ACM Awards Archives

ACM Recap: Dan + Shay, Keith Urban and Kacey Musgraves Win Big

April 8, 2019/in Blog /by Dylan Bestler

The ACMs took place last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Host, Reba McEntire suggested they change the name of the show to “Dan + Shay’s Excellent Adventure.” The Grammy award winning duo walked away with three ACM awards last night including Vocal Duo of the Year, Single and Song of the Year for their double platinum hit song “Tequila”.

“I think somebody got the cards mixed up tonight”, Dan Smyers said when he and Shay Mooney walked up to the stage for the third time. “This is such an incredible category to be a part of…we are all winners tonight.”

Other big winners included Keith Urban, who won Entertainer of the Year. This is Urban’s tenth ACM award but first for Entertainer of the Year. Urban had a big 2018, playing over 60 venues on his Graffiti U World Tour. Urban stripped this award from three-time defending Entertainer of the Year, Jason Aldean. However, Aldean will happily head back to Nashville, receiving the ACM award for Artist of the Decade, an award he was given to by last decade’s recipient, the king, George Strait.

“That’s the reason I wear the cowboy hat, right here so thank you very much”, Aldean said pointing at Strait. “I look out and I see a lot of artists who’ve had a hell of a decade…I feel very fortunate to have this.”

Aldean was well deserving of the award. The thirteen-time ACM award winner has 19 number one hits, 8.7 million albums sold, 4.3 billion digital streams and 10 million headlining tickets sold.

The Male and Female Artists of the Year were Thomas Rhett and Kacey Musgraves. Rhett had a busy 2018 touring with Kenny Chesney on his Trip Around the Sun tour and headlining his own Life Changes Tour. Musgraves, who also received the Album of the Year award for Golden Hour, is loving 2019 as she can place these two ACM awards right next to her three Grammys.

“I have to say this awards goes out to any women or girl or anybody really, that is maybe being told that her perspective or her style is too different to work”, Musgraves said after winning Female Artist of the Year. “Just stay at it; it’ll work out.”

Many awards were announced before the show. These included Old Dominion for Group of the Year, Luke Combs for New Male Artist, Ashley McBryde for New Female Artist, LANCO for New Group/Duo, Chris Jason’s “Drunk Girl” for Video of the Year and Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osbourne’s “Burning Man” for Musical Event of the Year.

To see pictures and highlights, follow the Academy of Country Music on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! If you missed it, you can watch the whole thing here on CBS.com.

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NYCountry Swag’s Artists to Watch Earn ACM Nominations and Wins

April 3, 2019/in Blog /by Molly Holmberg

LAS VEGAS, NV – April 15: Luke Combs (R) and Nicole Hocking attend the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 15, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jason Kempin/ACMA2018/Getty Images for ACM)

Here at New York Country Swag, we pride ourselves on being tastemakers, finding and championing new and up-and-coming artists and introducing our followers to the best of the best of the rising acts. Over the past three years, we have highlighted multiple artists that are now household names and have hits at the top of the charts. With the ACM Awards at the end of the week, we are highlighting some of the artists from our watch list that have attended, been nominated, and won awards!

Back in 2017, we highlighted Luke Combs who is clearly making quite the name for himself. In 2018, Combs was already nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year and just last week Combs got a surprise phone call from none other than Carrie Underwood who announced that this year, he is taking home the award. Will he also snag the win for Male Artist of the Year? Guess we will have to wait and watch to find out.

The next artist is one that has been a part of NYCountry Swag since the very beginning, Russell Dickerson. In 2018 he was nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year. This year his very first single and first chart-topper, “Yours” is up for a nomination for Song of the Year and we are pulling for Dickerson to come up with a win!

Other artists we have highlighted include High Valley, who have been up for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year two years in a row. Brett Young took home New Vocalist of the Year in 2018. The upcoming girl trio, Runaway June, are making a massive impact with their newest single “I Can Buy My Own Drinks” earning them a nomination this year for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year.

“Take it from me” but Jordan Davis has made quite the jump in his career with his debut album Home State, which has already earned him two #1 songs. He was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year and while the award already went to Luke Combs, we see many more nominations and potential wins in Davis’ future. Others include Jimmie Allen who is making his ACM Award nomination debut with New Male Artist of the Year and Danielle Bradbery making hers for New Female Artist of the Year.

