Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards took over Frisco, Texas Thursday night (May 11).
Lainey Wilson and Hardy tied for the most wins, taking home four awards each. Lainey won Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as Music Event and Visual Media of the Year for her collaboration with Hardy, “Wait In The Truck.” In addition to his shared wins with Lainey, and his second trophy earned in the Music Event category as a producer of the song, Hardy took home Artist-Songwriter of the Year prior to the ACM Awards livestream.
Chris Stapleton at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Chris Stapleton won the night’s top honor, ACM Entertainer of the Year, for the very first time.
Keith Urban kicked off the ACM Awards livestream on Prime Video with his groovy “Texas Time” before introducing one of the night’s co-hosts Garth Brooks.
When the roar of applause died down, Garth welcomed everyone to the 58th ACM Awards. He was stoic in his opening remarks about the legacy of country music and went through a list of country music GOATS (“Greatest. Of. All Time.”), naming Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Randy Travis and George Strait.
“When you break down what makes up the GOAT, it’s about picking, singing, musicianship, awards and all that stuff,” he said. “When you add the last category—time, length of career—that makes the king of country music a female.
“Give it up for the GOAT: Dolly Parton,” Garth exclaimed. Parton appeared on-stage with a live goat in a wagon. “Did I hear you say you were looking for a goat?” she quipped.
“This is Garth’s very first time hosting an award show,” Dolly said. “You never forget your first time.” She then made a joke about a threesome, exemplifying that all bets are off on the first and only fully livestreamed award show.
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina were next to take the stage with their sonic boom of a hit, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.” Just as Cole sat back down, he was called to the podium as the night’s first winner, taking home Song of the Year for the smash.
“I moved to Nashville, Tennessee because I wanted to be a songwriter. That’s what this award is,” he said. Cole thanked Messina and his team, and recognized Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Anna Weisband for their contributions to the massive hit. “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” co-writers Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Tim Nichols thanked their families and teams, as well as co-writer Thomas Rhett, who was not in attendance.
Next up, Kane Brown performed his hard-hitting new single, “Bury Me In Georgia” before reigning Female Artist of the Year Carly Pearce took the stage to honor Trisha Yearwood‘s 25th anniversary of winning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. Yearwood joined her for an awesome medley of “Wrong Side Of Memphis,” “XXX’s and OOO’s” and “She’s In Love With The Boy.”
Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter presented Duo of the Year to Brothers Osborne for the night’s next award presentation.
TJ Osborne kept it short and sweet because, as he said, he was hot, nervous and sucking his belly in. John Osborne concurred, adding a special thank you to his wife Lucie Silvas, who just gave birth to twins a month ago.
“I love the country music community. We’re the luckiest people in the world,” John said.
Hardy at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Next up it was time to hear from the night’s top honoree, Hardy, who started the night as a two-time winner, having won Artist-Songwriter of the Year and Visual Media for his “Wait In The Truck” duet with Wilson.
Hardy brought his country-rock sound to the ACM Awards stage, performing his hard-hitting “Truck Bed,” complete with the screamo verse that thrilled the artists and industry members in the audience.
Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny then presented Old Dominion with Group of the Year honor.
“There’s people in this room like Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Randy Travis. Somehow we are included in this party,” Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey said “We’re so proud to be in a room full of country music fans and make music for those people, but we’re most proud to be able to make music for people that are hurting right now.”
Bailey Zimmerman made his debut ACM performance with “Rock and A Hard Place.” He grinned and pumped his fist in the air as the crowd sang back. “Way to make your breakthrough moment count, young man,” Dolly said when her and Garth re-appeared.
Willie Nelson FaceTimed in for a moment to celebrate his 90th birthday. Cody Johnson did a stellar job with Willie and Waylon’s “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys.” Another Texas native, reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert, performed a stunning rendition of her gorgeous “Carousel,” an enchanting tune about carnival performers from her Palomino album.
Lainey Wilson at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Next up, Tanya Tucker presented Single of the Year to Cole Swindell for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”
“I don’t know what’s going on, y’all. Thank you country music fans—that’s all I’ve ever been,” Cole said. He thanked Warner Music Nashville, Sony Music Publishing, Kerri Edwards and KP Entertainment.
