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opening-acts-summer-2021

Get to Know the Opening Acts of Summer 2021’s Hottest Country Music Tours

All of the greats we know and love today were once the opening acts, too. Get to know today’s openers from summer 2021’s hottest country music tours.

Not only did your favorite superstars reunite with the stage this past summer, but your future favorite entertainers had the opportunity to share it with them this country concert season as well. Country music is famous for having incredible ‘superstars-to-be’ open for their major tours, and here at Country Swag, we have your guide to all the of the show openers. Learn more about this year’s opening acts below.

Tenille Arts just earned her first #1 on country radio with the smash “Somebody Like That”, following the release of her second studio album, Love, Heartbreak & Everything In Between. All her hard work is paying off this year, as she gears up for new releases and as summer set in, Arts found herself as the opening act on on Lady A’s ‘What A Song Can Do Tour’. Tenille Arts is without a doubt one of the best vocalists and songwriters of this new class of country artists and if you caught the show, you will probably agree.

Matt Stell, one of our artists to watch and Live Swag Session alums is taking over country music one single at a time. His debut single, “Prayed For You” is one of the most popular love songs in country music, and his new single, “That Ain’t Me No More” has been sent to country radio. This summer, he joined Old Dominion and Miranda Lambert on their respective run of shows.

Lainey Wilson and HARDY were both opening acts for Jason Aldean’s ‘Back In The Saddle Tour’ and if you caught the show, you know they rightfully earned their time in the spotlight. This isn’t the first time the two have toured together either; they opened for Morgan Wallen on his first headline tour over two years ago. HARDY and Wilson both released critically acclaimed albums in the past year (A ROCK and Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, respectively) and as those albums indicated, their fiery songs got fans up and out of their seats each and every night just as fast as they sat down in them!

The full list of country tours and their opening acts are listed below. One of the best feelings is when you go to a show not knowing the opener and leaving a forever fan. If that rings true for the show’s you attended this year, be sure to remember their names, follow them on socials, stream the music and get ready to see those artists when they head back your way. For New York City country fans, head to our calendar to find out when the next shows in the area are.

SUMMER 2021 TOURS:

Blake Shelton
Lindsay Ell
Martina McBride
Trace Adkins
Tracy Byrd

Brad Paisley
Jimmie Allen
Kameron Marlowe

Brett Eldredge
Morgan Evans

Brothers Osborne
Tenille Townes
Travis Denning

Dan + Shay
Band Camino
Ingrid Andress

Dierks Bentley
Parker McCollum
Riley Green

Ingrid Andress
Georgia Webster

Jason Aldean
HARDY
Lainey Wilson

Kane Brown
Restless Road

Lady A
Carly Pearce
Tenille Arts

Little Big Town
Caitlyn Smith
Hailey Whitters

Luke Bryan
Caylee Hammack
Dylan Scott

Old Dominion
Blanco Brown
Caitlyn Smith
Matt Stell
Randy Houser
Scotty McCreery
Walker County

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming announcements and releases.

Make sure to follow Country Swag on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to keep up with all the latest in country music!

Check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Woman of the Month: Kerri Edwards

In Country Swag’s “Woman of the Month” series, we’re bringing you stories from women who are chasing their dreams and building a life that they love.

Each month, we highlight a different female pursuing her passions. Introducing you to women who are taking risks, working relentlessly, and turning their dreams into reality. These are empowering women of the country music community, and beyond, who serve as role models and should be celebrated.

Kerri Edwards

“I think I’m most proud of not only the artists that are trusting me with their career and their livelihoods, but I’m proud of the artists that I’m getting to do that with because I truly believe in them.” – Kerri Edwards

This month, we celebrate Kerri Edwards, President, KP Entertainment as our September 2021 Woman of the Month.

Edwards is a woman and a business owner that we truly admire. She is authentic, passionate, and compassionate- a true pioneer in the music industry. In our conversation, Edwards shared her story, her love for country music and the artists she works with, as well as, tips for women hoping to break into the music industry.

Growing up in a small town in West Virginia, Edwards was always drawn to music. “I grew up a music fan,” she shared. “My music taste back in high school and even college, it was very broad. I liked the Pop, the hairbands, country.” She later added, “I really did just bounce around, it just kind of depended on the day.”

Despite an early love for music, Edwards shared “working in the music industry never even entered my mind like as a job.” It was not until she went to Lipscomb University in Nashville did the idea start to develop. As a communications major looking for an internship her senior year, Edwards found herself with an opportunity to intern at (then) Arista Records.

