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Welcome to the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.

[Cheering]

We're kicking things off here in Texas tonight

with some country classics from over the past six decades.

And me being an Okie, I'm proud to sing this one by

the late, great Merle Haggard.

[Cheering]

♪ We don't smoke marijuana in Muskogee ♪

♪ We don't take our trips on LSD ♪

♪ We don't burn our draft cards down on Main Street ♪

♪ 'Cause we like livin' right, and bein' free ♪

♪ And I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee ♪

Sing it with me.

♪ A place where even squares can have a ball ♪

♪ We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse ♪

Singers: ♪ Ooh ♪

Reba: ♪ And white lightning's ♪

♪ Still the biggest thrill of all ♪

♪ And I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee ♪

♪ A place where even squares can have a ball ♪

♪ We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse ♪

Singers: ♪ Ooh ♪

Reba: ♪ And white lightning's ♪

♪ Still the biggest thrill of all ♪

♪ Oh, we still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse ♪

♪ In Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA ♪

♪

[Cheering]

Please welcome from Katy, Texas, Clint Black.

[Loud cheering]

♪

Clint Black: ♪ I've been a-walkin' these streets ♪

♪ So long ♪

♪ Singin' the same old song ♪

♪ I know every crack in these dirty sidewalks of Broadway ♪

♪ Where hustle's the name of the game ♪

♪ And nice guys get washed away like the snow in the rain ♪

♪ There's been a load of compromising ♪

♪ On the road to my horizon ♪

♪ But I'm gonna be where the lights are shinin' on me ♪

♪ Like a rhinestone cowboy ♪

♪ Getting' out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo ♪

♪ Like a rhinestone cowboy ♪

♪ Getting cards and letters from people I don't even know ♪

♪ And offers comin' over the phone ♪

All right, y'all, one of my favorite voices

in country music. And why not? It's Wynonna.

[Cheering]

Wynonna Judd: ♪ Well, you've been lookin' for love ♪

♪ All around the world ♪

♪ Baby, don't you know this country girl's still free? ♪

♪ Oh, baby, why not me? ♪

♪ Well, you've finally come down to your old hometown ♪

♪ Your Kentucky girl's been waiting patiently ♪

♪ Oh, baby, why not me? ♪

♪ Why not me on a rainy day? ♪

♪ Why not me to love your cares away? ♪

♪ Baby, why not me? ♪

♪ And why not me when the nights get cold? ♪

♪ Why not me when you're growin' old? ♪

♪ Baby, why not me? ♪

♪ Why not me? ♪

Come on.

♪ La la la la, la la, la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la, la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Oh, baby, why not me? ♪

♪ La la la la, la la, la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la, la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Oh, baby, why not me? ♪

♪ Oh oh ♪

♪ ACM, 60 years of country music ♪

[Cheering]

♪ Why not me? ♪

Let's welcome back to the ACM stage, LeAnn Rimes.

[Cheering and applause]

♪

LeAnn Rimes: ♪ Blue ♪ [Cheering]

♪ Oh, so lonesome ♪

♪ Why can't you be blue ♪

♪ Over me? ♪

♪ Blue ♪

♪ Oh, so lonesome ♪

♪ Tears fill my eyes ♪

♪ 'Til I can't see ♪

♪ 3 o'clock in the morning ♪

♪ Oh, here am I ♪

♪ Sitting here so lonely ♪

♪ So lonesome I cry ♪

♪ Blue ♪

♪ Oh, so lonesome ♪

♪ Why can't you be blue ♪

♪ Over me? ♪

[Cheering]

♪ Why can't you be blue ♪

♪ Over ♪

♪ Me? ♪

[Cheering and applause]

[Louder cheering]

Thank you. Everyone, please welcome my friends,

Little Big Town.

[Cheering and applause]

♪

Little Big Town: ♪ I've got a girl crush ♪

♪ Hate to admit it, but ♪

♪ I got a hard rush ♪

♪ It's slowing down ♪

♪ I got it real bad ♪

♪ Want everything she has ♪

♪ That smile and that midnight laugh ♪

♪ She's givin' you now ♪

♪ I want to taste her lips ♪

♪ Yeah, 'cause they taste like you ♪

♪ I want to drown myself ♪

♪ In a bottle of her perfume ♪

♪ I want her long blond hair ♪

♪ I want her magic touch ♪

♪ Yeah, 'cause maybe then ♪

♪ You'd want me just as much ♪

♪ I got a girl crush ♪

[Guitar solo]

♪

♪ Yeah, I got a girl crush ♪

♪ I hate to admit it, but ♪

♪ I've got a hard rush ♪

♪ It ain't slowing down ♪

[Cheering]

Right now, break out the tequila

for Dan and Shay.

[Cheering and applause]

♪

Dan + Shay: ♪ I can still shut down a party ♪

♪ I can hang with anybody ♪

♪ I can drink whiskey and red wine ♪

♪ Champagne all night ♪

♪ Little Scotch on the rocks, and I'm fine, I'm fine ♪

♪ But when I taste tequila, baby, I still see ya ♪

♪ Cuttin' up the floor in a sorority t-shirt ♪

♪ The same one you wore when we were ♪

♪ Sky high in Colorado ♪

♪ Your lips pressed against the bottle ♪

♪ Swearin' on a Bible, baby, I'd never leave ya ♪

♪ I remember how bad I need ya, when I taste tequila ♪

Let me hear you! [Cheering]

♪ When I taste tequila ♪

♪ Oh oh ♪

♪ Oh oh oh oh, yeah ♪

♪ Oh oh oh oh oh ♪

♪ Oh oh oh oh, whoa ♪

♪ I ain't even drunk, I ain't even drunk ♪

♪ And I'm thinkin' ♪

♪ How I need your love, how I need your love ♪

♪ Yeah, it sinks in ♪

Sing it.

♪ When I taste tequila ♪

♪ Baby, I still see ya ♪

♪ In a sorority t-shirt ♪

♪ The same one you wore when we were ♪

♪ Sky high in Colorado ♪

♪ Your lips pressed against the bottle ♪

♪ Swearin' on a Bible, baby, I'd never leave ya ♪

♪ I remember how bad I need ya ♪

♪ When I taste tequila ♪

♪

♪ When I taste tequila ♪

♪ Oh oh, yeah! ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

[Cheering]

♪

Wynonna: I think this has made the evening special already.

Reba: I said I wasn't going to cry, but I'm going to.

Hank Williams Jr.: Heh. I don't know what--what to say.

Brooks & Dunn: I can't believe this, y'all.

Not in my wildest dreams.

We just lost money backstage betting on the other guys,

y'all. For real. [Laughter]

Vince Gill: This was the first place that

I was ever given anything in my career.

Kenny Chesney: A lot of great artists and people

that mean a lot to this business

have stood up here in years past.

And, um, I'm honored.

Matthew Ramsey: Wow. This is, uh, this is heavy.

Miranda Lambert: This is my life, and you make it great.

Thank you so much.

George Strait: It's been such an amazing, uh, past 30 years.

Faith Hill: I never thought I would ever win this award.

Garth Brooks: To the people that stood in line,

to the people that came to those shows.

Brad Paisley: I'm so thankful to the fans of country music

for giving me this shot to do this for a living.

Barbara Mandrell: The most proud feeling in the whole world,

and I want to thank the fans for sticking with me.

Reba: Thanks to you all, my dreams have come true.

I love you so much. God bless you.

Announcer: Live from The Star in Frisco, Texas,

it's the 60th "Academy of Country Music Awards,"

a celebration six decades in the making,

with performances by Kelsea Ballerini,

Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn,

Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Dan + Shay,

Alan Jackson, Cody Johnson, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert,

Ella Langley, Little Big Town, Megan Maroney,

Rascal Flatts and Backstreet Boys,

LeAnn Rimes, Jelly Roll Shaboozey, Blake Shelton,

Chris Stapleton, Zach Top,

Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson.

And now a 16-time ACM Award-winner

and our host for a record 18th time,

Reba McEntire. [Cheering]

Reba on recording: ♪ She said, "Here's your one chance" ♪

♪ "Fancy, don't let me down" ♪

♪ "Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down" ♪

♪ "Lord, forgive me for what I do" ♪

♪ "But if you want out, well, it's up to you" ♪

♪ "Now, let me down now..." ♪

Well, welcome, everybody, to a country music celebration

Six decades in the making.

Wasn't that fun? [Cheering and applause]

What a great way to start the show.

Thank you to Clint, Wynonna,

LeAnn, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay.

Let's give 'em a big round of applause. That was wonderful.

[Cheering and applause]

I got my first ACM Award nomination exactly 45 years ago.

Time flies, right? [Cheering]

I still remember watching my heroes--Loretta Lynn,

Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton on this show,

and craving to even be a small part of it.

And now I've had the honor of hosting it 18 times.

Thanks for having me back. [Cheering and applause]

If you'd have told that little redheaded,

freckle-faced kid, freckle-faced Okie,

that she'd be here hosting the 60th anniversary

of the ACM Awards, she would have said, "When do we start?"

[Laughter]

Speaking of little girls who probably can relate to that,

our most nominated artist tonight is Ella Langley.

[Cheering]

Eight nominations as a first-time nominee.

That's incredible. And I'm so proud of you.

And then there are my cowboy hat-,

belt buckle-wearing buddies,

Cody Johnson... [Cheering]

and Artist/Songwriter of the Year Lainey Wilson...

[Cheering]

who each have six nominations tonight,

both up for Entertainer of the Year,

the biggest award of the night,

nominated alongside Kelsea Ballerini...

[Cheering]

Luke Combs... [Cheering]

Jelly Roll... [Cheering]

Chris Stapleton... [Cheering]

and Morgan Wallen. [Cheering]

OK, so whoever wins tonight, I can relate to this excitement

because I won it in 1995. [Cheering]

And my friend Naomi Judd handed me the trophy.

Crowd: Aw.

[Cheering and applause]

I miss her.

So to all you nominees, enjoy tonight,

take pictures, slow down and remember the moment.

You're part of a historic celebration in country music.

So please just have fun. [Cheering]

Ah, tonight, the Academy of Country Music is honoring

a legend who's been rocking our jukeboxes for a lifetime.

We even got to co-host this show together back in 1994,

the one and only Alan Jackson.

[Cheering]

We love you, Alan.

We're also welcoming back Rascal Flatts.

[Cheering]

They'll be performing with the Backstreet Boys.

Glad to have them here, too.

[Cheering] Yeah!

[Laughs]

And we'll be presenting the ACM Triple Crown Award

to everybody's favorite Aussie, Keith Urban.

[Cheering]

And because in country music, it all starts with a song,

here to present the ACM Award for Song of the Year,

please welcome one of the most terrific people,

greatest singer-songwriters in music history.

He's sold over 125 million albums, Ah!,

won an Academy Award,

multiple Grammy Awards.

He's a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,

and his autobiography comes out this fall.

I can't wait to read it.

Texas, the one and only Lionel Richie.

Lionel Richie on recording: ♪ Whoa, whoa ♪

♪ What a feeling ♪

♪ We're dancing on the ceiling ♪

♪ Whoa, what a feeling ♪

♪ When we're dancin' on the ceiling ♪

[Cheering] Lionel: Hi! Oh, my God.

Love you.

Thank you. Reba. Thank you, Texas.

[Cheering]

Thank you, ACM.

Listen, having grown up in Alabama,

country music has always been a part of my musical DNA.

I still remember being honored for Song of the Year, "Lady,"

I wrote for my dear friend Kenny Rogers.

[Cheering and applause]

And because a great song is forever, which is

even longer than 60 years, I'm honored to present

this ACM Award for Song of the Year

to any of these outstanding songwriters.

Let's go.

Announcer: For Song of the Year, the nominees are...

"4X4XU" by Lainey Wilson,

songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson.

Lainey Wilson: ♪ ...Crazy in a 4X4XU ♪

Announcer: "The Architect" by Kacey Musgraves,

songwriters: Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves,

Josh Osborne.

Kacey Musgraves: ♪ The architect ♪

Announcer: "Dirt Cheap" by Cody Johnson,

songwriter: Josh Phillips.

Cody: ♪ ...Dirt cheap ♪

Announcer: "I Had Some Help" by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen,

songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley,

Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith,

Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters,

Ryan Vojtesak.