The ACM New Female Artist of the Year, Hailey Whitters, charmed the room with “Everything She Ain’t.” Donning a pink, frilly dress, Whitters had the audience tickled to clap along to the beat.
Music Event of the Year was the next award presentation. It went to Hardy and Lainey for “Wait In The Truck.” Hardy let everyone know that he forgot to spit his dip out, so to bare with him. He thanked Wilson and said, “thank you everyone for resonating with this song, especially something with this subject matter.”
Lainey agreed, “I think it’s really important to sing about things that are hard to talk about. This is a song about real life.”
Next up was a performance of “Love You Anyway” from Luke Combs. Combs introduced pop superstar Ed Sheeran, who sang a verse of his folky “Life Goes On,” before Combs joined him. The two sounded great together and embraced in a friendly hug before Garth appeared and asked the two about their friendship.
Carly Pearce and TJ Osborne introduced The War And Treaty, who blew the roof off the place with “Blank Page.” Garth and Dolly gave it high praise, rightfully so.
The hosts then recognized some of the country giants we lost this past year, including Loretta Lynn and Naomi Judd. Dolly broke out in a verse of “Precious Memories” to mark the moment.
Dolly then presented the Female Artist of the Year award to Lainey Wilson.
“I can’t believe I just met Dolly Parton,” an emotional Lainey said. She thanked Jesus, her family, her label, Red Light Management, Sony Music Publishing and WME. “For the little girls watching this, this right here stands for hard work. If you’re going to be a dreamer, you better be a doer.”
Ed Sheeran and Luke Combs at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
ACM’s Entertainer of the Decade Jason Aldean brought the party for a performance of his new song, “Tough Crowd” before Ashley McBryde enlisted Caylee Hammack, Pillbox Patti, Brandy Clark and John Osborne for a rousing performance of “Bonfire At Tina’s.”
Garth presented Male Artist of the Year to Morgan Wallen, who was not in attendance to accept due to a vocal injury.
Jelly Roll performed “Save Me.” Lainey joined him for a verse before bringing the heat on her performance of “Grease.” After an additional stunning performance, Lainey won yet another award for Album of the Year for her Bell Bottom Country.
Jordan Davis played a sweet acoustic version of “Next Thing You Know” before it was time to crown the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year. Trisha Yearwood re-appeared to present the honor to Chris Stapleton. It was his first time receiving the award and qualifies him for the ACM Triple Crown Award, celebrating artists who have won New Female/Male Artist of the Year, Female/Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
“I am in shock, truly. Thank you. By an imaginable metric, I don’t deserve this,” Stapleton said, thanking his band and crew, Red Light Management, UMG Nashville and his family.
Before the night was over, Dolly took the stage for the world premiere of the debut single from her new rock album, Rockstar, called “World on Fire.” It was the right way to end the night, capturing the audience in one final celebration and marking the end of the 58th ACM Awards.
Reba McEntire To Join ‘The Voice’ As Coach
/by LB CantrellReba McEntire. Photo: Tyler Golden/NBC
Reba McEntire will bring her decades of experience from her iconic career to NBC’s The Voice, stepping in as a coach for season 24.
McEntire previously served as the Mega Mentor for season 23 of the singing competition show. For the coming season, she joins veteran coach John Legend and returning coaches Niall Horan and Gwen Stefani. She fills a seat left empty by Blake Shelton, who ends his tenure with The Voice this season after 23 seasons.
In addition to her new coaching gig, McEntire is getting ready to release her new lifestyle book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. The book is a collection of funny, poignant and deeply personal stories, photos, lifestyle tips and recipes. It will go on sale Oct. 10.
She is also releasing an accompanying album also titled Not That Fancy. Teaming with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, the 14-track album includes stripped-down versions of some of McEntire’s most iconic songs as well as a brand new single, “Seven Minutes In Heaven.” The album is set to release Oct. 6.
Carrie Underwood Commemorates 15th Anniversary As An Opry Member
/by Liza AndersonCarrie Underwood takes the Grand Ole Opry stage to celebrate her 15th anniversary as a member. Photo: Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo
Carrie Underwood celebrated her 15th year as a Grand Ole Opry member this past weekend with a two-show performance. Backstage, the Opry presented her with a commemorative print and a specially-designed cake by IveyCake.