“At a [music] festival in West Virginia, I was introduced to a lady backstage named Denise Nichols. She worked at Arista Records at the time,” declares Edwards. I went to intern there and worked in their radio promotions department.” Soon after Edwards realized she had stumbled upon something special. “I fell in love with it, I was just enamored by the whole deal, I was like I can’t believe this is a job.”

After her internship, she earned a job at the label, working as an assistant in the A&R department. “I didn’t know what I was diving into,” she began, adding later, “I couldn’t have planned it any better. It couldn’t have been a more perfect fit for myself.” During this role, Edwards found herself in a position where she would be a champion for the songs, something she was very passionate about.

“The fact that I got to hear songs on the front of them, worktapes, demos, be a part of selecting things that you think are a hit and you get to share it with your artist roster, it was just unbelievable. Just the fact that I was exposed to so many amazing, gifted, talented human beings was incredible.”

After a merger at the record label, Edwards, along with many others at the company, found herself unemployed. It was at this time that she decided to switch gears and enter the world of publishing. “My instinct was to go to publishing because it was still on the song side of things, so that’s kind of what I did.” Shortly after beginning at an independent publishing company, Edwards would meet a young songwriter and her career trajectory would take a major turn. That songwriter’s name was Luke Bryan.

“He had just gotten signed there as a writer, right before I got hired to pitch songs. He was a brand new writer, assigned to me,” she shared about her budding relationship with Bryan. Eventually, after seeing him play at a club in Georgia, she realized how special his talent truly was. “It just became a little passion project,” said Edwards, about her championing Bryan from his start.

Flash forward to today, Edwards owns her own management company called KP Entertainment. Her roster includes artists like Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Dylan Scott, and many others. Since managing the careers of these artists, Edwards has gotten the opportunity to watch them succeed both personally and professionally.

She recalls the night that both Bryan and Swindell won coveted awards at the ACM’s back in 2015. As Bryan took home Entertainer of the Year and Swindell was awarded Best New Artist, Edwards shared how proud she felt of them and her entire team in that moment. “That night the fact that legit Luke [who was also hosting the show] could not stop worrying about Cole was just so awesome in his own way,” she added.

Although she has had great success and many ‘wins’ in her career, the human side of her job is what always stands out the most. I want them to be proud of who they represent,” she shared of her staff, adding “It’s about building a team and getting the right people.” Edwards continues to hire employees who have a passion first and come with positive energy over those who have the most experience for this exact reason.

At the end of our conversation, we of course had to ask Edwards one last question. When asked about the advice she would give to women trying to break into the country music industry, she shared simple, yet profound advice that we all can embody. “Find your passion and find something that you believe in that much and go get it,” adding, If you believe in it, you keep pushing it, you keep going for it, you got this.”

To keep up with Kerri Edwards, follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

* Interview Conducted by: Stephanie Wagner // Written by: Erica Zisman for Country Swag

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Luke Bryan Scores 27th #1 Song with “Waves”

Luke Bryan’s latest single “Waves” earns him his 27th number one as the song hits the top spot on the country charts this week.

On the heels of his incredible documentary, Luke Bryan has scored his 27th number-one single of his career! Truly a staple in country music, Bryan is an absolute superstar. The singer’s current radio single “Waves” catapulted to the number one spot on the charts just four months after it impacted country radio. It follows the chart-topping success of his song “Down To One.”

The fourth single off his latest project Born Here Live Here Die Here“Waves” is clearly a crowd-favorite. Written by Chase McGill, Zachery Crowell, and Ryan Hurd, the single is one that will make anyone swoon. Bryan’s piercing vocals make this song hard not to fall in love with.

“You were made for summer // Just like these stars we’re under // We’re made for lighting this // July sky up // Blanket down made for me and you tied up // All night long, over and over // Crash into me and pull me closer // Kiss by kiss, one after another // Don’t let go, baby, let this summer // Just keep on coming in waves”

The track is an easy and effortless love song that fits Bryan’s style and vocals. The mid-tempo tune is one of those tracks that screams nostalgia. “Waves” fits in perfectly with the singer’s already incredible live show setlist. It will be exciting to see what song Bryan announces as his next radio single!

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Luke Bryan’s single “Waves” is officially number one!

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Luke Bryan announcements and releases.