Morgan Wallen and Post Malone: ♪ I had some help... ♪

Announcer: "You Look Like You Love Me"

by Ella Langley and Riley Green,

songwriters Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere.

Riley Green/Ella Langley: ♪ I want you to come on home ♪

Lionel: I took a peek, and...

and the ACM award goes to...

"Dirt Cheap," Cody Johnson. [Cheering]

Cody Johnson on recording: ♪ ...Little girl ♪

♪ That used to swing right there ♪

♪ I still see her pink bow in her brown hair ♪

♪ She's in the big city, but she still calls home ♪

♪ What's she gonna do ♪

♪ If she comes back and we're gone? ♪

♪ And over there, under that wide oak tree... ♪

[Cheering continues]

I feel like Ronnie Dunn just a minute ago,

whenever he said he was betting on the people backstage,

because I literally said, "Well, she's got it

or She's got it or he's got it."

Uh, I started as a songwriter in Texas and I...

[Cheering]

I came to Nashville

and got a publishing deal because what I wanted to be

was a songwriter, and I didn't know that it was going to be

a career where I get to record the greatest songs

in country music, written by some of the best songwriters

in the world.

Josh Phillips wrote this song by himself,

so I'm handing this over to him.

God bless you. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Josh, come say something, buddy. [Cheering]

[Cody laughs]

Josh Phillips: Oh, man, I'm so nervous right now.

Buddy, thank you.

First and foremost, I gotta say thank you

to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Without him, this don't happen.

[Cheering and applause]

Uh, thank you to my beautiful wife, Jordan.

Uh, thank you for telling me to send this song to Cody, babe.

Cody, I love you, brother. Thank you, man.

Um, all the voters,

Warner Chappell, Warner Records, the entire team.

Man, thank you all for busting your tails on this.

This is incredible.

Um, long live country music, man. Thank you guys so much.

[Cheering]

Cody Johnson on recording: ♪ ...Little girl ♪

♪ That used to swing right there ♪

♪ I still see her pink bow in her brown hair ♪

♪ She's in the big city, but she still calls home ♪

♪ What's she gonna do ♪

♪ If she comes back and we're gone? ♪

Reba: Let's hear it for seven-time ACM award winner

Eric Church. [Cheering]

♪

Eric Church: ♪ Detroit built brakes ♪

♪ So they could make a Chevy slow down ♪

♪ And a just-right midnight sorry ♪

♪ Might turn good-bye around ♪

♪ Bloody Marys and aspirin will give a hangover ♪

♪ One hell of a fight ♪

♪ But my remedy for handlin' the hands of time ♪

♪ Is Seger singing "Hollywood Nights" ♪

♪ Even the losers get lucky sometimes ♪

♪ A paradise by the dashboard light ♪

♪ And I'm just fine, I'm doin' alright ♪

♪ We ain't as young as we used to be ♪

♪ But young at heart is so easy ♪

♪ When you let some loud guitars and words that rhyme ♪

♪ Handle the hands of time ♪

♪ My go-to game day jersey's always Carolina blue ♪

♪ When I need to find forgiveness ♪

♪ I find a little small town church pew, yeah ♪

♪ After work, I like to put my elbows up on a bar ♪

♪ And, girl, I turn to the speakers ♪

♪ When I need to speak to this ol' heart ♪

♪ And it's a back in black, shook me all night long ♪

♪ "Could you be loved" redemption song ♪

♪ A Luckenbach, home sweet home ♪

♪ I'm where I belong, ain't nothing wrong, yeah ♪

♪ We ain't as young as we used to be ♪

♪ But young at heart is so easy ♪

♪ When you let some loud guitars and words that rhyme ♪

♪ I handle the hands of time ♪

[Guitar solo]

♪

♪ Been tryna hang on as the song rolls ♪

♪ Like gravity pulls on the grains of sand ♪

♪ We take our licks, life takes its toll ♪

♪ We say, "Thanks," and we fold our hands ♪

♪ And it's amazing grace, how sweet the sound ♪

♪ Sunday morning comin' down ♪

♪ Tuesday's gone, green grass of home ♪

♪ I come to the garden alone, yeah ♪

♪ We ain't as young as we used to be ♪

♪ But until under that willow, you bury me ♪

♪ I'm gonna turn up some loud guitar ♪

♪ I turn up some loud guitar ♪

♪ I'm gonna turn up some loud guitar ♪

♪ Crank some loud guitar ♪

♪ I crank up some loud guitar ♪

♪ I wanna hear some loud guitar ♪

♪ I'm gonna let some loud guitar ♪

♪ And words that rhyme ♪

♪ I handle the hands of time ♪

♪

[Cheering and applause]

Reba: The most awarded artist in the history of the ACM Awards,

Miranda Lambert.

[Cheering]

♪

Miranda: ♪ Well, it wasn't that you didn't have the answers ♪

♪ There was just no question in my mind ♪

♪ I was gonna run ♪

♪ Mm, mm ♪

♪ And you took too long to see I was unhappy ♪

♪ And I took too long to tell you that I was gonna run ♪

♪ I was gonna run ♪

Singers: ♪ Gonna run ♪

Miranda: ♪ I'm tryin' to survive in ♪

♪ This state of defeat ♪

♪ Is it you or I that really lost me? ♪

♪ I'm lookin' for someone ♪

♪ I wasn't with you ♪

♪ We held on for dear life, babe ♪

♪ But both of us knew I was gonna run ♪

Singers: ♪ Gonna run ♪

Miranda: ♪ I was gonna run ♪

♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm ♪

♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm ♪

♪ Oh, this freedom I found, babe, it sure wasn't free ♪

♪ I owe you a lifetime of apologies ♪

♪ I'm tellin' the truth now ♪

♪ I loved you so much ♪

♪ I'm sorry for lyin' about who I was ♪

♪ I was gonna run ♪

♪ I was gonna run ♪

♪ Ooh, I always ♪

♪ Was gonna run ♪

[Cheering]

Well, thank you so much, y'all.

I cannot believe this,

but my very first album, "Kerosene,"

turned 20 years old this year. [Louder cheering]

So here to sing "Kerosene"

and burn up the stage a little bit is my sister,

Miss Ella Langley! [Cheering]

Ella Langley: Come on! Miranda: Come on, y'all.

[Cheering]

Miranda: Here we go.

♪

♪ I'm waitin' on the sun to set ♪

♪ Yesterday ain't over yet ♪

Ella: ♪ I started smoking cigarettes ♪

♪ There's nothing else to do, I guess ♪

Miranda: Ha!

Miranda: ♪ Dusty roads ain't made for walking ♪

♪ Spinning tires ain't made for stoppin' ♪

Both: ♪ I'm giving up on love 'cause love's given up on me ♪

Miranda: Ha! [Cheering]

Ella: ♪ Forget your high society ♪

♪ I'm soakin' it in kerosene ♪

Miranda: ♪ Well, I light 'em up and I watch them burn ♪

♪ Teach them what they need to learn, ha! ♪

Both: ♪ Dirty hands ain't made for shakin' ♪

♪ Ain't a rule that ain't worth breakin' ♪

♪ Well, I'm givin' up on love 'cause loves given up on me ♪

Miranda: Ha!

How we doing tonight, Texas?

[Cheering]

Ha! Ha!

♪ Now I don't hate the one who left ♪

♪ You can't hate someone who's dead ♪

Ella: ♪ He's out there holdin' on to someone ♪

♪ I'm holding on to my smokin' gun ♪

Miranda: That's right.

♪ I'll find somewhere to lay my blame ♪

Both: ♪ The day she changes her last name ♪

Miranda: ♪ Yeah, yeah ♪

♪ Well, I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me ♪

Y'all sing it if you know it. Are you ready?

♪ Well, I'm givin' up on love, hey, love's given up on me ♪

Both: Hyah!

Ella: Ms. Miranda Lambert.

Miranda: Ms. Ella Langley, y'all.

[Cheering]

Bobby Bones: OK, that was awesome.

Miranda Lambert,

the most-awarded artist in ACM history,

singing "Kerosene" with this year's

most-nominated artist, Ella Langley.

Jelly Roll, hey, let me let me ask you something.

It's Jelly Roll, everybody. [Cheering]

I--I rarely get to be a fan.

So would you-- I want you to autograph.

I have brought a can of jelly.

Would you autograph my jelly, please?

Just please. Jelly Roll: Yeah.

Bobby: Just-- just a little--little--

Yeah. Just sign the top.

Jelly Roll: This is the first time

I've ever signed a jar of jelly.

Bobby: Yes. Yes, sir. Yeah, yeah. There he is.

Jelly roll, who you'll see later, everybody,

which is going to be awesome. Thank you.

I'll be selling this. Thank you, Jelly Roll.

You know what else is going to be cool?

Tonight we're honoring the iconic Alan Jackson.

And we have an all-star Triple Crown tribute

to the great guy that is Keith Urban.

[Cheering] I don't even...

see Keith Urban.

Keith Urban is somewhere around here.

Oh, here he is. I walked on past him.

Hey there. Look. [Cheering]

But even more, Nicole.

[Louder cheering]

Nicole, I got you some jelly. There you go.

Congratulations, buddy.

You don't have to hold it...

Announcer: Up next, the Oak Ridge Boys present

the award for Group of the Year,

Blake Shelton sings "Texas,"

and Lainey Wilson performs "Whirlwind."

And who's about to win

the ACM Award for male Artist of the Year?

Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll,

Chris Stapleton, or Morgan Wallen?

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards,

presented by Carnival Cruise Line,

returns after this.

Announcer: He's a five-time nominee this year,

Riley Green. [Cheering]

Riley Green: Five years ago, I was honored to be named

the 2020 ACM New Male Artist of the Year.

But don't feel too bad for the other nominees that year--

Cody Johnson... [Cheering]

Jordan Davis... [Cheering]

Russell Dickerson... [Cheering]

some guy named Morgan Wallen. [Cheering]

What ever happened to those guys anyway?

One thing's for sure, this year's new

Male Artist of the Year is headed straight for the top.

Ladies and gentlemen, Zach Top.

[Cheering]

Zach Top: ♪ He said, "I don't know your story ♪

♪ "I just know you look lonely ♪

♪ "Fancy that, I'm lonely, too ♪

♪ "We both got our reasons, no reason to share 'em ♪

♪ "Let's just dance, hold me closer to you ♪

♪ "And maybe just for tonight" ♪

♪ "Tell me you love me and tell me you need me ♪

♪ "I know we both know it ain't true ♪

♪ "And I'll whisper you're everything I've ever wanted ♪

♪ "I'll pretend if you'll pretend, too ♪

♪ "Oh, tell me you love me ♪

♪ And use me like I'm usin' you" ♪

[Cheering]

♪ She said, "Don't ask for my number ♪

♪ "And I won't ask for yours ♪

♪ "Some things are best left alone ♪

♪ "So just kiss me again like this never ends ♪

♪ "Like there's no one waitin' at home ♪

♪ "And tell me you love me, tell me you need me ♪

♪ "I know we both know it ain't true ♪

♪ "And I'll whisper you're everything I've ever wanted ♪

♪ "I'll pretend if you'll pretend, too ♪

♪ "Oh, tell me you love me ♪

♪ And use me like I'm usin' you" ♪

♪ "And, baby, I'll whisper you're everything ♪

♪ "I've ever wanted ♪

♪ "I'll pretend if you'll pretend, too ♪

♪ "Aw, tell me you love me ♪

♪ "And use me like I'm usin' you" ♪

♪ "Oh, like I'm usin' you" ♪

[Cheering and applause]

Oak Ridge Boys: ♪ I'll be singing Elvira... ♪

Announcer: They won the ACM Award for Top Vocal Group

in 1978, and won Single of the Year in 1981 for "Elvira."

Please welcome back the Oak Ridge Boys.

[Cheering]

Duane Allen: What an honor for the Oak Ridge Boys

to be back on the ACM Awards.

We've had so many great memories over the years.

You know, a great group is forever.

Tonight we want to take a moment to remember

our beloved brother, Joe Bonsall, who we lost last year.

[Applause]

Richard Sterban: I will never forget winning

the ACM Award for Top Vocal Group

with Joe, Duane, and William Lee in 1978,

18 years before our new kid here, Ben, was even born.

