7 Moments From The 2023 ACM Honors
The 16th ACM Honors were held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium last night (8/23), and several country stars were awarded. Carly Pearce again hosted the ceremony, which honored Chris Stapelton, Tim McGraw,…
The 16th ACM Honors were held at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium last night (8/23), and several country stars were awarded. Carly Pearce again hosted the ceremony, which honored Chris Stapelton, Tim McGraw, Kane Brown, Clint Black, and others for their contributions to country music. Other industry vets being honored were Charlie Cook, the late Charlie Daniels, Mike Dungan, Bill Mayne, K.T. Oslin, and Troy Vollhoffer.
Before the show, Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards Committee, said in a statement, "This year's ACM Special Award honorees have made a tremendous impact on the music we know and love, from icons and veteran executives who have shaped and steered the industry for years, to newer artists making a splash and welcoming fresh audiences into the community, and I am so excited about celebrating them in August at what is always one of the best nights of the year."
Carly said, "The Academy of Country Music has played such a crucial role in the rise of my career in the last several years, giving me opportunities to expand my artistry with hosting. To be able to come back as the host of the ACM Honors for the third year in a row, I feel so grateful and excited for what I know will be such a special night!"
For the event, honorees and presenters walked the small red carpet outside of the event in downtown Nashville. Many stars, Including Kane Brown, stopped to chat with and sign autographs for fans who waited outside of country music's "Mother Church" (Ryman Auditorium) to get a glimpse of their favorite stars.
The 16th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors will air on FOX for a second year, airing Monday, September 18 at 8 PM ET.
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Tim McGraw with his wife Faith Hill and daughters wearing white and black
Terry Wyatt/Getty ImagesTim walked the red carpet along with his wife Faith Hill and daughters Audrey and Maggie. McGraw accepted the ACM Honor for the ACM Icon Award. Tim was presented the award because he has "advanced the popularity of the genre." Those contributions are from multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts. Industry vet and former UMG CEO Mike Dungun also got the award. Past recipients of the ACM Icon Award include Alabama, Connie Bradley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Joe Galante, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, George Jones, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
Chris Stapleton holding ACM honor wearing his usual back button down shirt
Terry Wyatt/Getty ImagesChris received the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award following his first win for ACM Entertainer of the Year at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. Stapleton qualified for the Triple Crown Award after winning ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, ACM Male Vocalist of the Year, and ACM Entertainer of the Year. This is an honor only eight other artists have been awarded. Previous ACM Triple Crown Award recipients include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Mickey Gilley, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Barbara Mandrell, and Carrie Underwood.
Kane Brown holding his AXCM honor earring a beige polo
Terry Wyatt/Getty ImagesKane received the International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves, and presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group, or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of Country Music throughout the world. Past recipients of the ACM International Award include Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Dan + Shay, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Roy Rogers, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban.
BRELAND accepting award in a brown jacket with Keith Urban looking on
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesBRELAND received the first-ever ACM Lift Every Voice Award. He was honored by his friend and collaborator, Keith Urban. This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group, industry leader, or affiliate/partner who pivotally elevates underrepresented voices throughout the Country Music genre, transcending demographics and geography. BRELAND rose to prominence during the pandemic, and his song "My Truck" solidified his place for uniqueness and creativity. In the years since BRELAND has released a full-length debut project, achieved Gold and Platinum record status, was named a 2022 Amazon Breakthrough Artist, and performed on the 57th ACM Awards.
Clint Black holding his ACM Honor with Lady A
Terry Wyatt/Getty ImagesClint, along with Mary Chapin Carpenter and the late K.T. Oslin, have each been chosen as recipients of the ACM Poet's Award. This award was presented by Lady A. The award is presented to a Country Music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or song's impact on the culture of Country Music. Previous recipients of the ACM Poet's Award include Bill Anderson, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, and Hank Williams, among others.
HARDY with Bailey Zimmerman Hardy is wearing a black shirt and Bailey is wearing a white polo
Terry Wyatt/Getty ImagesHARDY was awarded the 58th ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award. Bailey Zimmerman presented this award to HARDY. The award's recipient is selected by a panel of judges whose members are composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization (PRO) representatives.
Songwriter Ashley Gorley accepting his ACM Honor in a black suit
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesGorley was awarded the 58th ACM Songwriter of the Year Award. This award is presented to an individual known predominately as a songwriter, selected by a professional panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization (PRO) representatives. Past ACM Songwriter of the Year Award recipients include Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, HARDY, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, and Roger Miller.