To keep up with Luke Bryan, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Waves” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Luke-bryan-number-one-waves

Luke Bryan Releases Emotional New Track “Songs You Never Heard”

Country superstar, Luke Bryan releases a new emotional track titled “Songs You Never Heard.” The song, written by Luke Laird and Josh Osbourne, was released in honor of his late brother, Chris, and alongside his new docu-series Luke Bryan: My Dirt Road Diary.

In this acoustic, melancholy track, Bryan mentions the songs he and his late brother, Chris used to sing along to and the ones Chris would’ve loved had he been alive prior to their releases, such as “Run” by George Strait and “In Color” by Jamey Johnson. As he is reminiscing, Bryan claims he can hear his brother singing along in the car with him, even to the ones he never got to hear. Although his mom would disagree, Bryan states that if Chris was alive today, he’d be Bryan’s number one fan.

“Time marches on, there’s a lot of new // music and memories we’d be drinking to // I think about it and I laugh until it hurts // ‘Cause I can hear you singing along // to songs you never heard”

Bryan’s five-part docu-series premiered on IMDB’s streaming platform earlier this month and touches on Bryan’s life, backstory, career, and how he dealt with the tragedies his family endured. It is unclear whether “Songs You Never Heard” will make an upcoming album or just be part of this new documentary, as “Waves,” Bryan’s current single, is climbing the airplay charts. 

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Luke Bryan releases.

To keep up with Luke Bryan, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Songs You Never Heard” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Country Music Tours Headed to New York This Summer 2021

Concert season is in full swing! For our New Yorkers, we’ve got you covered with the country music tours, the dates, and where to get your tickets ASAP! If you’re curious about all the county music tours that have been announced so far for 2021-2022 click here.

Concerts-Tour-Announcements-Summer-2021

Jason Aldean- Back In The Saddle Tour

Openers: HARDY & Lainey Wilson

August 7th- Wantagh, NY // Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Find tickets here

 

Luke Bryan- Proud To Be Right Here Tour

Openers: Dylan Scott, Runaway June & Caylee Hammack*

August 13th- Wantagh, NY // Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Find tickets here

 

Brothers Osborne- The We’re Not For Everyone Tour

Openers: Tenille Townes & Travis Denning

August 21st- Farmingville, NY // Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater

Find tickets here

 

Thomas Rhett- The Center Point Road Tour

Openers: Cole Swindell & Gabby Barrett

August 26th- Wantagh, NY // Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Find tickets here

 

Zac Brown Band- The Comeback Tour 2021

Special Guests: Teddy Swims, Adam Doleac, Gabby Barrett, Devin Dawson & Ashland Craft

September 2nd- Wantagh, NY // Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

September 3rd- Wantagh, NY // Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Find tickets here

 

Brooks & Dunn- The Reboot 2021 Tour

Openers: Travis Tritt & Elvie Shane

September 10th- Wantagh, NY // Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Find tickets here

 

Dierks Bentley- Beers On Me Tour

Openers: Riley Green & Parker McCollum

September 24th- Wantagh, NY // Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Find tickets here

 

Keep an eye out on our list as we will be sure to add more country music tour dates and concerts as they are announced!

Make sure to join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future tour announcements, ticket giveaways, and more.

Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan Announce Las Vegas Residencies

Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan surprised fans today revealing that each will have their very own Las Vegas Residencies beginning later this year. Get all the details here.

Marking each superstar’s very first residency, the special leg of shows will take place at The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas. The Theatre, a brand new world-class venue that will seat 5,000 fans, is set to open in November 2021 inside of Resorts World Las Vegas, a new 3,500-room luxury destination, which opens June 24th.

Underwood’s residency, REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency, kicks off in December 2021 with six shows set for December 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, and 11.

Bryan’s residency, Luke Bryan: Vegas will kick off in February 2022 with six shows on February 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, and 20.

Additional artists slated to headline their own residencies at The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas will be Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Zedd, and Tiësto.

Tickets for all shows will go on sale to the general public on Monday, May 24th at 1PM ET at AXS.com.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood news.

8 Things We Miss the Most About Country Music Concerts

It has been a year without live music, and we still desperately miss country music concerts. However, we see the light at the end of the tunnel with artists like Eric Church and Kane Brown announcing future tour dates! Until then though, here are the 8 things we miss the most about country music concerts.

  1. The Good Vibes

There is absolutely nothing like listening to live music. The atmosphere, the adrenaline, the artists, the fans, absolutely EVERYTHING feels magical. We cannot wait for that feeling again!