Ben: I feel honored to stand at the ACM Awards

with these legends.

To say that these are the outstanding nominees

for Group of the Year.

[Cheering]

Announcer: For Group of the Year,

the nominees are.

Flatland Cavalry.

Flatland Cavalry: ♪ Give you what you need, baby ♪

♪ I'm a provider ♪

Announcer: Little Big Town...

Little Big Town: ♪ Love the ones I'm livin round ♪

♪ Life is just that simple to me ♪

♪ Yeah, I'm a rich man ♪

Announcer: Old Dominion.

Old Dominion: ♪ Gonna hold you tight ♪

♪ So hold the phone, gonna kiss you like I'm coming home ♪

♪ From war ♪

Announcer: Rascal Flatts...

Rascal Flatts: ♪ Crazy ♪

♪ Baby, you saved me from myself ♪

Announcer: The Red Clay Strays...

The Red Clay Strays: ♪ Am I working hard enough? ♪

♪ Oh, I just wanna be loved ♪

William Lee: OK.

And the ACM award goes to...

Old Dominion.

[Cheering]

Old Dominion: ♪ Baby, leave the light on ♪

♪ And let your hair down ♪

♪ I'm your midnight rider, it won't be long now ♪

♪ Been driving all night, so Katy bar the door ♪

♪ Gonna hold you tight ♪

♪ So hold the phone, gonna kiss you like I'm coming home ♪

♪ From war ♪

♪ You kept a candle in the window ♪

♪ Waiting, burning for me ♪

♪ I'm turning home ♪

♪ I'll turn you on as soon as I turn the key ♪

♪ Your gravity is pulling me ♪

♪ You're all I need ♪

♪ I'm on my way ♪

♪ I'm almost there ♪

♪ I look like hell, baby ♪

Matthew Ramsey: Hello? Hello. Oh, I think we got audio.

[Cheering]

The audio cut out, but I don't know if you heard,

they mentioned Rascal Flatts.

They mentioned The Red Clay Strays.

They mentioned Little Big Town as well.

So you may not have got to hear those,

but those are some big names in this category.

And I got to say, uh, the opening montage

of all the heroes-- our heroes--that played at

the beginning of the show, and then there was, like,

a two-second clip of us, that was pretty mind-blowing

to be a part of this thing. [Cheering]

Um, and speaking of heroes,

I do want to mention Rascal Flatts again, because,

uh, we would not be here without you guys

just trailblazing

what a band can do in this business.

[Cheering and applause]

Um, trying to take Reba's advice and slow down

because there's a lot going on, but, uh, it's

just amazing that we are standing here,

having won this now more times than anyone, um...

in this category.

That's a pretty special thing for us.

So to our fans, we love you so much.

Thanks for letting us, you know, goof off and explore.

And we can't wait to see you out there on the road.

Um, just an unbelievable honor to be a part of the fabric

of country music.

Thank you for making us come up here

and take that in eight years in a row.

Thank you so much, guys.

[Cheering and applause]

♪

Reba: Congratulations, Old Dominion! Way to go, guys.

Here he is performing his 30th number-one hit, "Texas,"

my buddy, Blake Shelton!

[Cheering]

♪

Blake Shelton: ♪ She cut me loose ♪

♪ And caught herself a somewhere wind ♪

♪ I haven't heard a word and haven't seen her since ♪

♪ She disappeared quicker than this double shot of Jim ♪

♪ 'Cause everybody at the bar started askin' ♪

Singers: ♪ "How's your girl?" ♪

Blake: ♪ "She ain't my girl" ♪

Singers: ♪ "Where she been?" ♪

Blake: ♪ "I ain't quite sure" ♪

♪ Good question, no tellin', but I'm bettin' ♪

♪ She's probably in Texas ♪

♪ Amarillo, all I know ♪

♪ George Strait said it ♪

♪ Yeah, that's where all them exes go ♪

♪ If she ain't with me out here in Tennessee ♪

♪ Then I don't know where she's headed ♪

♪ If I'm guessin', I reckon ♪

♪ She's probably in Texas ♪

♪ Yeah, she's probably in Texas ♪

♪ She might be down in Georgia at her mama's for the week ♪

♪ Could be Carolina, California ♪

♪ Something's tellin' me ♪

♪ She's somewhere in the Lone Star State ♪

♪ With all the rest ♪

♪ Yeah, that one King song knows best ♪

♪ She's probably in Texas ♪

♪ Amarillo, all I know ♪

♪ George Strait said it ♪

♪ Yeah, that's where all them exes go ♪

♪ If she ain't with me out here in Tennessee ♪

♪ Then I don't know where she's headed ♪

♪ If I'm guessin', I reckon ♪

♪ She's probably in Texas ♪

♪ Yeah, she's probably in Texas ♪

Singers: ♪ "How's your girl?" ♪

Blake: ♪ "She ain't my girl" ♪

Singers: ♪ "Where she been?" ♪

Blake: ♪ "I ain't quite sure" ♪

♪ Good question, no tellin', but I'm bettin' ♪

♪ She's probably in Texas ♪

♪ Amarillo, all I know ♪

♪ George Strait said it ♪

♪ Yeah, that's where all them exes go ♪

♪ If she ain't with me out here in Tennessee ♪

♪ Then I don't know where she's headed ♪

♪ If I'm guessin', I reckon ♪

♪ She's probably in Texas ♪

♪ Yeah, she's probably in Texas ♪

♪ She's probably in Texas ♪

♪ She's probably in Texas ♪

[Song ends, cheering and applause]

Thank you.

Hey, everybody, here's the reigning

ACM Entertainer of the Year, Lainey freakin' Wilson!

[Cheering]

♪

Lainey Wilson: ♪ I was a lone wolf ♪

♪ Had my own back ♪

♪ Climbin' that mountain, only voice howlin' was my own pack ♪

♪ I was a lone star ♪

♪ Shootin' for the moon ♪

♪ But I finally found a rebel who's on the same level ♪

♪ When I found you ♪

♪ We're a whirlwind ♪

♪ Cuttin' through a Texas town ♪

♪ Yeah, this funnel wouldn't be near as fun ♪

♪ Without you spinnin' 'round ♪

♪ Yeah, we're always on the move at a daredevil's speed ♪

♪ Runnin' with the buzzards and the tumbleweeds ♪

♪ We're a whirlwind ♪

♪ But, baby, lovin' you's a breeze ♪

♪ Lovin' you's a breeze ♪

♪ Yeah, it's a long road ♪

♪ It's a rat race ♪

♪ But you keep my head cool ♪

♪ You keep my heart full on a half tank ♪

♪ I was one set of tracks, a million miles an hour ♪

♪ But two palominos is more horsepower ♪

♪ We're a whirlwind ♪

♪ Cuttin' through a Texas town ♪

♪ Yeah, this funnel wouldn't be near as fun ♪

♪ Without you spinnin' 'round ♪

♪ Yeah, we're always on the move at a daredevil's speed ♪

♪ Runnin' with the buzzards and the tumbleweeds ♪

♪ We're a whirlwind ♪

♪ But, baby, lovin' you's a breeze ♪

♪ Lovin' you's a breeze ♪

Let me hear it, ACM!

[Cheering]

♪

♪ Oh! ♪

♪ Hey ♪

♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪

♪ We're a whirlwind ♪

♪ Cuttin' through a Texas town ♪

♪ Yeah, this funnel wouldn't be near as fun ♪

♪ Without you spinnin' 'round and around and around ♪

♪ Yeah, we're always on the move at a daredevil's speed ♪

♪ Runnin' with the buzzards and the tumbleweeds ♪

♪ We're a whirlwind ♪

♪ But, baby, lovin' you's a breeze ♪

♪ Lovin' you's a breeze ♪

♪ Lovin' you's a breeze ♪

♪ Lovin' you's a breeze ♪

♪ Lovin' you's a breeze ♪

[Cheering]

Announcer: To present this year's ACM Award

for Male Artist of the Year,

please welcome back to the stage

1990's Male Artist of the Year winner, Clint Black.

[Cheering]

Clint: Hey! Thank you.

Does anyone need a minute to comb their hair after that?

[Cheering and applause]

Happy 60th, everybody. I was thrilled--

I was thrilled and honored to win

the ACM Award for Male Artist of the Year 35 years ago.

I was nominated along with George Strait, Rodney Crowell,

Ricky Van Shelton, and Randy Travis.

[Cheering] Yeah.

And I know what you're thinking, and the answer is no.

That doesn't make them all losers.

But, hey, technically.

All right, y'all, here are the latest, greatest

nominees for Male Artist of the Year.

Announcer: For Male Artist of the Year, the nominees are...

Luke Combs.

Luke Combs: ♪ Just the whistle of a long black train ♪

Announcer: Cody Johnson...

Cody: ♪ I'm singin' loud for ♪

♪ All them people in the back ♪

Announcer: Jelly Roll...

Jelly Roll: ♪ Ain't scared of Tellin' you where you can go ♪

♪ 'Cause I know ♪

♪ You're nothing but a liar ♪

Announcer: Chris Stapleton...

Chris Stapleton: ♪ Oh, yeah, I'm in love with you ♪

Announcer: Morgan Wallen.

Morgan Wallen: ♪ If I'm the problem ♪

♪ You might be the reason ♪

Clint: And the ACM Award goes to...

Chris Stapleton!

[Cheering]

Chris Stapleton on recording: ♪ I didn't know it at the time ♪

♪ I know what I want to do ♪

♪ It's making me lose my mind ♪

♪ I thought about thinking it through ♪

♪ And every time I do, I find... ♪

Chris Stapleton: Wow. Thank you.

Um, wow.

So many guys, uh, in this category that are

so deserving and great artists.

And I'm happy just to be hanging out

in the room still. So, um... [Cheering and applause]

But I got to thank everybody that worked so hard

to make these things possible--

all the men and women in our crew,

my lovely wife, Morgan,

who keeps me in line all the time.

And, uh... [Cheering]

my kids at home.

And, um, I'm thinking a lot tonight about

my friend Ben Vaughn, who we lost this year.

So I'm going to send this one out to Ben. Thank you, Ben.

Thank you all.

[Cheering and applause]

♪

Announcer: Coming right up, Sugarland presents

the ACM Award for Duo of the Year,

then back-to-back performances

by two of this year's outstanding nominees

for Entertainer of the Year,

Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Stapleton.

It's all happening right here

on the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards,

presented by Carnival Cruise Line.

[Cheering]

Reba: ♪ Freedom's just another word ♪

♪ For nothing left to lose ♪

♪ Nothing ain't worth nothing ♪

♪ But it's free ♪

♪ Oh oh oh ♪

♪ Feeling good was easy, Lord ♪

♪ When my Bobby sang the blues ♪

♪ Baby, that was good enough for me ♪

♪ Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee ♪

Y'all ready?

♪ La la la la la la la la, la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la ♪

♪ Me and Bobby McGee ♪

Come on. Sing it, now.

♪ La la la la la la la la, la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la ♪

♪ Me and my Bobby McGee ♪

Y'all did great! [Cheering]

Those were the words of the great Kris Kristofferson.

[Cheering]

The Academy of Country Music honored Chris

with the Poets Award, and what a poet he was.

Tonight we remember Chris

and all those in our extended country music family

who've passed on this past year.

And that list includes

my buddy, Joe Bonsall, from the Oak Ridge Boys,

the wonderful singer/songwriter Melba Montgomery,

the highly respected musical publisher Ben Vaughn,

and Dolly Parton's husband in love of 60 years, Carl Dean.

[Cheering and applause]

They all brought music to our lives

and live on forever in our hearts.

And now to present the ACM Award for Duo of the Year,

here's a man who's won this award twice,

twice as half of Sugarland

and also a nominee tonight

as a producer in the Album of the Year category,

Kristian Bush.

Sugarland: ♪ There you go making my heart beat again ♪

♪ Heart beat again, heart beat again ♪

♪ There you go making me feel like a kid ♪

♪ Won't you do it and do it one time? ♪

♪ There you go... ♪

Kristian Bush: Well, I was supposed to be presenting

this ACM Award for Duo of the Year

with my amazing partner, Jennifer Nettles.

[Cheering]

Sadly, she got sick this morning, proving that

when it comes to duos, it really does take two.

