The Academy of Country Music Awards took place last night in Las Vegas. There were performances from some of country’s brightest stars, and the winners, both fan voted, and chosen by the academy, were well received. George Strait rightfully won the prestigious entertainer of the year award, as he did at the CMAs last year. His final tour has been the highlight of the country calendar for the best part of the year, and this fan voted award was a sign of respect from his fans.
Miranda Lambert won the female vocalist of the year for the fifth year running, and she definitely deserved the award, but one would expect that next year, when she is not so much a ‘newcomer’, Kacey Musgraves will be her competition. Musgraves did win album of the year, her songwriting prowess a clear hit with country critics. The awards were not overly surprising, as you could see the rationale behind each choice – these artists are at the very forefront of modern country music.
The performances began with The Band Perry, with the energetic performance of Chainsaw set the tone of the evening, this was a celebration. George Strait played both solo, and with Miranda Lambert, a wonderful tribute to Merle Haggard with a rendition of I’m a Lonesome Fugitive and The Bottle Let Me Down. Even Faith Hill made an appearance alongside Tim McGraw. Brad Paisley took the opportunity to reveal his latest single, Riverbank, a perfect taster of new music to follow up the brilliant Wheelhouse. This was country’s night, with a little bit of Vegas, of course.
Read the full list of award winners below.
Entertainer of the Year
George Strait (WINNER)
Luke Bryan
Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Album of the Year
Same Trailer Different Park — Kacey Musgraves (WINNER)
Based on a True Story — Blake Shelton
Crash My Party — Luke Bryan
Here’s to the Good Time — Florida Georgia Line
Two Lanes of Freedom — Tim McGraw
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry (WINNER)
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Zac Brown Band
Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert (WINNER)
Sheryl Crow
Kacey Musgraves
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean (WINNER)
Lee Brice
Luke Bryan
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
Song of the Year
“I Drive Your Truck” — Lee Brice (WINNER)
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” — Gary Allen
“Mama’s Broken Heart” — Miranda Lambert
“Mine Would Be You” — Blake Shelton
“Wagon Wheel” — Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Single Record of the Year
“Mama’s Broken Heart” — Miranda Lambert (WINNER)
“Cruise” — Florida Georgia Line
“Highway Don’t Care” — Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
“I Drive Your Truck” — Lee Brice
“Wagon Wheel” — Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
New Artist of the Year
Justin Moore (WINNER)
Brett Eldredge
Kip Moore
Vocal Duo of the Year
Florida Georgia Line (WINNER)
Big & Rich
Dan + Shay
Love and Theft
Thompson Square
Video of the Year
“Highway Don’t Care” — Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban (WINNER)
“Better Dig Two” — The Band Perry
“Blowin’ Smoke” — Kacey Musgraves
“I Drive Your Truck” — Lee Brice
“Mama’s Broken Heart” — Miranda Lambert
“Two Black Cadillacs” — Carrie Underwood
Vocal Event of the Year
“We Were Us” — Keith Urban And Miranda Lambert (WINNER)
“Boys ‘Round Here” — Blake Shelton Featuring Pistol Annies & Friends
“Cruise (Remix)” — Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly
“Highway Don’t Care” — Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
“Wagon Wheel” — Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
