Sneed passed away today after suffering a stroke?
http://doaksnead.net/biography.html
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 8:51 pm
I did not. Been busy with ACMs all night. Sad to hear. I will look into it.
Hey Arnold
September 16, 2020 @ 8:48 pm
Carrie Underwood’s new single just announced,
“We Should be Winning Alone”
Impact date: immediately
albert
September 16, 2020 @ 9:21 pm
for me this is one of the most COUNTRY acm shows I’ve seen in a long long time . hell …I even liked the blake and gwen duet ..very ‘grassy-sounding actually .
pardi and rhett’s duet was a highlight , I thought . great song ….strait could have sang this one back in the day …or even TODAY .
carrie underwood’s medley proves again , I think , that there is no better voice in the genre …..in ANY genre ….as long as she has the material to showcase it . her pitch , her emotion , her dynamics and her obvious LOVE of the songs is undeniable . AS LONG AS SHE HAS THE MATERIAL .
luke combs works for me . he’ll record better songs but I think he writes good stuff now . its country . ITS COUNTRY and the man can sing it . still watching . late feed here.
oh ….and the sounds is maybe better than I’ve heard from any award show .
albert
September 16, 2020 @ 9:29 pm
not sure tenille townes got a fair shake in the comments/trigger ….
this is a unique-sounding artist and she delivered a self-penned, heartfelt , powerful and very REAL message SOLO . i didn’t miss or even want to hear a band . in my estimation she nailed it . sure …..it could have been ‘toned down’ dynamically but I think she wanted to express that message THIS way . what pitch , what power and what a WRITER .
in fairness , i’ve not always been a fan of the band/radio productions of some of her stuff and i’ve confessed to that here. but her voice and the material stands up to and competes with the best of the best , for my money .
Trigger
September 16, 2020 @ 10:21 pm
Oh, you’re just defending your fellow Canadian, which I can’t blame you for 🙂 .
I don’t have a problem with that song. I just felt in the context of the other performances, Tenille was just trying a little too hard. It was a big opportunity for her, and I felt maybe she was trying to be super expressive as opposed to letting the game come to her.
albert
September 16, 2020 @ 10:34 pm
i didn’t wanna play the ”Canadian ” card , trigger ….lol . I appreciate your take .
but mine isn’t a case of defending a fellow Canadian . I can think of a couple of dozen i’d be as quick NOT to .
albert
September 16, 2020 @ 10:15 pm
what’s buggin church ?…is he sturgil with shades ?..I’m still afraid of this guy . do you think he likes kids ….? ….fishing ?…
Dee Manning
September 17, 2020 @ 11:56 am
To me, sunglasses at night send one of 2 messages.
1. Hi, I am a self-aggrandizing, big fizzy douche.
2. Daaaaamn, I should not have had those tequila shots on top of that edible and the xanax. Am I maintaining? Can you tell I’m really really fucked up?
Sometimes a combination of the two.
Either way it is not a good look. 🙂
albert
September 16, 2020 @ 10:53 pm
its hallowe’en year round for FGL isn’ it ?
a**holes
Sam
September 16, 2020 @ 11:50 pm
A ton of great observations, but as someone who is mortified by so many things (especially the misuse of the Ryman & disrespect of the true Legends) this was the comment of the night : “You know they say the Ryman Auditorium is full of the ghosts of country greats billowing through the halls and rafters. You can’t see them because they’re just spirits, but right now the ghosts of Hank Williams, Jimmy Martin, and Roy Acuff are all standing in front of the stage making lewd gestures featuring the middle digit towards these Old Dominion losers as Minnie Pearl cackles off in the distance.” ❤ And George Morgan is adding Wierd Al to his ugly list😉
Country When Country Wasn't Cool
September 17, 2020 @ 12:29 am
Overall, very impressive show, considering the restrictive environment due to Covid-19. I wish they would forgo the overproduced Vegas telecasts and hold the awards from the Opry in the future. Keep the music front and center, like tonight. Just two observations, one snarky and one serious:
1) Kelsea Ballerini, I love you, but please don’t choose an outfit from the Flintstone-Kardashian Collection ever again.
2) Can we please officially start a petition for Carrie Underwood to record a classic country covers album? She can sing anything, and this is why she should be Entertainer Of Every Year.
Kj
September 17, 2020 @ 3:33 am
Long live Old Dominion
CSC
September 17, 2020 @ 5:09 am
As Trisha Yearwood kicked off her stunning tribute song to those who have passed away this year, she alluded to the loss of a Cricket—meaning a member of Buddy Holly’s band. Somebody with the ACM didn’t do their homework. They got the wrong Sonny Curtis. It was the steel player Sonny Curtis who died, not the Crickets Sonny Curtis. Sonny Curtis, the singer/songwriter and former member of Buddy Holly’s band is still alive and well.
James B.
September 17, 2020 @ 2:02 pm
No women died in country music last year? Uninspired by the Trisha Yearwood performance. Did I miss something?
Trigger
September 17, 2020 @ 2:06 pm
Which one was left out?