 

  1. The Sound of Live Music

Albums and records are great, but there is nothing quite like hearing your favorite artist perform live. There are so many artists that we cannot wait to see as soon as we get back to some resemblance of normalcy.

 

  1. The Tailgate

If you have ever joined us at a show, especially at Jones Beach, then you know how much we love to tailgate! The tailgate sets the tone for the rest of the night and allows fans to connect and bond over the music.

 

  1. Connecting with Other Fans

One of the things we love most about NYCountry Swag is getting to connect with our followers at live shows by some of our favorite artists all across New York City and Long Island.

 

  1. Singing Along to Every Song

This one goes without saying. We even miss the raspy voice you get the day after the concert from singing your heart out for three hours straight!

 

  1. The $15 Beers at the Venue

What we would do to pay that much for a beer right now…

 

  1. Discovering new music acts to love

Although we pride ourselves on being tastemakers in the industry and always know all the acts performing at concerts, we love watching our friends and other fans experience a new artist for the first time. We’ll never forget when Tenille Townes took the stage as an opener at Dierks Bentley’s concert, and how crazy everyone went for the newcomer.

 

  1. Hearing Our Favorite Song Live

At this point, we have a whole list of songs that we cannot wait to hear live! We’re sure you do too!

 

Let us know, what are you missing most about concerts?! and sure to check out the full list of upcoming tours here.

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future tour announcements, ticket giveaways, and more.

BREAKING: Luke Bryan Reveals 2021 ‘Proud To Be Right Here’ Tour Dates

Luke Bryan has revealed The Proud To Be Right Here Tour dates kicking off this Summer 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.

Joining Luke Bryan on tour will be show openers, Dylan Scott, Runaway June, and Caylee Hammack, although some shows will vary.

Tickets previously purchased for Bryan’s Proud To Be Right Here Tour will be honored on the newly rescheduled dates as indicated below *. NEW concert dates on the schedule will be available for presale to Luke’s fan club, the Nut House, on Tuesday, April 27th and on sale to the public beginning Friday, April 30 at 10AM local time at lukebryan.com.

For any further previous ticket inquiries, fans are advised to reach out to point of purchase.

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Luke Bryan releases.

Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…

2021 THE PROUD TO BE RIGHT HERE TOUR DATES

July 8 — Syracuse, NY // St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

July 9 — Hershey, PA // Hersheypark Stadium

July 10  — Boston, MA // Xfinity Center

July 16 — Hartford, CT // Xfinity Theatre *

July 17  — Bristow, VA // Jiffy Lube Live

July 18  — Holmdel, NJ // PNC Bank Arts Center

July 22  — Cincinnati, OH // Riverbend Music Center *

July 23  — Charlotte, NC // PNC Music Pavilion

July 24  — Raleigh, NC // Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

July 30  — Nashville, TN // Bridgestone Arena

July 31  — Orange Beach, AL // The Wharf *

Aug 5 — Bangor, ME // Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion

Aug 6 — Gilford, NH // Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

Aug 7 — Gilford, NH // Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

Aug 8 — Philadelphia, PA // BB&T Pavilion

Aug 12 — Columbia, MD // Merriweather Post Pavilion

Aug 13 — Wantagh, NY // Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

Aug 14  — Darien Center, NY // Darien Lake Amphitheater *

Aug 19  — St. Louis, MO // Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

Aug 20 — Indianapolis, IN // Ruoff Music Center

Aug 21 — Chicago, IL // Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Aug 27 — Rogers, AR // Walmart AMP

Aug 28 — Dallas, TX // Dos Equis Pavilion

Aug 29  — Brandon, MS // Brandon Amphitheater *

Sept 3 — Welch, MN // Treasure Island Amphitheater

Sept 23 — San Diego, CA // North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sept 24 — Phoenix, AZ // AK-Chin Pavilion

Sept 30 — Bend, OR // Les Schwab Amphitheater

Oct 1 — Bend, OR // Les Schwab Amphitheater

Oct 2 — Portland, OR // Sunlight Supply Amphitheater

Oct 8 — Los Angeles, CA // STAPLES Center *

Oct 9 — Mountain View, CA // Shoreline Amphitheatre

Oct 10 — Sacramento, CA // Toyota Amphitheatre

Oct 14 — Irvine, CA // FivePoint Amphitheatre

Oct 15 — Fresno, CA // Save Mart Center *

Oct 16 — San Bernardino, CA // Glen Helen Amphitheater *

 