[Laughter]

Jennifer, we love you, I love you. Feel better soon.

And now here's to the excellent nominees

for Duo of the Year.

Announcer: For Duo of the Year, the nominees are...

Brooks & Dunn...

Brooks & Dunn: ♪ There's life at both ends ♪

♪ Of that red dirt road ♪

Announcer: Brothers Osborne...

Brothers Osborne: ♪ When I feel that telephone ring ♪

♪ Said, "I won't be long ♪

♪ Honey, I'll be home As soon as I finish this drink" ♪

Announcer: Dan + Shay.

Dan + Shay: ♪ As long as the Mississippi River runs ♪

♪ Baby, just like you and me ♪

♪ Some things are always gonna be ♪

Announcer: Muscadine Bloodline.

Muscadine Bloodline: ♪ When I'm already running your way ♪

Announcer: The War and Treaty.

The War and Treaty: ♪ You will always be ♪

♪ The one that leads me home ♪

Kristian Bush: And the winner of the ACM Award...

goes to Brooks & Dunn.

Brooks & Dunn: ♪ It's where I drank my first beer ♪

♪ It's where I found Jesus ♪

♪ Where I wrecked my first car ♪

♪ I tore it all to pieces ♪

♪ I learned the path to heaven ♪

♪ Is full of sinners and believers ♪

♪ Learned that happiness on Earth... ♪

Bush: I am giving this award back to them

that they gave to us.

[Cheering and applause]

Dunn: Love me some Texas. Uh-huh.

[Cheering and applause]

Yep.

We've been doing this for a long time, as most of you know--

great job, by the way, boys, up there singing, right--

a long time, and not for one second

have we ever taken it for granted

or ever expected it, did not.

You know, we had a great time last night at an event.

It was all this--

Thank you for John Hickman and Jerry,

uh, little inside stuff, but I don't know what to say

other than "God bless country music" and America.

Ha ha ha!

Brooks: God bless all you maniacs

partnering up here on the hill.

Have a good time tonight.

Thanks for paying our rent for the last 30 years.

God bless y'all. Let's party, y'all.

Dunn: Hoot.

Brooks & Dunn: ♪ It's where I drank my first beer ♪

♪ It's where I found Jesus ♪

♪ Where I wrecked my first car ♪

♪ I tore it all to pieces ♪

♪ I learned the path to heaven ♪

♪ Is full of sinners and believers ♪

♪ Learned that happiness... ♪

McEntire: Nominated tonight as Female Artist of the Year

and Entertainer of the Year--

Kelsea Ballerini.

[Cheering and applause]

Ballerini: ♪ Clear out a drawer, clear out a shelf ♪

♪ I wouldn't want to do it with anybody else ♪

♪ I don't pack light, I travel for a livin' ♪

♪ And I don't abide by that 50-pound limit ♪

♪ On that Delta flight out west ♪

♪ I'm there every other Wednesday ♪

♪ But my heart ain't up in the air ♪

♪ So if you want me ♪

♪ Clear out a drawer, clear out a shelf ♪

♪ I wouldn't want to do it with anybody else ♪

♪ Everything that's heavy, I check it at the door ♪

♪ Kind of feel like I don't need it anymore ♪

♪ I got some bones of old skeletons ♪

♪ From the old house at the dead end ♪

♪ I got baggage, but I'm movin' in, yeah ♪

♪ We both slept on a mattress with "I love you" people ♪

♪ And, shit, I even took it all the way to the steeple ♪

♪ So, boy, I know the weight and gravity ♪

♪ Of keychains with same keys ♪

♪ But if you want that welcome mat ♪

♪ Then roll it out with me, and ♪

♪ Clear out a drawer, clear out a shelf ♪

♪ I wouldn't want to do it with anybody else ♪

♪ Everything that's heavy, I check it at the door ♪

♪ Kind of feel like I don't need it anymore ♪

♪ I got some bones of old skeletons ♪

♪ From the old house at the dead end ♪

♪ I got baggage, but I'm movin' in, yeah ♪

♪ If you want it ♪

♪ You know that you got it ♪

♪ To those thoughts in your head ♪

♪ My hand, back pocket of your jeans ♪

♪ Linen sheets in our bed ♪

♪ 'Cause home is when you're with me, so ♪

♪ Clear out a drawer, clear out a shelf ♪

♪ I wouldn't want to do it with ♪

Chorus: ♪ Anybody else ♪

Ballerini: ♪ Everything that's heavy, I check it at the door ♪

Chorus: ♪ Kind of feel like I don't need it anymore ♪

Ballerini: ♪ Ah, yeah ♪

♪ I got some bones of old skeletons ♪

♪ But fuck the old house at the dead end ♪

♪ I got baggage, but I'm movin' in ♪

Chorus: ♪ Unpacked boxes ♪

♪ Half-moved closet ♪

Ballerini: ♪ I said, if you want it ♪

♪ Well, you know that you got it ♪

♪ So clear out a drawer, clear out a shelf ♪

♪ I wouldn't want to do it with anybody else ♪

[Cheering and applause]

Ooh!

McEntire: He's a 20-time ACM Award winner--

the one and only Chris Stapleton.

[Cheering and applause]

[Playing "It Takes a Woman"]

Stapleton: ♪ Whenever I'm broken ♪

♪ Honey, you heal me ♪

♪ When I'm in the dark ♪

♪ You are the light ♪

♪ When I get lost ♪

♪ You know right where to find me ♪

♪ When I have my doubts ♪

♪ You make me believe ♪

♪ And it takes a woman ♪

♪ It takes a woman ♪

♪ A woman who sees the best part of me ♪

♪ Through all that I am ♪

♪ It takes a woman ♪

♪ Oh, it takes a woman ♪

♪ To be all I can, to feel like a man ♪

♪ It takes a woman ♪

♪ You are my comfort ♪

♪ Whenever I'm troubled ♪

♪ When I'm alone ♪

♪ You are my friend ♪

♪ You make me high ♪

♪ And keep my feet on the ground ♪

♪ Whatever I need ♪

♪ You give it to me ♪

♪ It takes a woman ♪

♪ It takes a woman ♪

♪ A woman who sees the best part of me ♪

♪ Through all that I am ♪

♪ It takes a woman ♪

♪ Oh, it takes a woman ♪

♪ To be all I can, to feel like a man ♪

♪ It takes a woman ♪

♪ Oh, to be all I can, to feel like a man ♪

♪ It takes a woman ♪

[Cheering and applause]

Announcer: Coming up, Reba will be handing out the award

for Single of the Year,

presented by our event sponsor realtor.com,

the site professionals trust;

a performance by New Female Artist of the Year Ella Langley;

and the legendary Alan Jackson returns to the ACM Awards stage

to celebrate a lifetime of achievement.

Gabby Barrett: ♪ Love me like he should one... ♪

Announcer: She's an ACM Award winner

and former ACM Awards co-host--Gabby Barrett.

[Cheering and applause]

Over the last 20 years,

the ACM Award for New Female Artist

has gone to Carrie Underwood...

[Cheering and applause]

Miranda Lambert...

[Cheering and applause]

Taylor Swift...

[Cheering and applause]

and, I'm happy to say,

to myself back in 2021.

[Cheering and applause]

Thank you.

Tonight it's a thrill to be back to introduce

this year's New Female Artist winner

and the artist with the most ACM Award nominations in 2025--

the lovely Ella Langley.

[Cheering and applause]

[Playing "weren't for the wind"]

Langley: ♪ I wouldn't paint me as a heartbreaker ♪

♪ But I've said a few good-byes ♪

♪ I'd make a promise, but I know later ♪

♪ I'm bound to change my mind ♪

♪ Depending on the weather, I'm goin' ♪

♪ An' hell, baby, nobody knows when ♪

♪ Yeah, if it was a different time ♪

♪ Might've been different in a different life ♪

♪ Maybe that plane wouldn't ever take off ♪

♪ Maybe that dust wouldn't fly off the drive ♪

♪ Maybe that tumbleweed and me ♪

♪ Wouldn't leave every other sunrise ♪

♪ Maybe I'd settle down, dig in some roots ♪

♪ Find me a farmhouse, find me a you ♪

♪ Maybe I wouldn't be already gone again ♪

♪ If it weren't for the wind ♪

Ho!

♪ Wouldn't stay wonderin' what's out there ♪

♪ Wouldn't saddle up on a breeze ♪

♪ Wouldn't disappear out of thin air ♪

♪ I could put down these wings ♪

♪ Maybe that plane wouldn't ever take off ♪

♪ Maybe that dust wouldn't fly off the drive ♪

♪ Maybe that tumbleweed and me ♪

♪ Wouldn't leave every other sunrise ♪

♪ Maybe I'd settle down, dig in some roots ♪

♪ Find me a farmhouse, find me a you ♪

♪ Maybe I wouldn't be already gone again ♪

♪ If it weren't for the wind ♪

♪ Blowin', carryin' me to the wide open ♪

♪ White lines rollin' and the tires smokin' ♪

♪ It wouldn't be the rearview I'm lookin' in ♪

♪ If it weren't for the wind ♪

♪ Maybe that plane wouldn't ever take off ♪

♪ Maybe that dust wouldn't fly off the drive ♪

♪ Maybe that tumbleweed and me ♪

♪ Wouldn't leave every other sunrise ♪

♪ Maybe I'd settle down, dig in some roots ♪

♪ Find me a farmhouse, find me a you ♪

♪ Maybe I wouldn't be already gone again ♪

♪ If it weren't for the wind ♪

♪ Blowin'♪

♪ If it weren't for the wind ♪

♪ Whoa, oh ♪

♪ If it weren't for the wind ♪

♪ Ooh hoo ♪

[Cheering and applause]

McEntire: Ella Langley, everybody.

[Cheering and applause]

Ha ha ha!

Every country artist wants that hit single

just like everybody's looking

for that perfect place to call their own.

Tonight our friends and event sponsor realtor.com,

my favorite place to find home,

are presenting the award for Single of the Year.

Announcer: For Single of the Year, the nominees are...

Shaboozey: ♪ Someone pour me up a double shot of whiskey... ♪

Announcer: "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," by Shaboozey,

producers Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry...

Shaboozey: ♪ Everybody at the bar gettin' tipsy... ♪

Johnson: ♪ Over there's where I got down... ♪

Announcer: "Dirt Cheap," by Cody Johnson,

producer Trent Willmon...

Johnson: ♪ You can't buy ♪

♪ That kind of dirt cheap ♪

Malone: ♪ You act like you ain't help me ♪

♪ Pull that bottle off the shelf... ♪

Announcer: "I Had Some Help," by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen,

producers Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins...

Malone: ♪ Hell, I had some help... ♪

Stapleton: ♪ If you want a cowboy... ♪

Announcer: "White Horse" by Chris Stapleton,

producers Dave Cobb,

Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton...

Stapleton: ♪ You wanna wait for... ♪

Langley and Green: ♪ Drunk, and I'm ready... ♪

Announcer: "You Look Like You Love Me,"

by Ella Langley and Riley Green,

producer Will Bundy.

Langley and Green: ♪ Love me... ♪

McEntire: And this ACM Award goes to...

oh, "You Look Like You Love Me," Ella Langley and Riley Green.

Langley and Green: ♪ Excuse me ♪

♪ You look like you love me ♪

♪ You look like you want me ♪

♪ To want you to come on home ♪

♪ And, baby, I don't blame you ♪

♪ For looking me up and down across this room ♪

♪ I'm drunk, and I'm ready to leave ♪

♪ And you like like you... ♪

Langley: Hmm.

[Cheering and applause]

I'm still out of breath a little,

and I feel like I kind of have been

since this song came out.

Um...

I grew up-- and I know all 3 of us did--

we grew up on classic country--

there was a lot of talking in it--

Conway Twitty, Johnny Lee, David Allan Coe,

and if this song really changed it for me as a songwriter,

it taught me to just not care so much

and write what you love and write what feels good,

and I couldn't have done it

without Will Bundy producing it...

Bundy: Thank you. Thank you.

Langley: and, obviously, Riley Green

writing his second verse, it just wrapped it all up for me.

[Cheering and applause]

Green: I just want to say how cool it is

that a song with talking verses won an award.