Carrie Underwood and Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers with her special commemorative print and specially-designed cake. Photo: Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo
Underwood made her Opry debut on June 10, 2005, just two weeks after winning American Idol. Her love for the Opry started as a child as she grew up watching and listening to the show, dreaming of one day performing there and even becoming a member herself. The award-winning artist was officially inducted on May 10, 2008 by fellow Oklahoman, Opry member Garth Brooks.
Additionally, Underwood completed her 43-city U.S. arena “Denim & Rhinestones Tour,” and will continue her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” in June. She also recently announced her exclusive year-round SiriusXM Channel, Carrie’s Country, which will also launch in June.
Underwood plans to return to the Grand Ole Opry stage for a special two-show Tuesday night on June 6 to “unofficially” kick off the milestone 50th CMA Fest week. The star-studded evening will also feature performances by The Oak Ridge Boys, Bill Anderson, Josh Turner and Lainey Wilson.
Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce, More Rock 10th Annual iHeartCountry Festival
/by LB CantrellLuke Bryan performs at the 10th annual iHeartCountry Festival. Photo: Rachel Kaplan for iHeartRadio
The 10th annual iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, took place May 13 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
Kane Brown performs at the 10th annual iHeartCountry Festival. Photo: Rachel Kaplan for iHeartRadio
Broadcasting across iHeart’s country music radio stations and iHeartRadio.com, the event featured sets from Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce, Sam Hunt, Elle King, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny Bailey Zimmerman, Priscilla Block, Cooper Alan and surprise guest Brothers Osborne.
Bryan kicked off the 2023 iHeartCountry Festival with an electric performance of some of his biggest hits throughout his career, including “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” “One Margarita” and “Country Girl.” Pearce lit up the stage with her bold breakup anthem, “Diamondback,” and she delivered an unforgettable performance of her hits including “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”
Hunt performed many of his hits throughout his career-spanning set, including “House Party,” “23,” “Hard To Forget,” “Body Like A Back Road” and “Break Up In A Small Town.” Brown closed out the night with “Lose It,” “Like I Love Country Music,” “One Mississippi,” “Heaven,” “Bury Me In Georgia,” and “Good As You.” Just when fans thought the show was over, he brought out his wife, Katelyn Brown, to help him sing “Thank God.”
Zac Brown Receives Honorary Degree From Alma Mater, University of West Georgia
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown received and Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters from the University of West Georgia on May 13, 2023 in The Coliseum as part of the May 2023 Commencement.
Zac Brown received an honorary degree from the University of West Georgia during its spring commencement ceremonies at the university’s campus in Carrollton, Georgia on Saturday (May 13).
The Georgia native attended UWG in the late ’90s, and accepted the honorary doctorate of humane letters in front of more than 4,700 graduates and their loved ones at the ceremony, sharing with graduates—now his fellow alumni—several truths that he has learned during his career.
“I am so happy to be here celebrating your graduation with you today, and it is an honor to come back home—where it all started for me,” said Brown in his acceptance remarks. “Find something that you love to do and give it all you have because you win when you love what you do. Be yourself and see the world as you want it to be.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive an honorary degree from the University of West Georgia,” he continued. “As a former student, I have always valued my time at UWG and the impact it had on my life and career. To be recognized in this way is truly special, and I hope to continue to inspire future generations of students to pursue their passions with dedication and perseverance.”
“We are thrilled to call Zac—who has demonstrated his talents in a career as a musician, philanthropist and entrepreneur—one of our own at the University of West Georgia,” said Dr. Brendan Kelly, UWG’s president. “Awarding him this honorary doctorate instills a sense of pride in the institution for everyone in our university community. His commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of leaders is an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for his commitment to remain connected to his alma mater.”
The degree recognizes Brown’s contributions to the music industry, his philanthropy, and his deep roots in Georgia and UWG. Brown was raised in Dahlonega, educated at Lumpkin County High School and then attended what was then called West Georgia College, where he was a member of the Zeta Kappa chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.
Since founding the Zac Brown Band in 2002, Brown and the band have released numerous Platinum albums, won three Grammy Awards—including Best New Artist in 2010—sold more than 30 million singles and nine million albums, amassed more than 10 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 No. 1 radio singles and were the second act to top both the country and active rock formats.
