Last weekend the city of Las Vegas went country for the 53rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. During the three days of concerts, surprise shows, and the ACM Awards, you have a really good chance of bumping into some of your favorite country artists around Vegas and snapping a picture with them. It’s always fun to see country artists and fans hanging out!
ACM Party for a Cause organizes a majority of the events with ticket proceeds going to ACM Lifting Lives charity. One of the events this year was the inaugural ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off where artists came out and competed against each other in some rounds of Topgolf. The event was hosted by Darius Rucker and Charles Kelley and featured performances by Tegan Marie, Danielle Bradbery, RaeLynn, Levi Hummon, Eric Paslay, and Chris Lane. The setting was nice and intimate, allowing fans to be close to some of their favorite artists.
Sunday night was the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards show where we had the chance to chat with The Swon Brothers, Carly Pearce, High Valley, Lucas Hoge, Granger Smith, Levi Hummon, Total Divas and wrestling star Lana and Kaylin Roberson on the Red Carpet. Watch the interviews below and find more on our YouTube channel to find out what some of your favorite artists are working on and what they were looking forward to during the Awards show.
The ACM Awards started with a beautiful tribute to Route 91, Las Vegas community, and everyone else who uses music to heal. The gorgeous Reba McEntire was back as the host for the 17th time and picked up like she never stopped hosting! Reba’s jokes were entertaining and her outfit choices were marvelous. Some of the standout performances of the night included the talented women of country music. Kelsea Ballerini’s “I Hate Love Songs” began with her in a heart above the audience in an exquisite dress. Kelsea truly shines when she is performing as she has a way with connecting to the audience. Energetic singer and captivating performer Lauren Alania proved why she won New Female Vocalist of the Year when she performed her single “Doin’ Fine.” And we can’t forget Carrie Underwood’s performance of “Cry Pretty.” This was her first appearance since her accident and the audience showed her so much love at the end. As always Carrie never disappoints: she sounded and looked flawless.
The 1993 flashbacks were a brilliant idea. Alan Jackson paired with Jon Pardi for “Chattahoochee,” Blake Shelton joined fellow Okie Toby Keith for “Should Have Been A Cowboy” and it was a family affair when Reba – and the return of the red dress! – and Kelly Clarkson performed “Does He Love You.” The songs were iconic and took us back to 1993 as if we never left. Let’s hope they incorporate flashbacks into future ACM Award shows.
To see a full list of this year’s ACM winners, visit https://www.acmcountry.com/winners.