I'm so proud of Ella and how she represents

the home state of Alabama with me,

and I'm so happy for her success,

and I'm happy to be a part of this song.

Thank you all so much. Yes. Thank you.

Langley and Green: ♪ Excuse me ♪

♪ You look like you love me ♪

♪ You look like you want me ♪

♪ To want you to come on home ♪

♪ And, baby, I don't blame you for looking me... ♪

McEntire: In 1990, an artist from Newnan, Georgia,

burst onto the country music scene

with his debut album "Here in the Real World."

Since then, he's been giving us hit after hit

and defining moments in history with songs like

"Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?"

[Cheering and applause]

He's won 21 Academy of Country Music Awards,

but tonight he's earning the ACM Lifetime Achievement Award,

an honor so special it's being named after him,

so here he is, the first-ever winner

of the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award--

you guessed it-- Alan Jackson.

[Cheering and applause]

[Playing "Remember When"]

Jackson: How y'all doing tonight?

[Cheering and applause]

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ I was young and so were you ♪

♪ And time stood still ♪

♪ And love was all we knew ♪

♪ You were the first, so was I ♪

♪ Made love, and then you cried ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ We vowed the vows and walked the walk ♪

♪ And gave our hearts ♪

♪ Made the start, and it was hard ♪

♪ We lived and learned, life threw curves ♪

♪ There was joy, there was hurt ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ Old ones died and new were born ♪

♪ And life was changed ♪

♪ Disassembled, rearranged ♪

♪ We came together, fell apart ♪

♪ And broke each other's hearts ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

Now play a steel guitar, boys.

That's real country music back then, y'all.

[Cheering and applause]

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ The sound of little feet ♪

♪ Was the music ♪

♪ We danced to week to week ♪

♪ Brought back the love, we found trust ♪

♪ Vowed we'd never give it up ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ 30 seemed so old ♪

♪ Now, lookin' back ♪

♪ It's just a steppin' stone ♪

♪ To where we are, where we've been ♪

♪ Said we'd do it all again ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ We said when we turned gray ♪

♪ When the children ♪

♪ Grow up and move away ♪

♪ We won't be sad, we'll be glad ♪

♪ For all the life we've had ♪

[Cheering and applause]

♪ And we'll remember when ♪

♪ Remember when ♪

♪ Remember ♪

♪ When ♪

[Cheering and applause]

McEntire: Oh, my goodness.

Ha ha ha!

Alan, you know we love you.

You can see it right there, so congratulations.

Jackson: Thank you. Thank you.

McEntire: Love you.

Jackson: Thank you.

[Cheering and applause]

Oh, I--

I can't hear my mic, but I guess y'all can.

Thank y'all.

Thank you, everybody, so much.

Um, it's quite a-- quite a honor.

Uh, a few years ago, one of my fans

named their dog after me,

and I thought that was something,

but, man, it's just really--

It's amazing,

and just be to serious now,

um, I came to Nashville

with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream,

and all these years later,

I'm standing here receiving such a honor like this.

It's just mind-blowing.

[Cheering and applause]

I thank God all the time

for all the people

that have been part of my life and career

that helped me get here and maintain this all this time,

and--

[People shouting]

Thank you, and--

[Cheering and applause]

and there's so many people,

I can't even begin to thank everybody tonight

that's been a part of my life and career,

but I especially want to thank my fans all over this country

and all over the world that have...

appreciated my music so much.

I thank you all for everything, and I do want

to especially thank one person that's been my best friend

since I was 17 years old,

and it's my wife Denise out there.

[Cheering and applause]

[Clears throat]

She's loved me through the good and the bad

and the happy and the sad

and, uh, has influenced me, gave me 3 beautiful daughters,

and has helped me keep my feet on the ground all these years.

I wouldn't be here without her,

and so there's not much else I can say that's better than that,

but thank y'all so much for this honor

and for all the years.

God bless y'all.

[Cheering and applause]

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Carly Pearce: ♪ We don't yell 'cause what the hell... ♪

Announcer: Please welcome a 4-time ACM Award winner--

Carly Pearce.

Pearce: ♪ And we don't care enough to even hate... ♪

Pearce: Tonight as we celebrate a big anniversary,

we're also celebrating the power of our country music community

to help and heal those who need it every day.

ACM Lifting Lives,

the Academy's philanthropic partner,

provides aid in times of need with a focus on health,

and our friends at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

are leading the way in how the world understands, treats,

and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Here's Riley Green showing one meaningful way

our country music family comes together to help.

Green: Hey, I'm Riley Green, and I'm back

at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,

thanks to my friends at ACM Lifting Lives.

Every time I'm here, I see how these children fighting cancer

faced the unimaginable

but do so with courage and often with a smile.

It's amazing that families never receive a bill

for treatment, travel, housing, or food.

Performing here always reminds me how therapeutic music is

and even more special to do so

in my "This shirt saves lives" tee.

The country music community has the ability to lift lives.

You can help right now by going to musicgives.org

to donate and get your own "This shirt saves lives" tee.

Donate now at musicgives.org.

[Applause]

Bones: This has been a legendary night,

legends everywhere.

If you're a legend, raise your hand.

That's how you can spot the legends.

Yeah. Everybody that raised their hand is not a legend.

These are legends, right?

Stand up. Stand up, winners. Come on.

Are you not gonna? Stand up.

OK. All right. All right.

Just so you know, Ronnie sang at my wedding.

He's just acting cool right now,

but these two are gonna hit the stage a little later.

Did you guys expect to win?

Dunn: Did we what?

Bones: Expect to win.

Dunn: We did not!

Bones: I don't know why he yelled at me,

but Kix and Ronnie have 26 ACM Awards

and 5 more special awards,

including the ACM Diamond Chairman's Award,

which they were honored with last night,

so congratulations.

They're gonna collaborate with Cody Johnson

coming up in just a little bit right here.

I mean, just look around--

legend Kristian Bush, legend after legend,

some guy with a with his tips frosted--legend.

He's, like, 52 with frosted tips.

We love you, legend. We love all of that.

It's the 60th anniversary of the ACMs.

Thank you, guys, for being here,

and like Kix and Ronnie always say,

only in America and only on the 60th ACM Awards.

Announcer: Up next, 5 iconic past winners stand together

to present the award for Female Artist of the Year.

Will it go to Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley,

Lainey Wilson, or Kacey Musgraves?

Then, for the first time anywhere,

Jelly Roll and Shaboozey and a Triple Crown tribute

to Keith Urban with Megan Moroney,

Chris Stapleton, and Brothers Osborne.

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards,

presented by Carnival Cruise Line,

continues its musical journey 60 years in the making

after this.

-And the ACM... -Top Female Vocalist...

-is...

-Loretta Lynn. -All right.

-Reba McIntyre. -Yes!

-Miranda Lambert.

[Cheering and applause]

Lambert: And I'm just glad to see females

kicking ass these days.

I'm so proud to be part of that,

so cheers to all of us girls out there dreaming.

Announcer: To present the ACM Award

for Female Artist of the Year at ACM 60,

please welcome 5 past winners of this award--

Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson,

Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle,

and Wynonna Judd.

Shania Twain: ♪ I feel like a woman ♪

[Cheering and applause]

McBride: What an honor for us to stand together

as we remember 60 years of talented, powerful,

and amazing women in country music

and celebrate this year's nominees.

Kelsea, from the first time you stepped on the world stage,

I've loved cheering you on and seeing you grow as an artist

and as a woman who bravely speaks,

writes, and sings her truth.

Congratulations.

[Cheering and applause]

Wilson: Ella, by being bold,

being badass,

and being yourself,

you earned 8 nominations this year,

including this one,

so tonight, just like your fans and everyone

back in your hometown, Hope Hull, Alabama,

this redneck woman is proud and happy for you,

so keep it up.

[Cheering and applause]

Evans: Megan,

you called your album "Am I Okay?"

but you're so much more than OK.

You're a shining star who connects powerfully

with guts and grace.

That's why you won the ACM Award

for Best New Female Vocalist last year

and why you're in such excellent company now

with your first-ever nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Congratulations.

[Cheering and applause]

Gayle: Casey, you've been on this merry-go-round

for a while now, and I am in awe of the way

you always dig deep as one of the truest artists

and songwriters in music today.

You were born about an hour from here in Golden, Texas,

and I've got to say, with that stunning voice of yours

and all your extraordinary talent,

you're forever in your golden hour.

[Cheering and applause]

Wynonna: I just love you, Lainey.

You've been a powerful force making real country music,

feeling like part of the family right from the start.

Through your whirlwind of success, you've held yourself

with remarkable grace, carrying the torch

for the next generation.

You're taking country music to great places

while staying true to your roots.

Here's to all that you've done and all that is yet to come.

[Cheering and applause]

Evans: We love you all,

and we're all pulling for a 5-way tie.

Wilson: Yeah.

Evans: And the ACM Award goes to--

Here we go.

Wynonna: Here we go.

Evan: Oh, my God, it's so hard.

Ready? 1, 2, 3.

All: Lainey Wilson.

Wilson: ♪ We're a whirlwind ♪

♪ Cutting through a Texas town ♪

♪ Yeah, this funnel wouldn't be near as fun ♪

♪ Without you spinning round ♪

♪ Yeah, we're always on the move at a daredevil speed ♪

♪ Running with the buzzards and the tumbleweeds ♪

♪ We're a whirlwind ♪

♪ But, baby, loving you's a breeze... ♪

Whoo! Um, my legs are numb.

I can't believe that I'm getting to stand up here

with all these ladies that I was influenced by,

every single one of y'all.

The very first time I went to the Grand Ole Opry,

you were standing in that circle, Crystal,

and I knew at that moment.

I was, like, "I want to do this."

I knew I was never gonna grow hair like that,

but I knew watching you in that circle,

and every single one of y'all mean so much to me.

I'm telling you right now, I was--

I had my headset microphone

singing my karaoke songs down the driveway.

My parents wanted to kill me.

Mom and Daddy are here tonight. I love y'all.

Um, my fiance, whoo, Duck, love you.

I have the best team in the world,

um, the best team who just work their tails off,

and I just want to say to every single one of these girls

in this category, um, I couldn't do this without y'all.

I couldn't.

Um, this is a wild ride, and it's nice to be able

to have people to call and relate to,

and I'm just--I'm so proud of every single one of y'all.

Y'all are whooping butt.

The girls are kicking down some barn doors, and I like it.

Ha ha ha!

Thank you so much, Jesus. Uh, this is--

I'll tell you,

my mama always says, "Believe and receive,

and He will give you the desires of your heart,"

and I firmly believe that.

Here's to the girls.

[Cheering and applause]

[ERNEST's "Gettin' Gone" playing]

ERNEST: ♪ Ol' bird dog sitting on a log ♪

♪ Talkin' 'bout the evenin' news... ♪

Announcer: Here to make a special introduction,

a two-time nominee this year-- ERNEST.

ERNEST: ♪ Sayin', "I'm gettin' gone"... ♪

What's up, Texas?

This is about to be big,

but one of these guys just keeps losing weight.

It's, uh--it's been my honor to get to tour

with both of these next performers,

and I would love to introduce for the first time

Jelly Roll and Shaboozey.

[Cheering and applause]

[Playing "Heart of Stone"]

Jelly Roll: ♪ Dear Lord, can you help me? ♪

♪ I've fallen out of grace ♪

♪ I'm crawling back to heaven ♪

♪ From this hell on Earth I've made ♪

♪ My blood has gotten heavy, there's metal in my veins ♪

♪ It's running like the river filled with all of my mistakes ♪

♪ On my knees, I'm looking up ♪

♪ I need a different kind of drug ♪

♪ I'm wide awake, and I'm dreaming ♪

♪ I wonder where and when I fell apart ♪

♪ Oh, I fell apart ♪

♪ I had enough of my demons ♪

♪ And angels only meet you where you are ♪

♪ And I'm in the dark ♪

♪ At least for now, Lord, I ain't losing hope ♪

♪ That somehow you can make a heart of gold ♪

♪ From this heart of stone ♪

♪ This heart of stone ♪

♪ This heart of stone ♪

♪ This heart of stone ♪

♪ 'Cause I'm wide awake and I'm dreaming ♪

♪ I'm wondering where and when I fell apart ♪

♪ Oh, I fell apart ♪

♪ I had enough of my demons ♪

♪ But angels only meet you where you are ♪

♪ And I'm in the dark ♪

[Cheering and applause]

Chorus: ♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

Shaboozey: ACM, I need y'all attention tonight.

