Abi's World

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE country music. In fact, I would probably say that pop-country is my favourite music genre. So, of course I had to write about the ACMAs…even if I’m two days late reporting all the breaking(!) news.

The 55th American Country Music Awards took place on Wednesday (16/09), and just like with everything else in 2020, things were a little different this year. For starters, there was no audience. The show was brodcast live, but there was no crowd to cheer anyone on, so the atmosphere was a little lacking. However, this didn’t stop stars – including Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood – putting on an amazing show! The show also had to be broadcast from, not one, but three different venues in Nashville, Tennesee; the birthplace of country music.

Here is the lowdown on all the key bits of the ACMAs 2020:

The Red Carpet Outfits

Never Go Out Of Style: My girl, Taylor Swift, decided to rock a more laid-back look for her return to the ACMAs. This has been her look since her new album, Folklore, came out. I guess “smart-casual” is the Folklore Era look.

Beautiful Ballerini: Kelsea Ballerini looked gorgeous in her glamorous dress, complete with glitzy cowboy boots.

10,000 Hours: Whilst I’m sure it didn’t take Dan and Shay that long to get ready, they sure look like they spent time on their grooming, as they look great!

Lookin’ For A Good Time: I’m not too sure why Hillary Scott is wearing an *NSYNC t-shirt but I’m also not hating it!

Shade: I love most of Maren Morris’ songs, but I am definitely not loving this outfit!

This Is How They Roll: The boys of Florida Georgia Line sure clean up well, even when one is carrying an injured ankle.

Only Prettier: Miranda Lambert channels her roots with this apt outfit

The Champion: Carrie Underwood looks as beautiful as always with this glamorous glittery gown.

The Highlights

Perfect Performance: Taylor Swift debuted her new song, Betty, from her latest album Folklore. This was Taylor’s first appearence at the awards in seven years, but it felt like she had never left. The beautiful rendition of the song featured just three instruments: a guitar, a harmonica, and her voice. This song is dedicated to her friends’, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, children: James, Betty and Inez.

Star-studded Opener: The nominees for the Entertainer of the Year award opened the show with a medley of their hits. Luke Bryan kicked things off with Rain Is A Good Thing, followed by Eric Church singing his song, Drink In My Hand. Luke Combs continued with When It Rains It Pours, followed by Thomas Rhett singing It Goes Like This. Carrie Underwood then wrapped the performance up with her hit, Before He Cheats.

Magical Medley: Although the group medley was great, another medley stole the show this year. The vocal powerhouse that is Carrie Underwood performed a stunning medley of songs from iconic female members of the Grand Ole Opry. The singer also wore a show-stopping pretty pink gown. The star was busy on the night, performing twice and taking home the Entertainer of the Year award for the third time (the first female to ever win three awards in this category).

All The Nominees and Winners

Entertainer of the Year – TIE
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett — WINNER
Carrie Underwood — WINNER

(The first ever tie for this award)

Female Artist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris — WINNER
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

Male Artist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs — WINNER
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay — WINNER
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie and Tae

Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion — WINNER
The Highwomen

New Female Artist of the Year
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Lindsay Ell
Caylee Hammack
Tenille Townes — WINNER

New Male Artist of the Year
Jordan Davis
Russell Dickerson
Riley Green — WINNER
Cody Johnson
Morgan Wallen

Album of the Year
Center Point Road – Thomas Rhett
Girl – Maren Morris
Heartache Medication – Jon Pardi
What You See Is What You Get – Luke Combs — WINNER
Wildcard – Miranda Lambert

Single of the Year
“God’s Country” – Blake Shelton — WINNER
“One Man Band” – Old Dominion
“Rainbow” – Kacey Musgraves
“Rumor” – Lee Brice
“What If I Never Get Over You” – Lady Antebellum

Song of the Year
“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay feat. Justin Bieber
“Girl Goin’ Nowhere” – Ashley McBryde
“God’s Country” – Blake Shelton
“One Man Band” – Old Dominion — WINNER
“Some of It” – Eric Church

Video of the Year
“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay feat. Justin Bieber
“God’s Country – Blake Shelton
“One Man Band” – Old Dominion
“Remember You Young” – Thomas Rhett — WINNER
“Sugarcoat” – Little Big Town

Songwriter of the Year
Ashley Gorley
Michael Hardy
Hillary Lindsey — WINNER
Shane McAnally
Josh Osborne

Music Event of the Year
“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay feat. Justin Bieber
“Dive Bar” – Garth Brooks feat. Blake Shelton
“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” – Miranda Lambert feat. Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack, and Elle King — WINNER
“Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
“What Happens in a Small Town” – Brantley Gilbert feat. Lindsay Ell

And that’s what you missed at the ACMAs 2020!

With Love, Abi X