*indicates concerts that have been rescheduled to these dates

Dylan Scott on all dates except July 8-18

Caylee Hammack on all dates through August 14

Runaway June on all dates beginning August 19

DJ Rock on all dates

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The Best Deep Cuts from Luke Bryan

With seven studio albums since his entrance into country music in 2007 with his debut album, I’ll Stay Me, ACM Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan has given us a collection of nearly 100 songs including 26 #1’s. Here are a few of our favorite Deep Cuts from him…

“You Don’t Know Jack”Tailgates & Tanlines

“So brother just be glad // and tonight hold your kids, kiss your wife // and when you talk to God // Count up all your blessings // And thank the good Lord that // You don’t know Jack”

When we talk about the storytelling aspect of country music, this is a prime example of what we mean. The way Bryan is able to tell the story of these two men as if we know them or are them is beautiful, as is the play on words of not knowing Jack – as in nothing about the situation as well as the bottle. It’s the unique way of saying that you’ll never know someone’s whole story or what they’re going through.

 

“We Run This Town”Crash My Party

“We thought we made the world go ‘round // Nothing but a bunch of time to kill // Sit up on a hill // Make a toast, drink it down // Say, yeah, man, we run this town // high-five and look around // Damn right we run this town”

Bryan definitely has a good amount of nostalgic songs, but this is one of our favorites. It perfectly embodies the feeling of being seventeen again, hanging out with your friends every day, and having no worries in the world. 

 

“Dirt Road Diary” – Crash My Party

“It’s right here in my dirt road diary // It ain’t a book underneath my bed // Just a dusty memory lane burned in my head”

There are too many great songs to choose from on this album, but “Dirt Road Diary” is one of the most raw and honest songs from Bryan – he is quite literally saying that he is an open book. He shares his story and says he simply is where he came from- which means it also has the perfect amount of nostalgia. 

 

“Land of a Million Songs” What Makes You Country

“So you packed up your pickup and crossed that Tennessee line // You’re always searching for a little something different to say” 

This song is unique compared to the types of tracks that we’re used to hearing from Bryan. I feel like a lot of times people can generalize Bryan’s songs to being your basic country songs about girls, beers, hunting, fishing, and trucks. Not to say that’s not part of his identity either (I mean isn’t that what makes you country?), but I think that can make fans overlook songs like this one and the others on this list that hold a deeper meaning.

Much like Tim McGraw’s “Damn Country Music”, “Land of a Million Songs” flips the script on the thrill of making it in the industry and highlights the struggles to get there, all that is given up to make it possible, how slim the chances of making it really are and how all of that circles back to writing and playing music because make it or not, that’s what you’ll always do – whether others are listening or not. 

 

“For A Boat” – Born Here Live Here Die Here

“And Daddy saying ‘son, don’t they bite just fine right here?’ // He’d say, “Love what you got, buddy, not what you ain’t’ // And just about then that bobber would sink // And that outboard dream of mine would disappear // I grew up pretty lucky as far as lucky goes // Too broke for a boat”

About a shared love for fishing, and the relationship and memories that it created, this song is simply about appreciating what you have over hoping for things that you don’t and realizing that you don’t need the fancy things in life to be considered one of the lucky ones. Rather, looking back on it, that’s precisely what made you one of the lucky ones.

 

How does our list match up to yours? Let us know and be sure to follow our ‘Deep Cuts’ playlist on Spotify. Check out more deep cuts from some of our favorite artists like Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, Brett Young, Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, Eric Church, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Kelsea Ballerini, and Luke Combs here.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Luke Bryan releases in the coming weeks.

To keep up with Luke Bryan, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

 

2021 ACM Awards: The Complete Recap – Winners, Performances & More

Last Night, April 18th, The 56th Annual ACM Awards show aired live on CBS from Nashville. Hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton, the special show was full of one-of-a-kind moments and epic performances as the country music family honored the highest talents of 2021 celebrating the best of the best in the genre.

Nashville’s brightest stars, and even some real, non-cardboard cutout fans, headed to music city for the special night. Like last year, the show took place over several locations across Nashville including the Station Inn, Bluebird Café, Riverfront Park, Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry. While many received much-deserved honors and recognition throughout the night, it was ultimately Luke Bryan who took home the show’s most prestigious award, Entertainer of the Year for the third time in his career.