Brown also founded Camp Southern Ground, a nonprofit camp in Fayetteville dedicated to serving youth and veterans. During summer months, CSG hosts kids ages 7-17 for week-long, inclusive, residential camps, bringing together typically developing children, children with neurodevelopmental differences (Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADD, ADHD), underserved children, and children from military families to participate in programs that challenge, educate and inspire. The rest of the year is dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans with programs helping in the transition to civilian life after military service.
Country Music Hall Of Fame Celebrates 50 Years Of CMA Fest In New Photo Exhibit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe new exhibit will feature photos conveying the spirit of the festival and capturing memorable moments over the years. The CMA Fest photo exhibit is free and will be open to the public through November 2023 in the museum’s first-floor Community Corridor.
Photographs on display include:
Other items on display in the Community Corridor exhibit will include posters, promotional items and a Guess stone-washed denim jacket decorated with rhinestones and plastic stars, signed by 102 performers and personalities during super-fan Martha Allums’ visits to Fan Fair from 1991 to 2000.
Celebrating its 50th year in 2023, CMA Fest has been uniting country fans and artists since 1972, when it was called Fan Fair. Launched by the CMA in partnership with radio station WSM, Fan Fair was intended to relieve over-crowding from the annual DJ Convention, a gathering of country music industry professionals and entertainers that attracted zealous fans to Nashville in hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite stars.
The first Fan Fair, held at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium in April 1972, was attended by 5,000 fans and more than 120 artists, including luminaries such as Roy Acuff, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton, Marty Robbins, Ernest Tubb and Tammy Wynette. As country’s popularity exploded, Fan Fair attendance soared, averaging 25,000 by the 1990s. In 2004, CMA assumed full sponsorship and changed the name of the event to CMA Music Festival. Last year, what is now known as CMA Fest drew more than 80,000 daily attendees from all 50 states and 39 foreign countries and featured performances by 260 acts.
BMAC To Unveil Second Music Industry Action Report Card During Music Biz 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic Biz has announced that the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) will debut data from the second edition of its Music Industry Action Report Card in a keynote conversation on May 15 during the organization’s upcoming Music Biz 2023 conference May 15-18, 2023 at the JW Marriott Nashville.
BMAC’s Music Industry Action Report Card (MIARC) takes an assessment of companies throughout various sectors of the music industry including major label groups, DSPs, the Recording Academy and more, on how thoroughly they have followed through on June 2020 public promises to elevate Black employees, financially commit to racial justice initiatives, and/or take other steps to rectify racism in the workplace, as well as how they’ve continued to build on those initial commitments in ways that will create sustained change in the business.
Monday’s Keynote Speakers will include:
In addition to the MIARC reveal, representatives from the Academy of Country Music, mtheory, and Tennessee State University will be on-hand to discuss initiatives and changes that have positively impacted DEI efforts in the the Nashville community, such as ACM OnRamp, mtheory’s Equal Access Development Program, and TSU’s Music Accelerator.
“In just three short years, BMAC has proven to be an essential voice in combating systemic racism and shaping a more inclusive music industry community,” says Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “While we wish and strive for a world where this type of research is no longer necessary, we’re grateful to BMAC for choosing the Music Biz stage as the place to debut this important data, and look forward to working together to make it actionable.”
All three keynote interviews at Music Biz 2023 will be led by Sabin and held under the Music Biz LIVE banner. Kobalt Founder & Chairman Willard Ahdritz has been confirmed for a keynote conversation on May 16 that will kick off with a special presentation by Luminate CEO Rob Jonas, who will walk attendees through the most notable global music industry data points for the year so far. Indie artist LU KALA; Jillian Rutstein, Director, Digital & Creative Synch for Prescription Songs and Amigo Records; and Tracy Gardner, Head of Label Licensing & Partnerships for TikTok, will participate in the final keynote interview on May 18.
To date, more than 700 music industry companies from nearly 30 countries have committed to attending the four-day event, which will mark the Association’s 65th Anniversary and its 10th year under the “Music Biz” moniker—tt was known as NARM, or the National Association of Recording Merchandisers, until 2013.
2023 also marks the addition of the Music Biz Roadshow on May 18 which will be presented in conjunction with CD Baby’s DIY Musician VIP Experience and is sponsored by The MLC. This afternoon-long program will gather thought leaders from across the globe in one place to share tools and tips that artists and their teams can implement to boost their careers.