From our most recent batch of Artists to Watch comes Mitchell Tenpenny, whose hit single “Drunk Me” has shot up the charts, granting him his very first number one single. He was also nominated for New Male Artist of the Year along with Jimmie Allen, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, and Michael Ray.

While not all of the artists we highlight have had their shot at the award show just yet, they still get to be involved in all the fun that comes with it. The red carpets, after parties, meeting fans outside the arena, and more, it is still an incredible honor just to be invited.

Tune into the 2019 54th Annual ACM Awards this Sunday, April 7th on CBS at 8 PM ET and follow us on Twitter as we live tweet the event.

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The Complete List of the ACM Award Performers…So Far

March 26, 2019/in Blog /by Olivia Reese

The 2019 Academy of Country Music Awards is fast approaching, taking place on April 7th at 8:00 PM Eastern at the MGM Grand in Las Vagas, Nevada. The award show is in its 54th year and quality of the line-up of performers reflects that; Reba McEntire is returning as the host of the show. The following artists have been announced to perform at the awards show so far with more artists to be announced according to the Academy of Country Music website.

Take a list below at some of the great performances and collaborations we can expect to see in just over a week!

Jason Aldean
Dierks Bentley with Brandi Carlile
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Kane Brown with Khalid
Eric Church
Kelly Clarkson
Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Miranda Lambert
Little Big Town
Ashley McBryde
Reba McEntire
Maren Morris
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
George Strait
Carrie Underwood
LANCO

Announced yesterday, newcomers Ashley McBryde, LANCO and Luke Combs were already announced as winners. Video clips surfaced on social media of the one and only Carrie Underwood calling each of the acts to let them know they had won. McBryde won New Female Artist of the Year, Combs won New Male Artist of the Year and LANCO took home New Group of the Year. Check out their surprised reactions in the video below.

To keep up with the ACM Awards follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Be sure to check out the full list of nominated artists here and follow us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook for more updates about the ACM awards and all things country music.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Jason Aldean Releases “Rearview Town”

April 13, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

Jason Aldean‘s eighth studio album Rearview Town is available today and highlights his signature sound and ability to translate music on his albums into his iconic live performances. Heavy on the electric guitar and primed for Aldean’s band to jam to during his performance, many of the songs are uptempo and showcase his mix of country and rock. “Every song I cut, I think about that,” he said at a recent press event promoting the album. “My live shows are such an important selling tool for the record for me – I’m constantly listening for things that are going to translate live.

After listening to over a hundred songs, Aldean narrowed it down to just fifteen that he felt created his next concise record. The debut single off the project, “You Make It Easy” is currently sitting in the top 5 on the country charts and showcases Aldean at his best, smooth, loving yet meaningful in his delivery and was written by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, along with Morgan Wallen and Jordan Schmidt.

“Better At Being Who I Am” and “Drowns the Whiskey” are standouts, slowing things down, complemented by the slide guitar and sentimental lyrics. Miranda Lambert is featured on the latter, and Aldean discussed collaborating with the songstress on #JustAMinute with Bucks Stevens for B104. ” I’ve always been a big fan of her voice and her style and everything,” he explained.

Heading back to his “Dirt Road Anthem” days, Aldean raps at the end of “Gettin’ Warmed Up”. The track would make for the perfect set opener on his next tour. This summer, Aldean will support Rearview Town by hitting 34 tour stops on the 2018 High Noon Neon Tour. Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina will be Aldean’s special guests on the tour which hits Madison Square Garden on August 11th.

With the album dropping today and being nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at the 53rd ACM Awards, Sunday night, this could shape up to be quite the weekend for Aldean. Spotify Premium members can stream the full record today, or purchase your copy on iTunes here.

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#TBT Our Favorite ACM Collaboration Performances

April 12, 2018/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

This Sunday night, live from Vegas the Academy of Country Music Awards are set to take place, bringing incredible performances from Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, and many more. On this #TBT let’s take a look back at some of our favorite collaboration performances and moments from the prestigious award show.

