Academy Of Country Music Awards 2024: What Went Down

Last night saw the celebration of the year’s best in the world of country. Country, while seen a relatively niche genre, its following and success cannot be understated. Country has always enjoyed great success in the United States where it originated but has recently seen a surge in popularity in the UK and beyond. Thanks to artists like Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift and most recently Beyonce crossing over into country, more and more listeners from all over the world are coming to discover it.

The Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM) are one of two major events for country music, with the other being the Country Music Associated Awards (CMA) in November. Last night emanated from the Ford Centre at the Star in Texas and was hosted by country legend Reba McEntire for the record 17^th time.

The big winner this year was Lainey Wilson, who secured the highest honour of Entertainer of the Year, along with Female Artist of the Year and Music Event of the Year for the song “Save Me”, which she performed with Jelly Roll. These add to Lainey Wilson’s already impressive list of accolades including several previous ACM awards as well as bagging a Grammy this year for Best Country Album. As well as being a success in the the world of country music, Wilson will also be familiar to television viewers through her role as Abby in season 5 of neo-western drama Yellowstone.

Wilson also opened the night by performing her song “Hang Tight Honey” from her recently announced upcoming album Whirlwind. Of course she wasn’t the only one who took to the stage. Her fellow winner Jelly Roll performed as did Cody Johnson, Reba McEntire, and Kane Brown- who honoured the late Ray Charles by taking on one of the icon’s classics. Another notable performance was by Chris Stapleton, who was joined in a surprise appearance by pop star Dua Lipa. So whilst many were wondering whether or not Beyonce would join what is called “country’s biggest party of the year”, we did get Dua Lipa, which was awesome.

Speaking of Chris Stapleton, he won big also by taking home Album of the Year for Higher and Male Artist of the Year, as well as Artist-Songwriter of the Year. The performance in question was an excellent blend of Stepleton’s more grizzly vocals with Lipa’s sultry tone. In a performance that was Dua Lipa’s idea as she initially reached out to Stapleton, whom she is a big fan of, they performed ‘Think I’m in Love With You” from his Album of the Year winning album.

Avril Lavigne also made an appearance alongside Nate Smith, who was awarded New Male Artist of the Year, for a performance of Smith’s song Bulletproof. Lavigne has recently announced a greatest hits album to accompany her tour of the same name, which kicks off next week. Gwen Stefani performed with her husband and duet partner Blake Shelton for their song “Purple Irisis.”

Undoubtedly one of the most talked about performances was Post Malone as he took to the stage with his acoustic guitar for renditions of his songs “I Had Some Help” and “Never Love You Again.” The former of which was a collaboration with Morgan Wallen, who wasn’t in attendance. However, Malone would go on to join host Reba McEntrie on stage for a tribute to the late Dickie Betts.

Other winners of the night included Dan + Shay for Duo of the Year, Old Dominion for Group of the Year, Megan Moroney for New Female Artist of the Year and Tigerlily Gold for New Duo or Group of the Year.  All in all, it was a fun night and a great one for country’s established and rising stars. We look forward to more from all of them!