More than 350 global industry figureheads are confirmed to participate in the event. Speakers joining the program include Whitney-Gayle Benta (JKBX); Natalia Nataskin (Primary Wave); iconic artist, DJ, and producer Prince Paul; Shuman Ghosemajumder (TeachAids, Fmr. Google click-fraud czar); Tony D. Alexander and David Porter (Made in Memphis Entertainment); Robin Stout (Intellectual Property Office); Caroline Champarnaud (SACEM); Michele Ballantyne (RIAA); SK Sharma (Ingrooves); and Kris Ahrend (the MLC).
After a successful debut in 2022, Music Biz will present the 2nd Annual Bizzy Awards dinner on the evening of May 17. The program was revamped to highlight good works done to advance the business of music and bolstering DEI initiatives, and features a crowd-sourced nomination process for seven award categories. The evening’s festivities will be co-hosted by Noelle Scaggs, co-lead vocalist for Fitz and the Tantrums, an Elektra solo recording artist, and founder of Diversify the Stage; and Tracey Ottomey, a Nashville-based drag queen and host of the “Gay Space” Podcast.
PBS To Premiere ‘Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories Of George Jones’
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,” the mega-concert celebrating Jones’ legacy and music, was recorded back in April and will premiere on PBS’ Great Performances this fall, with an exact date yet-to-be-announced.
Filmed in front of a live audience at Propst Arena at The Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the all-star tribute concert included Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Wynonna, Travis Tritt, Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Justin Moore, Jamey Johnson, Joe Nichols, Aaron Lewis, Michael Ray, Uncle Kracker, Lorrie Morgan, Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, The Isaacs, Dillon Carmichael, T. Graham Brown, Gretchen Wilson, Sam Moore, Janie Fricke, and Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, with a special appearance by Randy Travis.
The concert brought many of Jones’ greatest hits to the stage. Performers entertained the audiences with renditions of classics such as “The Grand Tour,” “Tennessee Whiskey,” “White Lightning,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and many more.
“Thank you to the fans and artists who traveled from all over to be in Huntsville, Alabama, for this incredible tribute to George,” says George Jones’ widow and executive producer of the show, Nancy Jones. “Everyone from the producers to the performers created an evening we will never forget and for those who couldn’t be there in person, this is your chance to have your own front-row seat. I hope everyone that attended or gets to see it on television will enjoy it and remember their favorite George song.”
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Reissues DeFord Bailey Biography
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has reissued the long-out-of-print biography DeFord Bailey: A Black Star in Early Country Music by David C. Morton with Charles K. Wolfe.
Published by the museum’s CMF Press, the updated and expanded book details the life and career of the Country Music Hall of Fame member, drawing upon numerous interviews conducted with Bailey by Morton. Originally published in 1991, the reissued edition includes a new foreword by singer, songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dom Flemons, founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The new edition also includes 45 illustrations and a complete recording session discography.
Known as the “Harmonica Wizard” for his virtuosity on the instrument, Bailey (1899-1982) was a founding member of the Grand Ole Opry and among its most popular early performers, touring with such Opry acts as Roy Acuff, the Delmore Brothers and Bill Monroe. The biography chronicles Bailey’s triumphs and challenges, from his innovative musical contributions to the injustices he endured while touring under Jim Crow segregation. In the decades following his abrupt dismissal from the Opry, Bailey never stopped playing music, though he no longer made his living as a musician. Nevertheless, his influence endured, and his renditions of “Fox Chase,” “Pan American Blues” and other tunes are still considered harmonica classics.
Bailey was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Acknowledgment of his contributions continues to this day, as Nashville’s Metropolitan Council recently approved an ordinance to rename a local street “DeFord Bailey Avenue” in the Edgehill neighborhood where he lived. A public ceremony to mark the renaming will take place in Nashville on May 20.
DeFord Bailey: A Black Star in Early Country Music is now available for purchase in the museum store and on its website. Beginning June 13, the reissued edition will be distributed nationwide in bookstores and online outlets through a partnership with University of Illinois Press.
Morton will give a book talk on Friday, July 28 in the museum’s Ford Theater on the book he authored, which is included with museum admission.
ACM Awards Bring The Party To Texas [Show Recap]
/by LB CantrellGarth Brooks and Dolly Parton at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards took over Frisco, Texas Thursday night (May 11).
