Academy of Country Music Highlights
The 2017 Academy of Country Music Awards is still being talked about today. In preparation for the awards, Southern Living created an ACM playlist on Spotify. Listen now to relive the show!
The award show overall was a combination of current and traditional country, mixed with expected performances that exceeded hopes, like the Backstreet Boys reunion in the Florida Georgia Line “God, Your Mama, And Me” and “Everybody” mash-up.
Sam Hunt performed “Body Like A Back Road” early on in the show and surprised his fiancée, Hannah Lee Fowler, by joining her in the audience, wrapping his arm around her as he sang. Their relationship has been so under wraps; it was unexpected and relieving to see them in front of a camera together.
Thomas Rhett deservingly won Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2017 ACMs, and through honest humility, graciously accepted the title. Rhett has plenty to be thankful for. Rhett recently released his new single “Craving You” featuring Maren Morris, written by Dave Barnes and Julian Bunetta, and proudly shows off his wife, Lauren, who is pregnant with a girl, as they additionally anticipate the process of adopting a child from Africa. With winning Male Vocalist of the Year, Rhett noticeably shook his head in shock and thankfulness. His speech was genuinely simple in his gratefulness for his team, his fans, his wife, and the Lord.
Social media has exploded today, unfolding gifs, videos, and photographs of the FGL/BSB mash-up, which had every country star on their feet. Tim McGraw’s reaction to the Backstreet Boys’ reunion dance could stand alone as a top moment for the 2017 ACMs. More information and the video can be found at tasteofcountry.com. Faith Hill and Nicole Kidman were dancing together and enjoying the music from performances by Lady Antebellum and FGL/BSB, and the Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban duet.
Miranda Lambert’s “Tin Man” performance was a noteworthy experience for everyone at the show and watching at home. It was hauntingly honest and beautifully sung in an intimate setting. The performance foreshadowed her wins later in the show as Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year. She noted heartbreak and the worthwhile effects of emotion and honesty in music.
Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton have been the hosts for the past few years for the ACMs, but for the 2017 awards, Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan co-hosted the show. What did you think of the duo as hosts for the show? Let us know in the comments!