♪ Uh, yeah ♪

♪ On a lost and lonely highway ♪

♪ Payin' for my sins ♪

♪ If heaven saw me out last Friday ♪

♪ Hell, I ain't gettin' in ♪

♪ I'm gettin' used to gettin' sideways ♪

♪ Till I can't see straight ♪

♪ Them angels know they don't look my way ♪

♪ I'm way too gone to save ♪

♪ I'm diggin' my grave down 12 feet deep ♪

♪ Got nun' left, so I'm on my knees beggin' ♪

♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ 'Cause the pills ran out and I still can't sleep ♪

♪ Somebody send a word upstairs ♪

♪ 'Cause the bar shut down and I'm God knows where ♪

♪ Forced to knock on heaven's door ♪

♪ 'Cause mine ain't workin' anymore ♪

♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ All I'm askin' for is a little mercy, amen ♪

♪ A...a...a... ♪

♪ A...a...a...amen ♪

♪ A...a...a... ♪

♪ A...a...a...amen ♪

Jelly Roll: ♪ In a dusty Silverado ♪

♪ Runnin' low on grace ♪

♪ Headed nowhere fast with my feet up on the dash ♪

♪ Just hopin' I'll see the day ♪

♪ Then I ain't ashamed of the man in the mirror ♪

♪ And the man upstairs ain't, either ♪

♪ And I can finally set my life straight ♪

♪ And be the man my mama raised ♪

♪ Instead of diggin' my grave down 12 feet deep ♪

♪ I got nothing left, so I'm on my knees singin' ♪

Both: ♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ 'Cause the pills ran out and I still can't sleep ♪

♪ Somebody send a word upstairs ♪

♪ 'Cause the bar shut down and I'm God knows where ♪

♪ Forced to knock on heaven's door ♪

♪ 'Cause mine ain't workin' anymore ♪

♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ All I'm askin' for is a little mercy, amen ♪

♪ A...a...a... ♪

♪ A...a...a...amen ♪

♪ A...a...a... ♪

♪ A...a...a...amen ♪

Shaboozey: ♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

Clap.

♪ Say amen ♪

Jelly Roll: ♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ 'Cause the pills ran out and I still can't sleep ♪

Shaboozey: ♪ Somebody send a word upstairs ♪

♪ 'Cause the bar shut down and I'm God knows where ♪

Both: ♪ Forced to knock on heaven's door ♪

♪ 'Cause mine ain't workin' anymore ♪

♪ Somebody say a prayer for me ♪

♪ All I'm askin' for is a little mercy, amen ♪

♪ A...a...a... ♪

♪ A...a...a...amen ♪

Jelly Roll: It is Shaboozey's birthday everybody...

Chorus: ♪ A...a...a...amen ♪

Jelly Roll: and we want to thank y'all,

and we want to thank God for giving us the grace

to give Him a little glory in this building tonight.

We love you, Father God.

Even a crooked road can still get you home.

[Cheering and applause]

Happy birthday, 'boozey.

Shaboozey: Thank y'all, ACMs. We love y'all.

McEntire: Tonight we're thrilled to present my friend Keith Urban

with the ACM Triple Crown Award.

Keith's a virtuoso guitarist, a great singer-songwriter

and one of country music's best live performers.

Whether he's at the Grand Ole Opry

or anywhere on the world stage, Keith qualified

for the Triple Crown by winning the awards

for New Male Vocalist, Top Male Vocalist,

and Entertainer of the Year.

Here to honor Keith, please welcome Brothers Osborne,

Chris Stapleton,

and to kick it off, Megan Moroney.

[Cheering and applause]

["Days Go By" playing]

Urban: ♪ As days go by ♪

-This year's Top New Male Vocalist...

-Keith Urban.

-The Top Male Vocalist...

-Keith Urban, everybody.

Urban: ♪ It's all we've been given ♪

♪ So you better start living right now ♪

-And the ACM Entertainer of the Year is...

Keith Urban.

Urban: ♪ Don't you know the days go by? ♪

[Cheering and applause]

[Playing "Stupid Boy"]

Moroney: ♪ Well, she was precious ♪

♪ Like a flower ♪

♪ She grew wild, wild and innocent ♪

♪ A perfect prayer in a desperate hour ♪

♪ She was everything beautiful and different ♪

♪ Stupid boy ♪

♪ You can't fence that in ♪

♪ Stupid boy ♪

♪ It's like holdin' back the wind ♪

♪ She laid her heart and soul right in your hands ♪

♪ And you stole her every dream, and you crushed her plans ♪

♪ She never even knew she had a choice ♪

♪ That's what happens when the only voice she hears ♪

♪ Is telling her she can't ♪

♪ Stupid boy ♪

♪ She never even knew she had the choice ♪

♪ That's what happens when the only voice she hears ♪

♪ Is telling her she can't ♪

♪ Stupid boy ♪

♪ I'm the same old, same old stupid boy ♪

[Cheering and applause]

[Drumsticks click]

Stapleton: ♪ I can see you over there ♪

♪ Staring at your drink ♪

♪ Watchin' that ice sink all alone tonight ♪

♪ And chances are, you're sittin' here in this bar ♪

♪ 'Cause he ain't gonna treat you right ♪

♪ Well, it's probably not my place ♪

♪ But I'm gonna say it anyway ♪

♪ 'Cause you look like ♪

♪ You haven't felt the fire, had a little fun ♪

♪ Hadn't had a smile in a little while, baby ♪

♪ Blue looks good on the sky ♪

♪ Looks good on that neon buzzin' on the wall ♪

♪ But darling, it don't match your eyes ♪

♪ I'm tellin' you, you don't need that guy ♪

♪ It's so black and white, he's stealin' your thunder ♪

♪ Baby, blue ain't your color ♪

♪ Blue looks good on the sky ♪

♪ Looks good on that neon buzzin' on the wall ♪

♪ But darling, it don't match your eyes ♪

♪ And I'm tellin' you, you don't need that guy ♪

♪ It's so black and white, he's stealin' your thunder ♪

♪ Baby, blue ain't your color ♪

♪ Baby, blue ain't your color ♪

We love you, Keith.

[Cheering and applause]

Osborne: Everybody up on your feet. Let's go.

Come on. Everybody up.

We came here to party in Dallas, baby.

Come on. Let me hear you. Come on.

[Playing "Where the Blacktop Ends"]

♪ I'm gonna kick off my shoes and run in bare feet ♪

♪ Where the grass and the dirt and the gravel all meet ♪

♪ Goin' back to the well, gonna visit old friends ♪

♪ And feed my soul where the blacktop ends ♪

Whoo!

♪ I'm lookin' down the barrel of Friday night ♪

♪ Ridin' on a river of freeway lights ♪

♪ Good-bye, city, I'm country bound ♪

♪ Till Monday rolls around ♪

♪ I'm gonna kick off my shoes and run in bare feet ♪

♪ Where the grass and the dirt and the gravel all meet ♪

♪ I'm goin' back to the well, gonna visit old friends ♪

♪ And feed my soul where the blacktop ends ♪

♪ So give me some fresh air, give me that farm ♪

♪ And give me some time with you in my arms ♪

♪ Far away from the hustle and the pressure and the noise ♪

♪ I'm gonna kick off my shoes and run in bare feet ♪

♪ Where the grass, the dirt, the gravel all meet ♪

♪ I'm goin' back to the well, gonna visit my friends ♪

Keith, get your ass up here on stage Come on.

♪ I'm gonna kick off my shoes and run in bare feet ♪

♪ Where the grass and the dirt and the gravel all meet ♪

♪ I'm goin' back to the well, gonna visit old friends ♪

♪ And feed my soul where the blacktop ends ♪

[Cheering and applause]

Whoo!

Keith, on behalf of the Academy of Country Music,

it's our greatest pleasure to present you

with the ACM Triple Crown Award.

[Cheering and applause]

Urban: Thank you so much.

God, first of all,

Chris, Megan, TJ, John, thank you so much for--

That's amazing.

Thank you so much and to the band, too.

Thank you, guys. I appreciate that.

ACM, thank you.

[Cheering and applause]

Uh...

Listen.

I--I want to thank, uh, the ACM Academy for this,

and, um, my wife Nicole Mary is here tonight.

I love you, baby girl...

[Cheering and applause]

and, um, our girls Sunny and Faith

watching at home tonight, I love you both, too.

I have a massive team

that I couldn't possibly thank by name,

but I want to thank my team for working so insanely hard

behind the scenes because there's no such thing

as a self-made man.

I want to thank my road band and my road family,

and, uh, I want to say a special thanks to all the fans

that have been coming out to see us play,

really appreciate it,

country radio, uh, my record company Capitol Records

and, uh, the most amazing promo team out there.

Thank you for kicking it on "Straight Line."

We're gonna be out on tour at the end of this month--

High on Love World Tour.

Thank you so much. We'll see you soon.

[Cheering and applause]

Bones: Oh, what an amazing Triple Crown tribute

for Keith Urban.

I love that guy.

Could not happen to a more deserving guy,

and the guitar duel at the end, what a way to make an entrance.

I'm as proud as Nicole, almost, who has my jelly,

but it's time to honor and acknowledge

our ACM songwriter of the Year-- Jessie Jo Dillon.

[Cheering and applause]

Yes. Congratulations, Jessie Jo.

What songs popped off for you the biggest this year?

Dillon: Well, "Lies Lies Lies," Morgan Wallen.

Right now, we're top 5-- Megan Moroney,

me and Russell Dickerson.

Bones: Hooray. Let's go.

Songwriter of the Year right here.

Hey, Russell Dickerson right here, too.

Hey, you are a large fellow.

We're where the Cowboys practice,

so in sports, at the end of a game, they trade jerseys.

We don't have jerseys. You want to do a swap?

Dickerson: Absolutely.

Bones: OK. Let's go.

Dickerson: All right.

[Cheering and applause]

There you go.

Bones: Don't rip my-- If you rip my jacket, Russell--

It's like I have on-- oh, no.

It's like I have on Daddy's coat.

I'll be back.

It's also my pleasure to introduce the winners--

how are you doing? good to see you--

of the Radio Award, the ACM Radio Awards.

We're gonna acknowledge now our winning country

on-air personalities and radio stations.

Look at how pretty they are right there.

What a night this is.

I'm walking around all the winners.

You know who I saw earlier here

was Super Bowl champion Kurt Warner just hanging out.

Like, that is the nicest guy not only in all of sports,

but media, and this is the most--

I thought it was a real live leopard.

Who would win--me or 1,000 women in leopard print?

That's the meme right there,

so congratulations to everybody who won the Radio Award.

Congratulations to all the artists.

Look at all the people that are wearing a cowboy hat

for the first time.

We love that.

Still to come, our host Reba is making history

with Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson,

plus Rascal Flatts are back with the Backstreet Boys.

Announcer: Still to come, Little Big Town hand out

the award for Album of the Year and performances

by Entertainer of the Year nominee Cody Johnson

and the legendary Brooks & Dunn.

There's a lot more celebration to come

on the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards,

presented by Carnival Cruise Line.

Dasha: ♪ I'm not at this party ♪

♪ I'm back in your backseat ♪

♪ You're pulling it over ♪

♪ You just had to have me... ♪

Kelly Sutton: OK.

Hello, ACM Awards, and happy 60th.

Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson here.

We host the "Country Heat" weekly podcast.

Anderson: And we're thrilled to be here

with our girl Dasha...

Sutton: Whoo! Dasha: Hey.

Anderson: the latest emerging artist

in their breakthrough program.

Congratulations, Dasha, and thank you, Amazon Music,

for all you do to support artists on the rise.

Sutton: And right now, to present the award

for Album of the Year, please welcome back to the stage

an inspiring ACM Award-winning group

and nominees tonight...

All: Little Big Town.

Little Big Town: ♪ I feel no shame ♪

♪ I'm proud of where I came from ♪

♪ I was born and raised in the boondocks ♪

Schlapman: Thank you. Thank you.

Ha ha ha!