Lainey Wilson and Hardy tied for the most wins, taking home four awards each. Lainey won Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as Music Event and Visual Media of the Year for her collaboration with Hardy, “Wait In The Truck.” In addition to his shared wins with Lainey, and his second trophy earned in the Music Event category as a producer of the song, Hardy took home Artist-Songwriter of the Year prior to the ACM Awards livestream.
Chris Stapleton at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Chris Stapleton won the night’s top honor, ACM Entertainer of the Year, for the very first time.
Keith Urban kicked off the ACM Awards livestream on Prime Video with his groovy “Texas Time” before introducing one of the night’s co-hosts Garth Brooks.
When the roar of applause died down, Garth welcomed everyone to the 58th ACM Awards. He was stoic in his opening remarks about the legacy of country music and went through a list of country music GOATS (“Greatest. Of. All Time.”), naming Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Randy Travis and George Strait.
“When you break down what makes up the GOAT, it’s about picking, singing, musicianship, awards and all that stuff,” he said. “When you add the last category—time, length of career—that makes the king of country music a female.
“Give it up for the GOAT: Dolly Parton,” Garth exclaimed. Parton appeared on-stage with a live goat in a wagon. “Did I hear you say you were looking for a goat?” she quipped.
“This is Garth’s very first time hosting an award show,” Dolly said. “You never forget your first time.” She then made a joke about a threesome, exemplifying that all bets are off on the first and only fully livestreamed award show.
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina were next to take the stage with their sonic boom of a hit, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.” Just as Cole sat back down, he was called to the podium as the night’s first winner, taking home Song of the Year for the smash.
“I moved to Nashville, Tennessee because I wanted to be a songwriter. That’s what this award is,” he said. Cole thanked Messina and his team, and recognized Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Anna Weisband for their contributions to the massive hit. “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” co-writers Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Tim Nichols thanked their families and teams, as well as co-writer Thomas Rhett, who was not in attendance.
Next up, Kane Brown performed his hard-hitting new single, “Bury Me In Georgia” before reigning Female Artist of the Year Carly Pearce took the stage to honor Trisha Yearwood‘s 25th anniversary of winning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. Yearwood joined her for an awesome medley of “Wrong Side Of Memphis,” “XXX’s and OOO’s” and “She’s In Love With The Boy.”
Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter presented Duo of the Year to Brothers Osborne for the night’s next award presentation.
TJ Osborne kept it short and sweet because, as he said, he was hot, nervous and sucking his belly in. John Osborne concurred, adding a special thank you to his wife Lucie Silvas, who just gave birth to twins a month ago.
“I love the country music community. We’re the luckiest people in the world,” John said.
Hardy at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Next up it was time to hear from the night’s top honoree, Hardy, who started the night as a two-time winner, having won Artist-Songwriter of the Year and Visual Media for his “Wait In The Truck” duet with Wilson.
Hardy brought his country-rock sound to the ACM Awards stage, performing his hard-hitting “Truck Bed,” complete with the screamo verse that thrilled the artists and industry members in the audience.
Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny then presented Old Dominion with Group of the Year honor.
“There’s people in this room like Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Randy Travis. Somehow we are included in this party,” Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey said “We’re so proud to be in a room full of country music fans and make music for those people, but we’re most proud to be able to make music for people that are hurting right now.”
Bailey Zimmerman made his debut ACM performance with “Rock and A Hard Place.” He grinned and pumped his fist in the air as the crowd sang back. “Way to make your breakthrough moment count, young man,” Dolly said when her and Garth re-appeared.
Willie Nelson FaceTimed in for a moment to celebrate his 90th birthday. Cody Johnson did a stellar job with Willie and Waylon’s “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys.” Another Texas native, reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert, performed a stunning rendition of her gorgeous “Carousel,” an enchanting tune about carnival performers from her Palomino album.
Lainey Wilson at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Next up, Tanya Tucker presented Single of the Year to Cole Swindell for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”
“I don’t know what’s going on, y’all. Thank you country music fans—that’s all I’ve ever been,” Cole said. He thanked Warner Music Nashville, Sony Music Publishing, Kerri Edwards and KP Entertainment.
The ACM New Female Artist of the Year, Hailey Whitters, charmed the room with “Everything She Ain’t.” Donning a pink, frilly dress, Whitters had the audience tickled to clap along to the beat.
