On last Sunday night, the annual Academy of Country Music awards took place in Las Vegas, Nevada marking the 52nd year of this award show. The ACMs was founded in 1964 by Tommy Wiggins and various other singer/songwriters. In 1968 the trophy “hat” was created and became the official symbol of the Academy. Though the country music scene continues to change shape and form, the ACMs are here to stay.

Sunday’s awards included numerous performances and guest speakers, along with many stellar award presentations. Joe Walsh, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley collaborated on the song “Johnny B. Good” by Chuck Berry which thrilled viewers as the ACMs do not often include tributes to older rock songs. Kelsea Ballerini performed her most popular song, “Yeah Boy”, followed by Jon Pardi and his new single, “Dirt On My Boots”, which in my opinion is one of the catchiest songs aired on the radio in months. However, I may be biased towards this song due to my fondness of Pardi. Other performers included Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Marren Morris, Cole Swindell, and quite a few other big artists. Though the names listed above were very much expected to perform at the ACMs, there is one band who everyone was shocked to see, The Backstreet Boys. That’s right, The Backstreet Boys. Florida Georgia Line and The Backstreet Boys shared a stage to play their very own “God, Your Mama, And Me”, which was released in August on their newest album. This song was a joint effort between the two very different music groups but has no doubt been a huge hit since it came out on “Dig Your Roots”. Overall the Academy featured a nice blend of your typical performances that make everyone happy combined with some unorthodox artists and song selection.

As you all know, the ACMs is not simply a concert where country singers attend and perform their new (and old) songs. The Academy was made with a purpose of presenting awards to artists in order to give credit where credit is due. There were 14 major awards given out and some were nail-biters on who would win. Entertainer of the year went to Jason Aldean, which was no shocker due to his thrilling performances. Male Vocalist of The Year was between Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, and Keith Urban. Rhett came out on top, but I think Stapleton should have won it. Chris Stapleton has one of the best voices to come through country music in the last decade. Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of The Year and Album of The Year, which was a difficult award to win when as there are some great new women country singers. Brothers Osborne took home the Vocal Duo of the Year and New Vocal Duo or Group of The Year award. I strongly agree with this winner as Brothers Osborne’s “21 Summer” is one of the deepest and best songs to come out in within the last year. Vocal Group of The Year was awarded to Little Big Town. Maren Morris claimed the New Female Vocalist of The Year award which was no surprise considering her debut song “My Church” was number one on the Country Digital Songs in 2016. New Male Vocalist of The Year went to Jon Pardi, which I totally agree with as well. “H.O.L.Y” by FGL brought in Single Record of The Year. I really liked this song as soon as it came out, but too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Song of The Year was a controversial award, simply because there were a lot of great songs to choose from. I really felt that Eric Church’s “Kill A Word” should have won. This song has such clever lyrics and paired with Church’s incredible voice, it is unforgettable. Not only that, it was such an original and clever song as well. Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man” ended up taking the cowboy hat home for this category. “Forever Country”, which is a collaboration of artists from different generations, won Video of The Year. Vocal Event of The Year went to “May We All” by Florida Georgia Line featuring Tim McGraw. Last but not least, Lori McKenna won songwriter of the year. She has written “Humble and Kind”, “We Were Cool”, and “Wreck you.” Overall the ACMS had some solid performances and the winners were great performers to represent the world of country music. The ACMs always show out and this year was no exception.