At last year’s ACM Awards, Florida Georiga Line sang their most recent single “God, Your Mama and Me” with help from boy band Backstreet Boys then they all did the iconic dance to “Everybody” together, making a memorable moment for all watching.

Ethan Miller Getty Images

Back in 2014, Hilary, Charles, and Dave of Lady Antebellum collaborated with Stevie Nicks to sing the title track from their 2013 album Golden. The addition of Nicks’ voice to their already incredible harmonies made for quite the performance.

Getty Images

Power vocalist Carrie Underwood took the stage to perform with rock icon Steven Tyler. They sang her single in 2001, “Undo It” then finished their performance with “Walk This Way”. This moment was a definite highlight of the 2011 ACM Awards.

Ethan Miller Getty Images

One of our all-time favorite duets, Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson are reviving this 2007 collaboration this Sunday night at the ACMs. Back in 2007, they performed a heartfelt, emotional rendition of Clarkson’s “Because of You”. Which song do you think they will sing together this year?

Photo Credit: Mark J. Terrill

Brad Paisley joined by John Mayer performed “Beat This Summer” at the 49th Annual ACM Awards back in 2013. The duo went head to head shredding on their electric guitars, wowing the viewers.

Getty Images for ACM

Which collaborations would you love to see on Sunday night? Tweet us @NYCountry Swag and let us know! Be sure to follow along as our team LIVE Tweets the show Sunday at 8 PM ET.

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ACM Nominees Announced: Chris Stapleton Leads, Our Favorite Rising Stars Nominated

March 2, 2018/in Blog /by Christina Bosch

Yesterday morning the nominations for the 53rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced by sixteen-time ACM winner Reba McEntire. The front-runner for the past several years Chris Stapleton leads the nominations with eight, while newcomers like Russell Dickerson and Carly Pearce are nominated for their very first awards in the New Male/New Female Vocalist of the Year categories.

Check out the full list of nominees below.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Garth Brooks
Luke Bryan
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Chris Young

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
LOCASH
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Lauren Alaina
Danielle Bradbery
Carly Pearce
Raelynn

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Devin Dawson
Russell Dickerson
Brett Young

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
High Valley
LANCO
LOCASH
Midland
Runaway June

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Breaker – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
California Sunrise – Jon Pardi
Producers: Bart Butler, Jon Pardi
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
From a Room Vol. 1 – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Records
Happy Endings – Old Dominion
Producer: Shane McAnally
Record Label: RCA
Life Changes – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Better Man” – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce

“Body Like a Back Road” – Sam Hunt
Producer: Zach Crowell

“Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton

“Drinkin’ Problem” – Midland
Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne

“I’ll Name the Dogs” – Blake Shelton
Producer: Scott Hendricks

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Body Like a Back Road” – Sam Hunt
Songwriters: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne

“Female” – Keith Urban
Songwriters: Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon, and Shane McAnally

“Tin Man” – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert Jon Randall

“Whiskey and You” – Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Lee Thomas Miller, Chris Stapleton

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Black” – Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Max A. Butler
“It Ain’t My Fault” – Brothers Osborne
Director: Wes Edwards, Ryan Silver
Producer: Tiffany Davies
“Legends” – Kelsea Ballerini
Director: Jeff Venable
Producer: Ben Skipworth
“Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett
Director: TK McKamy
Producer: Dan Atchison
“We Should Be Friends” – Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: April Dace

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Rhett Akins
Ashley Gorley
Hillary Lindsey
Shane McAnally
Josh Osborne

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Craving You” – Thomas Rhett Featuring Maren Morris
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett

“Dear Hate” – Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill
Producers: Brad Hill, Maren Morris

“Funny (How Time Slips Away)” – Glen Campbell And Willie Nelson
Producer: Carl Jackson

“The Fighter” – Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood
Producers: Busbee, Keith Urban

“What Ifs” – Kane Brown Featuring Lauren Alaina
Producer: Dann Huff

McEntire who has hosted the ceremony fourteen times in the past will return to host the awards show from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

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Click Here to learn more about NYCountry Swag
+ Follow our Country Music Adventures on Instagram, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG!

– Team NYCountry Swag

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