Westbrook: We're proud to stand together tonight

on the ACM Awards stage and present an award

that over the past 60 years has gone

to so many great all-time great artists--

Album of the Year.

Fairchild: That's true.

We're talking about classic albums like Merle Haggard,

Glen Campbell, and Bobbie Gentry...

Schlapman: Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn,

and how about our heroes the Oak Ridge Boys?

[Cheering and applause]

Sweet: How about timeless country albums by Alabama

and some great Texans, like Kenny Rogers,

George Strait, and Willie Nelson?

Westbrook: Yes.

[Cheering and applause]

These are this year's outstanding nominations

for Album of the Year.

Announcer: For Album of the Year,

the nominees are...

"Am I Okay? (I'll Be Fine)," by Megan Moroney,

producer Kristian Bush...

Moroney: ♪ He says what he means ♪

♪ And he means what he says ♪

♪ And he's funny and he's smart, and he's good in... ♪

Jelly Roll: ♪ You ain't nothin' but a liar... ♪

Announcer: "Beautifully Broken," by Jelly Roll,

producers BAzeXX, Brock Berryhill,

Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Charlie Handsome,

Ben Johnson, MGK, the Monsters & Strangerz,

Austin Nivarel, SlimXX,

Ryan Tedder, Isaiah Tejada, Elisa Vanderheym...

Top: ♪ It's a little bit of fiddle... ♪

Announcer: "Cold Beer & Country Music," by Zach Top,

producer Carson Chamberlain...

Top: ♪ Yeah, my whole life sounds like the radio ♪

Malone: ♪ It ain't like I can make this kind of... ♪

Announcer: "F-1 Trillion," by Post Malone,

producers Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins.

Malone: ♪ Been deep in every weekend ♪

♪ If you couldn't tell ♪

♪ They say teamwork makes the dream work ♪

♪ Hell, I had some help, help ♪

Wilson: ♪ Boy, after a long day... ♪

Announcer: "Whirlwind," by Lainey Wilson,

producer Jay Joyce.

Wilson: ♪ Drive my crazy, crazy in a 4x4 by you... ♪

Westbrook: Whoo!

Sweet: Wow.

Schlapman: Oh, my gosh.

Fairchild: And the Asa-- ACM Award--I'm nervous--

goes to...

"Whirlwind."

All: Lainey Wilson.

Wilson: ♪ In a 4x4 by you, babe ♪

♪ From the Bayou to Kentucky ♪

♪ City to the country ♪

♪ Here to Timbuktu ♪

♪ Boy, after a long day ♪

♪ You know there ain't no wrong way ♪

♪ To drive my crazy, crazy... ♪

Man, I'll tell you what, y'all.

There has been some good music

come out of Nashville this year, and I am so proud

to be a part of this generation of country music.

There is a little bit of everything,

and, uh, "Whirlwind," uh, I feel like, my gosh,

my whole life has been a whirlwind the last few years

trying to keep one foot on the ground, um,

and writing and recording these songs

helped me do that.

Shout-out to my amazing producer Mr. Jay Joyce.

Uh, my band got to play on this record,

and they are some of the most talented people I have ever met.

Um, this record means the world to me.

It just, uh, got me through a time of my life

that was constantly changing, so thank you so much, Jesus.

Thank you to the fans.

Thank you to, uh--

Thank you. I'm blown away, really.

Jordan Davis: ♪ Bar none ♪

♪ Now I'm getting goner than your long-gone boots ♪

♪ Nothing I'm working on works on you... ♪

Announcer: Please welcome ACM Award winner Jordan Davis

and NASCAR's 7-time most popular driver

and its 2020 Cup Series champion Chase Elliott.

[Cheering and applause]

Elliott: It's an absolute honor to stand here

at the 60th ACM Awards with Jordan,

who just last year won a big one--Song of the Year.

Davis: I appreciate that, Chase,

and I'm honored to stand here next to a NASCAR champion.

This next performer has already taken home an award tonight.

He's been building his fantastic,

Texas-sized success story year after year,

and he is nominated tonight again

for Entertainer of the Year.

Elliott: Mr. Cody Johnson.

Davis: Come on.

[Cheering and applause]

[Playing "The Fall"]

♪ I've been good-time drunk ♪

♪ Enough to be bad-time sober ♪

♪ Broke a map dot's heart when it disappeared

♪ Over my shoulder ♪

♪ I've been headstrong right and dead-end wrong ♪

♪ Good with God, but I dropped the ball ♪

♪ Spent my whole life holding on ♪

♪ But even when I fell off ♪

♪ The ride was worth the fall ♪

♪ The fall was worth the smiles ♪

♪ The smiles were worth the tears ♪

♪ Tears were worth the miles ♪

♪ Miles were worth the pain ♪

♪ Pain was worth it all ♪

♪ It's all worth this life ♪

♪ Life is worth the ride ♪

♪ The ride is worth the fall ♪

♪ I've had some nowhere near it's ♪

♪ And some almost was's ♪

♪ Left some mommas in tears and some daddy's still cussin' ♪

♪ 'Cause what I should've done and what I could've been ♪

♪ Even knowin' now what I didn't know then ♪

♪ I'd climb back on again ♪

♪ The ride is worth the fall ♪

♪ The fall was worth the smiles ♪

♪ The smiles were worth the tears ♪

♪ Tears were worth the miles ♪

♪ Miles were worth the pain ♪

♪ Pain was worth it all ♪

♪ It's all worth this life ♪

♪ Life is worth the ride ♪

♪ The ride is worth the fall ♪

♪ The ride is worth the fall ♪

♪ The fall was worth the smiles ♪

♪ Smiles were worth the tears ♪

♪ Tears were worth the miles ♪

♪ Miles were worth the pain ♪

♪ Pain was worth it all ♪

♪ It's all worth this life ♪

♪ Life is worth the ride ♪

♪ The ride is worth the fall ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

Let's go! [Cheering and applause]

What an honor it is to introduce these two legends.

These two heroes of mine. Ladies and gentlemen,

Mr. Brooks and Dunn!

[Cheering and applause]

Dunn: ♪ I was raised off of Rural Route 3 ♪

♪ Out past where the blacktop ends ♪

♪ We'd walk to church on Sunday morning ♪

♪ Race barefoot back to the Johnson's fence ♪

Johnson: ♪ That's where I first saw Mary ♪

♪ On that roadside, pickin' blackberries ♪

♪ That summer, I turned a corner in my soul ♪

♪ Down that red dirt road ♪

Man: Sing it if you know it. Johnson: Let's go!

All: ♪ It's where I drank my first beer ♪

♪ It's where I found Jesus ♪

♪ Where I wrecked my first car ♪

♪ I tore it all to pieces ♪

Johnson: ♪ I learned the path to Heaven ♪

♪ Is full of sinners and believers ♪

♪ Learned that happiness on Earth ♪

♪ Ain't just for high achievers ♪

Dunn: ♪ I've learned, I've come to know ♪

♪ There's life at both ends ♪ Man: Sing it with us.

Crowd: ♪ Of that red dirt road ♪ Man: You got it!

Johnson: ♪ Her daddy didn't like me much ♪

♪ In my shackled up GTO ♪

♪ I'd sneak out in the middle of the night ♪

♪ Throw rocks at her bedroom window ♪

Dunn: ♪ We'd turn out the headlights ♪

♪ And drive by the moonlight ♪

♪ Talk about what the future might hold ♪

♪ Down that red dirt road ♪

Brooks and Johnson: ♪ It's where I drank my first beer ♪

♪ It's where I found Jesus ♪

♪ Where I wrecked my first car ♪

♪ I tore it all to pieces ♪

Dunn: ♪ I found the path to Heaven ♪

♪ Is full of sinners and believers ♪

♪ Learned that happiness on Earth ♪

♪ Ain't just for high achievers ♪

♪ I've learned, I've come to know ♪

♪ There's life at both ends of that red dirt road ♪

Johnson: ♪ I went out into the world ♪

♪ And I came back in ♪

♪ I lost Mary ♪

♪ Oh, I got her back again ♪

♪ And driving home tonight ♪

♪ Feels like I found a long-lost friend ♪

Johnson and Dunn: ♪ It's where I drank my first beer ♪

♪ It's where I found Jesus ♪

♪ Where I wrecked my first car ♪

♪ I tore it all to pieces ♪

Dunn: ♪ I found the path to Heaven ♪

♪ Is full of sinners and believers ♪

♪ Learned that happiness on Earth ♪

All: ♪ Ain't just for high achievers ♪

Brooks: ♪ I've learned ♪ Dunn: ♪ I've come to know ♪

♪ There's life at both ends ♪ Sing it!

Crowd: ♪ Of that red dirt road ♪ Dunn: [Indistinct].

Johnson: ♪ I've learned, I've come to know ♪

♪ There's life at both ends of that red dirt road ♪

Man: You got it!

Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, two legends.

Brooks and Dunn. Make some noise.

[Crowd cheering] Dunn: Cody Johnson.

[Crowd cheering]

Bones: Bobby Bones here again,

and I say Reba, Miranda, and Lainey.

No last names necessary.

They are about to take the stage together for the first time

that they ever do the performance of a new

country classic that you don't want to miss.

Like, the whole group over here is ready.

Jelly, are you ready, buddy?

Yeah, you got so much-- I love it.

Jelly has so much--somebody stole my jelly from earlier.

Jelly Roll: I know. Bones: I know. Where--

Jelly: And you were gonna try to sell it on eBay.

Bones: What will that go for? Jelly: I don't know.

You're everywhere, buddy.

You're like the tattooed face

Ryan Seacrest at this point,

You're everywhere. Jelly: That's it.

I love you, Ryan!

Bones: I do, too, Ryan. We got a big night ahead.

You're gonna love the performance that's coming up

in just a few minutes, and I should say this.

You like Blake Shelton? You are in luck,

because Blake Shelton will present the ACM Award

for entertainer of the year.

That's the big one. And because life is

really a highway, Rascal Flatts are back at the ACM Awards,

and they brought the Backstreet Boys with them,

who are taking over the Sphere in Las Vegas,

so we got a big night.

Thank you guys for being here.

Also, where's Mickey?

Mickey Guyton, raise your hand.

Mickey Guyton right over here.

Last night, had a massive night as she was celebrated.

The Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion Brunch on Tuesday.

Congratulations. It's all happening at the

60th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Announcer: Still to come, Lee Ann Womack

and Parker McCollum present Music Event of the Year.

Rita Wilson introduces the debut performance of

Reba, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson's

new classic "Trailblazer,"

and Blake Shelton presents the ACM Award

for Entertainer of the Year

and a performance by Rascal Flatts

and Backstreet Boys.

Stay right here for all the festivities

on the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards,

presented by Carnival Cruise Line.

To present the ACM Award for Music Event of the Year,

Lee Ann Womack and Parker McCollum.

[Crowd cheering]

Womack: ♪ I hope you dance ♪

♪ I hope you dance ♪

McCollum: What an honor to stand here at ACM 60

with the great Lee Ann Womack.

Exactly 25 years ago, "I Hope You Dance"

won the ACM Award for Song of the Year,

Single of the Year, and Vocal Event of the year.

Womack: Well, thank you for remembering, Parker,

especially because you were 6.

[Laughter]

And it's my honor to stand with you at this big event

and present the ACM for Music Event of the Year.

These are the outstanding nominees.

Announcer: For Music Event of the Year, the nominees are:

"Cowboys Cry Too" by Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan,

producers Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan, Alysa Vanderheym.

"I Had Some Help" by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen,

producers Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins.

"I'm Gonna Love You" by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood,

producer Trent Willmon.

"We Don't Fight Anymore"

by Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton,

producers Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce.

"You Look Like You Love Me" by Ella Langley and Riley Green,

producer Will Bundy.

McCollum: And the ACM award goes to...

Womack: "You Look Like You Love Me"...

[Crowd cheering]

["You Look Like You Love Me" playing]

[Cheering and applause]

Langley: I was so stunned up here last time,

I literally blacked out. I have no idea what I said.

Something about Conway Twitty, I think.

I don't know.

This time, first off, I want to start off by thanking God.

Thank you, God, for... [Cheering and applause]

This is the thing I've wanted to do my whole life.

I've never wanted to do anything else.

And in-- and in dark times, I know that

he has put this passion on my heart for a reason.

