Each year the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards broadcast live from Las Vegas in April. Winning an ACM is considered a high honor in the country music industry.
The Academy, which decides on the nominations and winners for the ACM Awards, is made up of industry professionals who must be approved by the Academy’s Board of Directors. Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year are the only categories in which fans are able to vote for.
In addition to giving away awards, many artists perform on the awards show. This year, The Band Perry opened the show singing their new single, “Chainsaw.”
Throughout the night, each nominee for New Artist of the Year (Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore and Kip Moore) had the opportunity to perform the chorus of one of their hit songs at a neighboring arena in Vegas. Moore ended up taking home the award, though.
Merle Haggard received the ACM Crystal Milestone Award and was honored by George Strait and Miranda Lambert who performed a medley of his songs. The ACM Crystal Milestone Award is given to an artist or leader in the industry to give tribute to a specific and honorable achievement.
Past recipients include Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles, Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean.
My favorite performance of the night was Eric Church’s performance of “Give Me Back My Hometown.” Church has always been a favorite of mine and, clearly, last night was no different.
The stage mimicked the dark and slightly strange music video Church recently released to go along with his current single.
A special mention and shoutout goes to Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton for their hilarious hosting skills which had the audience and myself laughing all night.
Take a listen to my thoughts on the winners from last night below. Leave a comment and let me know who you think should have won the big awards.
bryanwebb.wordpress.com 
As a fellow country fan, I really enjoy your blog! It’s nice to see someone dedicate their time to talking about the same music I enjoy listening to. Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton were half of the reason I tuned in this year, they did such an amazing job last year and I’m so glad they brought them back. Although I was a little surprised that George Strait won entertainer of the year, I was happy to see the reactions of the other people in that category. To me, that category belongs to someone who is constantly on tour, making new music, and entertaining their audience (hence the category name.) I thought Luke Bryan would win that category, and I am a little bummed he didn’t. Eric Church was a favorite of mine as well, I think he is an extremely talented performer and he seems to be a bit underrated. I am glad you appreciate his work too! Thanks for the awesome post.
Amanda Moscibrocki
Thanks, Amanda, for the comment. I agree about Entertainer of the Year. Luke is a great entertainer and that category is certainly one for him. Did you hear Eric Church just announced a world tour? He’s coming to Cleveland on Oct. 10. Than you again for your interest.
I’m not that big of a country fan, but I did end up watching the show this year since Blake Shelton was one of the hosts. I really enjoyed The Band Perry’s opening performance, they did such a great job. Although I’m not that much of a country fan, I do agree with Amanda that Luke Bryan should have won the entertainer of the year award. I always hear my friends talking about how bad they want to go to his concerts or how much fun they had at them and how talented he really is. Its nice to see other people’s opinions on music though!
Alexandra Gray
Luke’s concerts are a sight to see, let me tell you. Your friends are right. George Strait is on his “farewell” tour right now though so that explains why he won. Thanks for your comment, Alex.