Music Event of the Year was the next award presentation. It went to Hardy and Lainey for “Wait In The Truck.” Hardy let everyone know that he forgot to spit his dip out, so to bare with him. He thanked Wilson and said, “thank you everyone for resonating with this song, especially something with this subject matter.”
Lainey agreed, “I think it’s really important to sing about things that are hard to talk about. This is a song about real life.”
Next up was a performance of “Love You Anyway” from Luke Combs. Combs introduced pop superstar Ed Sheeran, who sang a verse of his folky “Life Goes On,” before Combs joined him. The two sounded great together and embraced in a friendly hug before Garth appeared and asked the two about their friendship.
Carly Pearce and TJ Osborne introduced The War And Treaty, who blew the roof off the place with “Blank Page.” Garth and Dolly gave it high praise, rightfully so.
The hosts then recognized some of the country giants we lost this past year, including Loretta Lynn and Naomi Judd. Dolly broke out in a verse of “Precious Memories” to mark the moment.
Dolly then presented the Female Artist of the Year award to Lainey Wilson.
“I can’t believe I just met Dolly Parton,” an emotional Lainey said. She thanked Jesus, her family, her label, Red Light Management, Sony Music Publishing and WME. “For the little girls watching this, this right here stands for hard work. If you’re going to be a dreamer, you better be a doer.”
Ed Sheeran and Luke Combs at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
ACM’s Entertainer of the Decade Jason Aldean brought the party for a performance of his new song, “Tough Crowd” before Ashley McBryde enlisted Caylee Hammack, Pillbox Patti, Brandy Clark and John Osborne for a rousing performance of “Bonfire At Tina’s.”
Garth presented Male Artist of the Year to Morgan Wallen, who was not in attendance to accept due to a vocal injury.
Jelly Roll performed “Save Me.” Lainey joined him for a verse before bringing the heat on her performance of “Grease.” After an additional stunning performance, Lainey won yet another award for Album of the Year for her Bell Bottom Country.
Jordan Davis played a sweet acoustic version of “Next Thing You Know” before it was time to crown the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year. Trisha Yearwood re-appeared to present the honor to Chris Stapleton. It was his first time receiving the award and qualifies him for the ACM Triple Crown Award, celebrating artists who have won New Female/Male Artist of the Year, Female/Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
“I am in shock, truly. Thank you. By an imaginable metric, I don’t deserve this,” Stapleton said, thanking his band and crew, Red Light Management, UMG Nashville and his family.
Before the night was over, Dolly took the stage for the world premiere of the debut single from her new rock album, Rockstar, called “World on Fire.” It was the right way to end the night, capturing the audience in one final celebration and marking the end of the 58th ACM Awards.
Storme Warren To Exit SiriusXM The Highway
/by Liza AndersonAfter nearly two decades, SiriusXM The Highway morning show host Storme Warren is leaving the company, MusicRow has confirmed. Today (May 12) is his last day.
Warren is a 26-year Nashville industry veteran, celebrating his 40th year in broadcasting this year. As SiriusXM The Highway’s morning show host, he has been responsible for the Hot 30 Countdown and conducting Prime Country interview specials.
In addition to hosting numerous events for BMI and their affiliates, Warren has hosted several high-profile events in Music City and around the world, including Nashville’s annual Independence Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations as well as music festivals all over North America, the Caribbean and Australia. His television credits as host and contributing talent include TNN’s TNN Country News, CNN’s Showbiz Today and GAC & CMC’s Country Music Across America and Headline Country.
Additionally, Warren runs Stone Beaver Productions, a full-service video production company, which has created numerous live and recorded television concert events, DVDs and specials, including Charlie Daniels’ Band CDB DVD Live and Vince Gill: Live at the Ryman.
“We are grateful for Storme’s contributions over the years in helping build The Highway on SiriusXM into the leading destination for today’s country music. We wish Storme all the best and look forward to continuing the tradition of presenting our listeners with the next generation of new country superstars,” says SiriusXM The Highway SVP/GM, Music Programming Steve Blatter.
Warren’s co-host, Macie Banks, will continue on as the sole host on an interim basis. Johnny Chiang, who joined Pandora as Senior Director of Country Programming in August of 2022, has expanded his role to also oversee country music programming at SiriusXM.