I also want to thank Aaron Raitiere

for helping me write this song.

Thank you to the fans for making this song what it is,

because this wouldn't be--this-- I mean, I'm still flabbergasted.

I don't even know what that word means completely,

so, thank you.

That's all I really have to say is thank you.

I'm just grateful to my team. I'm grateful to the fans.

I'm just-- I'm on cloud 9 tonight.

This is... I don't know what to say.

Hey, and thank you to Maya Hansen.

She was the first person to believe in this song.

Uh, everyone said this song was gonna be

the most underperforming song on the record...

and she believed it wouldn't-- wouldn't be,

so, thank you, Maya.

Thank you.

["Fire" playing]

Announcer: Please welcome actress, producer,

singer and songwriter Rita Wilson.

[Cheering and applause]

Hi! Tonight, for its 60th anniversary,

the Academy of Country Music

continues breaking ground and blazing trails,

bringing together for the very first time

3 iconic female artists, all who have made history

by winning the ACM's top honor, Entertainer of the Year.

Written by award-winning songwriters

Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and Brandy Clark,

these powerful women are joining together

in a celebration of country music

and the women who have left

an undeniable mark on this genre.

Please welcome Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert,

and our host, Reba McEntire...

[Cheering and applause]

Whoo!

To perform the world premiere of their new song "Trailblazer"!

Wilson: ♪ Everybody needs a hero ♪

♪ Somebody who can show 'em the ropes ♪

♪ You gave a match like me ♪

♪ A little kerosene ♪

♪ With every song you wrote ♪

Lambert: ♪ I'm lucky to have someone to lean on ♪

♪ When the weeds get high ♪

♪ A little Louisiana twang and some Oklahoma rain ♪

♪ And a heart that just won't lie ♪

McEntire: ♪ Oh, I know a cowgirl ♪

♪ When I see one ♪

♪ And I'm sure proud to be one ♪

♪ Talk about a ♪ All: ♪ Trailblazer ♪

♪ Cutting one path at a time ♪

♪ Running like a dream chaser ♪

♪ Living on a prayer and a rhyme ♪

♪ You put a flag in the ground to a country sound ♪

♪ To the rhythm of your own highway ♪

McEntire: ♪ Talk about a ♪ All: ♪ Trailblazer ♪

♪ I'm rolling down the road you paved ♪

Wilson: ♪ I saw 'em on the Opry ♪

♪ I heard 'em on the radio ♪

Lambert: ♪ They taught me how to ride, how to hold on tight ♪

♪ In this rhinestone rodeo ♪

McEntire: ♪ Well, it was Dolly and Loretta ♪

♪ Patsy and Tammy, too ♪

♪ They gave me a seat at the table ♪

♪ I'm saving one for you ♪

♪ Talk about a ♪ All: ♪ Trailblazer ♪

♪ Cutting one path at a time ♪

♪ Running like a dream chaser ♪

♪ Living on a prayer and a rhyme ♪

♪ You put a flag in the ground to a country sound ♪

♪ To the rhythm of your own highway ♪

McEntire: ♪ Talk about a ♪ All: ♪ Trailblazer ♪

♪ I'm rolling down the road you paved ♪

McEntire: ♪ And God said ♪

All: ♪ "Let there be country music" ♪

McEntire: ♪ He made good, ol' country girls like us ♪

♪ To do it ♪

♪ Talk about a ♪ All: ♪ Trailblazer ♪

♪ Cutting one path at a time ♪

♪ Running like a dream chaser ♪

♪ Living on a prayer and a rhyme ♪

♪ You put a flag in the ground to a country sound ♪

♪ To the rhythm of your own highway ♪

McEntire: ♪ Talk about a ♪ All: ♪ Trailblazer ♪

♪ I'm rolling down the road you paved ♪

McEntire: ♪ Oh, thank you, trailblazers ♪

All: ♪ We're rolling down the road ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ Paved ♪

[Crowd cheering]

[Cheering and applause]

McEntire: Thank you all so much.

We have a very big finale coming up

with Rascal Flatts and Backstreet Boys.

[Crowd cheering]

But first to present the last award of the evening,

here's a man who's brought so much to the ACM Awards

over the years as a winner, a performer,

and as my former co-host and fellow Okie,

the one and only Blake Shelton.

["Pour Me A Drink" playing]

Shelton: Thank you, Reba.

You know, hosting a show like this isn't easy,

but you make it look like it is,

and you may be my favorite host ever.

[Crowd cheering]

Except for me. [Laughter]

The first time the Academy of Country Music ever presented

the award for Entertainer of the Year,

these were the nominees.

Listen to this.

Johnny Cash. [Crowd cheering]

Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard,

Elvis Presley, and Charley Pride.

[Crowd cheering]

Oh, my God.

So, to all of tonight's nominees,

there are only winners in this category.

Yeah, right. Ha ha! Ha.

Because getting to entertain the people

is the biggest win of all.

These are the nominees for Entertainer of the Year.

Announcer: For entertainer of the year, the nominees are:

Kelsea Ballerini.

Luke Combs.

Cody Johnson.

Jelly Roll.

Chris Stapleton.

Morgan Wallen.

Lainey Wilson.

And the ACM award goes to...

Lainey freakin' Wilson. [Crowd cheering]

Wilson: Thank you so much. Um...

I love every single one of y'all in this category,

and y'all have taken me under y'all's wings

and took me out on the road with you.

Um, asked me to be on songs.

Supported me in every way that you possibly can,

and, um, I will tell you this.

Um, I'm sure everybody deals with a little bit of

imposter syndrome, but I won't lie to you.

I have a little bit, and, uh,

but I read something not long ago that...

that just said if--if-- if something is given to you,

then you need to accept it with an open heart and an open mind,

and I just--I just appreciate it.

I really do have the best fans in the world.

I remember I was thinking about it earlier this morning.

Um, I was just trying to, like, wrap my head around today,

and, um, I remember my parents had this old hunting spotlight

that we used to take off the charger all the time,

and my sister would, uh, turn all the lights off in the house,

and she would shine the spotlight on me as I was

running back and forth across the living room,

and, uh, I just dreamed about-- I dreamed about entertaining.

I love making people feel things.

I love making people laugh and smile and cry.

I'm sorry. I like to make you cry.

Um, because I love to feel things.

Everybody--everybody loves to feel things,

and country music has given me more than I deserve,

and I appreciate everybody in this room.

My heart is so full. Um, thank you so much.

God bless every single one of y'all.

I don't even know what else to say.

[Crowd cheering]

Shelton: Oh, my God, there's Crystal Gayle

sitting right there. She's really here.

[Crowd cheering]

Hey, here's something you don't see every day.

A couple of supergroups together on the ACM Awards stage.

Rascal Flatts and Backstreet Boys.

[Crowd cheering]

-What's going on, ACM?

-[Vocalizing]

-♪ I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house ♪

♪ That don't bother me ♪

-♪ I can take a few tears now and then ♪

♪ And just let 'em out, I'm not a-- ♪

-♪ Afraid to cry ♪ -♪ Every once ♪

-♪ In a while ♪ -♪ Even though ♪

-♪ Going on ♪ -♪ With you gone ♪

-♪ Still upsets me ♪

-♪ There are days ♪ -♪ Every now ♪

-♪ And again ♪ -♪ I pretend ♪

-♪ I'm OK ♪ -♪ But that's not what gets me ♪

♪ What hurts the most ♪

♪ Was being so close ♪

-♪ And having so much to say ♪

♪ And watching you walk away ♪

-♪ And never knowing what could've been ♪

♪ And not seeing that love in you ♪

-♪ Is what I was trying to do ♪

Rascal Flatts: ♪ I almost lost my mind ♪

♪ Out on Mulholland Drive ♪

♪ Yeah, it's hard to see the view ♪

♪ All I see is you, all I see is you ♪

♪ But you give me just enough ♪

♪ Oh, dangerous to call it love ♪

♪ But you know my intentions ♪

♪ Seein' picket fences couldn't come too soon ♪

♪ Well, yeah, well, I know you're careful ♪

♪ 'Cause you been broken before ♪

♪ And you're almost there ♪

♪ And I know you wanna cross that line ♪

♪ So, I dare you ♪

♪ I dare you to love somebody like me ♪

♪ Oh, I dare you ♪

♪ I dare you to let me be your everything ♪

♪ I dare you ♪ -♪ I dare you ♪

-♪ I dare you to run and, baby, don't look back ♪

♪ I know it scares you 'cause no one prepared you ♪

-♪ So, baby, I dare you ♪ -♪ Baby, I dare you, yeah ♪

Backstreet Boys: ♪ All you people ♪

♪ Can't you see, can't you see ♪

♪ How your love's affecting our reality ♪

♪ Every time we're down, you can make it right ♪

♪ That makes you larger than life ♪

Yeah, ha ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha ha! Come on.

♪ I may run and hide ♪

♪ When you're screamin' my name, all right, ah! ♪

-♪ But let me tell you now ♪

♪ There are prices to fame, all right, yeah, yeah ♪

-♪ All of our time spent in flashes of light ♪

♪ All you people, can't you see, can't you see ♪

♪ How your love's affecting our reality ♪

♪ Every time we're down, you can make it right ♪

♪ That makes you larger than life ♪

♪ All of your time spent keeps us alive ♪

-Put your hands up, y'all. Let's go!

-♪ All you people, can't you see, can't you see ♪

♪ How your love's affecting our reality ♪

♪ Every time we're down, you can make it right ♪

♪ That makes you larger than life ♪

♪ All you people, can't you see, can't you see ♪

♪ How your love's affecting our reality ♪

♪ Every time we're down, you can make it right ♪

♪ That makes you larger than life ♪

-Yo, fellas, let's go for a drive.

-Let's go, BSB!

-Let's go for a drive, baby.

Come on. Let's go!

-[Indistinct]

-Whoo!

Whoo!

-♪ Life's like a road that you travel on ♪

♪ When there's one day here and the next day gone ♪

♪ Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand ♪

♪ Sometimes you turn your back to the wind ♪

-♪ There's a world outside every darkened door ♪

♪ Where blues won't haunt you anymore ♪

♪ Where the brave are free and lovers soar ♪

♪ Come ride with me to the distant shore ♪

-♪ We won't hesitate ♪ -♪ No ♪

-♪ To break down the garden gate ♪

♪ There's not much time left today ♪

-♪ Life is a highway ♪

♪ I wanna ride it all night long ♪

♪ And if you're goin' my way ♪

♪ Well, I wanna drive it all night long ♪

- ♪ Listen ♪

-♪ There was a distance between Brian and I ♪

-♪ Oh, between you and I ♪

-♪ A misunderstanding once ♪

-♪ But now we look it in the eye ♪

♪ Ooh, yeah ♪ -♪ Life is a highway ♪

♪ I wanna ride it all night long ♪

-♪ I'm gonna ride it all night long ♪

-♪ If you're goin' my way ♪

♪ I wanna drive it all night long ♪

-♪ Gonna drive it all night long ♪

-♪ Life is a highway ♪

♪ I wanna ride it all night long ♪

-♪ They're gonna ride it all night ♪

-♪ If you're goin' my way ♪

♪ I'm gonna drive it all night long ♪

-[Indistinct]

The Backstreet Boys [indistinct]

-We're back, y'all. [Indistinct]

-[Indistinct]

[Crowd cheering]

-Thank you!

-Whoo! -Whoo!

Thank you all for being part of

the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.

What an honor to be your host.

Here's to all of you, and to the next 60.

Good night, everybody! [Crowd cheering]

-♪ Come on ♪

-[Talking at once]

-♪ Life is a highway ♪

♪ I wanna ride it all night long ♪

-♪ Gimme gimme gimme gimme ♪

♪ If you're going my way ♪

♪ I wanna ride it all night long ♪

-♪Gimme gimme ♪

-♪ Life is a highway ♪

♪ I wanna ride it all night long ♪

-♪ Gimme gimme gimme ♪

-♪ If you're going my way. ♪

♪ I wanna drive it all night long ♪

-♪ Sing it with me ♪

-♪ There was a distance between you and I ♪

-♪ Oh, between you and I ♪

-♪A misunderstanding once ♪

♪ But now we look it in the eye ♪

-♪ Come on ♪