The night was full of first-time performances and collaborations. Miranda Lambert and Elle King kicked off the show with their exciting, cross-genre smash, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).”

This was followed by Chris Young and Kane Brown’s chart-climbing hit, “Famous Friends.” Brown’s video for “Worldwide Beautiful” won Video of the Year earlier this week as well. Lambert took the stage again to sing backing vocals for Chris Stapleton on their rendition of his emotional tune, “Maggie’s Song” from his latest album, Starting Over. The record was awarded Album of the Year later in the show.

Right before Thomas Rhett asked fans “What’s Your Country Song?” he debuted his newest track, “Country Again,” off his upcoming record of the same name, due out next Friday, April 30th. Blanco Brown announced the first award of the night, Group of the Year, to Old Dominion, making it their fourth consecutive win in the category.

One of country music’s favorite couples, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd sang their latest love song “Chasing After You” making for a spectacular duet, giving off Tim McGraw and Faith Hill vibes.  Next, Lady A performed their latest female-empowerment anthem, “Like a Lady” at Riverfront Park. Later, Darius Rucker presented Morris with the Song of the Year for “The Bones.” She thanked her co-writers and the person who inspired the song, her husband, Hurd.

Country music wasn’t the only genre represented last night. Dierks Bentley paid tribute to bluegrass music and the late owner of the Station Inn, JT Gray, who passed away last month, with a performance of “Pride (In The Name of Love) alongside The War and Treaty. Carrie Underwood, who honored women in country music at last year’s ACMs with a melody of hits, performed a melody of Christian songs from her latest album, My Savior last night, including “Amazing Grace,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “Old Rugged Cross,” and “How Great Thou Art.” She was joined by gospel artist, CeCe Winans.

Lambert took the stage for the third and final time alongside Jack Ingram and Jon Randall to perform “In His Arms,” from their upcoming project, The Marfa Tapes. Jimmie Allen, who earlier this week was awarded Best New Male Artist, was surprised by Brad Paisley who snuck up on him at the Bluebird Café to join him in singing their collaborative track and current single, “Freedom Was A Highway”.

“I Hope Your Happy Now,” which won Musical Event of the Year earlier this week, also won the Single of the Year during the show. Lee Brice and Carly Pearce showed their excitement walking up to the stage. The two displayed their dominant vocals on the number one song later in the show, as well.

Kenny Chesney delivered a powerful performance of his new single, “Knowing You” from the Ryman Auditorium. After the song, members of the country community who lost their lives this past year — Mac Davis, JT Gray, Charley Pride, and many others — were honored on the screen. Chesney later joined Kelsea Ballerini on stage to honor Knoxville, Tennessee in an intimate performance of their song, “Half of My Hometown.”

Country icon, Alan Jackson returned to the ACM stage last night with performances of “Drive” and “Always Be My Baby,” in honor of his daughter’s recent wedding. Another country legend, Blake Shelton sang his debut single “Austin” in honor of its 20thanniversary, then followed it with a performance of his most recent single, “Minimum Wage.” After, Dan + Shay were awarded with another Duo of the Year, making it their third-straight. They performed their touching new single, “Glad You Exist” earlier in the show.

Both hosts got their chance to take the stage – Mickey Guyton sang “Hold On” from the motion picture Breakthrough and Keith Urban displayed his guitar skills during his performance of “Tumbleweed,” from his latest album, THE SPEED OF NOW Part 1.

Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Thomas Rhett took home the Male Artist of the Year, while Maren Morris won Female Artist of the Year. She gave recognition to all the hard-working ladies in the category during her speech.

Before the Entertainer of the Year award was given to Luke Bryan, Little Big Town performed their fun, current single, “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” on the streets of Lower Broadway in Nashville. Brothers Osborne, who previously performed “Not For Everyone,” closed out the night with another song from their Skeletons album, “Dead Man’s Curve.”

Other notable performances included Eric Church, who sang a song from his brand-new album, Heart, “Bunch of Nothing;” Luke Combs, who was backed by an entire orchestra sang “Forever After All;” Ashley McBryde gave a fiery performance of her song “Martha Divine;” and Gabby Barrett, who took home New Female Artist of the Year earlier this week, sang her single “The Good Ones.”

Click here to see a full list of winners and follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more special moments from the show.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

To keep up with the Academy of Country Music follow along here on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

Check out the full list of winners from the show here and follow along on Instagram, @NYCountrySwag for more special moments from the show.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.