NASHVILLE, TN – Tonight, the heart of country music beats strong in Nashville as the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors takes center stage at The Pinnacle. This highly anticipated event, often dubbed the “country music industry’s favorite night,” promises an unforgettable evening of stellar performances and profound recognition for artists and professionals who have shaped the genre’s enduring legacy. Carly Pearce, returning for her fifth consecutive year, will co-host the ceremony alongside first-time host Russell Dickerson, guiding attendees and future viewers through a celebration of talent and dedication.
The annual ACM Honors serves as a crucial off-camera awards show, recognizing special award honorees, as well as winners of the ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards from the preceding 60th Academy of Country Music Awards cycle. The event underscores the depth and breadth of the country music community, shining a spotlight on both the beloved artists on stage and the indispensable figures working behind the scenes.
A Galaxy of Performers Ready to Shine
A truly impressive lineup of country music’s biggest names and rising stars is set to grace The Pinnacle stage tonight, offering powerful tributes to the evening’s distinguished honorees. Co-hosts Carly Pearce and Russell Dickerson will pull double duty, performing alongside their hosting responsibilities. They are joined by a formidable roster that includes Luke Bryan, Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, and the iconic Amy Grant. Also slated to perform are Ashley McBryde, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Miko Marks, Victoria Shaw, Carter Faith, Ashley Gorley, K. Michelle, and Tucker Wetmore. In a significant role for the evening, Wetmore will also have the honor of presenting the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards, acknowledging the technical and operational backbone of the music industry. The collective talent assembled for these performances ensures a night filled with memorable musical moments, celebrating the very essence of country artistry.
Honoring Country Music’s Enduring Spirit and Innovation
The core of the 18th ACM Honors lies in its diverse array of special awards, each celebrating unique contributions to the genre. These prestigious accolades acknowledge careers defined by milestones, poetic songwriting, unwavering service, and pioneering spirit.
Randy Travis will receive the ACM Milestone Award, an honor inspired by Gene Weed, who directed and produced the ACM Awards for over three decades. This award recognizes Travis’s specific, unprecedented, and outstanding achievements that have profoundly impacted the field of country music.
Mac McAnally is the recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award, celebrating his outstanding and longstanding musical and lyrical contributions as a songwriter. Known for his ability to craft deep, layered stories, McAnally’s influence on the culture of country music through his songwriting is immeasurable, with his work recorded by numerous esteemed artists.
For her decades of dedication and service, particularly in establishing the Academy’s presence in Nashville, City National Bank executive Lori Badgett will be presented with the ACM Service Award, honoring the spirit of Mae Boren Axton. Her leadership in Nashville’s financial and music communities has been a vital force.
Cody Johnson is set to receive the ACM Spirit Award, an honor inspired by the legendary Merle Haggard. This award celebrates a singer-songwriter who continues Haggard’s legacy by forging their own path, crafting exceptional songs, and embodying the authentic spirit of country music through genuine performances and masterful storytelling. Johnson’s independent rise and Texas-rooted sound, with nearly 10 billion global streams, epitomize this spirit.
Previously recognized at the 60th ACM Awards, Lainey Wilson will be honored with the ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award. Wilson’s dual talent as a performer and a prolific songwriter, having co-written all 14 tracks on her album Whirlwind, underscores her significant impact on contemporary country music. Similarly, Jessie Jo Dillon will be celebrated for her ACM Songwriter of the Year Award, marking her second consecutive win in this esteemed category, affirming her prominence as a leading voice in songwriting.
The 2024 blockbuster film “Twisters” will be presented with the ACM Film Award, inspired by Tex Ritter. This award recognizes a film that prominently features country music, and “Twisters” stands out for its unprecedented soundtrack featuring 29 original tracks from diverse country artists, the first film soundtrack since 1980’s Urban Cowboy to do so.
Eric Church and the late Ben Vaughn will both receive the ACM Icon Award, honoring Cliffie Stone. This award is bestowed upon artists or industry leaders who have advanced the genre’s popularity through their multifaceted contributions, spanning songwriting, recording, production, touring, and philanthropic efforts. Church’s recognition highlights his ongoing prominence and efforts such as hurricane relief, while Vaughn is celebrated for his pivotal role in developing artists like Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves throughout his lifetime.
Luke Combs will accept the ACM International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves, for his outstanding global contributions to the growth of country music. With over 10 billion streams and sold-out tours across Europe and Australia, Combs has undeniably expanded the genre’s worldwide reach.
Rissi Palmer is the recipient of the ACM Lift Every Voice Award, an honor that acknowledges her influential work in championing underrepresented voices within country music. Palmer’s groundbreaking career, including being the first Black woman in 19 years to chart a song on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Country Girl” in 2007, and her work with Color Me Country Radio and its Artist Grant Fund, exemplifies her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Finally, Jelly Roll will be honored with the ACM Lifting Lives Award, which recognizes artists devoted to improving lives through the power of music, embodying generosity of spirit, and a commitment to serving others. Jelly Roll’s profound philanthropic efforts, including raising over $600,000 for at-risk youth and advocating for mental health treatment before Congress, make him a deeply deserving recipient.
Beyond the Spotlight: Industry and Studio Excellence
In addition to the celebrated special awards, the 18th ACM Honors will also fete the winners of the ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards. These categories shine a light on the often-unsung heroes who contribute to the sonic landscape and operational structure of country music. Notable winners include Drew Bollman for Audio Engineer of the Year, Alex Wright for Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year, and Craig Young (tied with Mark Hill) for Bass Player of the Year. Esteemed producer Dave Cobb earned his seventh ACM Award for Producer of the Year, while Brent Mason received his twelfth Studio Recording Award for Electric Guitar Player of the Year. This comprehensive recognition reinforces the Academy’s commitment to acknowledging every facet of the industry that contributes to its vibrant growth.
A Nationally Televised Celebration Awaits
While the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors unfolds live tonight in Nashville, fans across the nation will have the opportunity to experience the magic later this year. A three-hour special broadcast, titled “CMT Hot 20: ACM Honors Edition,” is scheduled to air on Saturday, September 27. Hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner, alongside Carly Pearce and Russell Dickerson, the special promises exclusive backstage conversations with honorees and performers, behind-the-scenes moments, and unique performances that will only be seen during the televised event. This partnership with CMT ensures that the heartfelt tributes and groundbreaking achievements celebrated tonight will resonate with country music enthusiasts nationwide, further cementing the significance of these annual awards. The event truly encapsulates the spirit of country music – a blend of tradition, innovation, and community, all coming together for a night of unparalleled distinction.
