56th ACM Awards Program Book

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 Message from the CEO | 8 Message from the Chairman | 10 | Message from the ACM Lifting Lives® Executive Director and Chair

12 | Message from the Producers of the ACM Awards®

14 | ACM® History 18 | ACM Awards Nominees List 20 | Radio Awards Nominees

44 | Nominees: Album of the Year

22 | Entertainer of the Year Nominees

45 | Nominees: Single of the Year

32 | Nominees

46 | Nominees: Song of the Year 47 | Nominees: Video of the Year 48 | Nominees: Music Event of the Year 50 | ACM Board of Directors 53 | ACM Staff 54 | ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors 56 | Thank You 58 | Production Credits

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A LETTER FROM THE

CEO OF THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC WE COULDN’T BE MORE EXCITED THAT THE 56TH ACM AWARDS ARE BACK IN MUSIC CITY FOR ANOTHER YEAR. Not only are we returning to the home of Country Music, but we’re again coming to you from the three most beloved and revered venues of our genre, the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. When I started as CEO of the Academy in January of 2020, I would have never imagined that we would have moved from our home in Las Vegas to Nashville for two years in a row. However, I continue to be proud of the decisions being made by our ACM® Board of Directors and Staff to ensure the safety and comfort of our artists and industry.

Last year was a difficult one for our country and for the world, however Nashville had an even more unsettling 2020 that began with a tornado, followed by the closure of live music due to the pandemic, followed by a tragic downtown bombing on Christmas Day. As 2021 brings with it a new day for our industry, we will proudly showcase the vitality and resilience of this great city and our passionate industry on a national stage.

We are once again thrilled to welcome back 15-time ACM Award® winner Keith Urban to host, and also equally excited about our new host and ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee, Mickey Guyton, who will make her TV hosting debut. When our producer team watched her jaw-dropping performance of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” last September backed up by Keith on piano, it was instantly obvious that they would make the perfect co-hosts for the 2021 show.

There are so many groundbreaking nominations this year including females dominating the ACM Single of the Year category and having four Black artist nominees in a single year, as well as a female nominee in the ACM Engineer of the Year category, all of these firsts in Academy history! We are also excited to have a new director, Marcelo Gama, who is making his Country Music directorial debut drawing from his success at the helm of many large-scale TV events including the Latin Grammy Awards. It will undoubtedly be another historic year for the Academy.

A special thank you to the city of Nashville, the State of Tennessee, the ACM Board and staff, RAC Clark, and our partners at dick clark productions and ViacomCBS, and of course all of our artists and industry colleagues for making the 56th ACM Awards another landmark event!

With appreciation,

Damon Whiteside

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“As 2021 brings with it a new day for our industry, we will proudly showcase the vitality and resilience of this great city and our passionate industry on a national stage.”

City National proudly supports the

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS and congratulates all of the nominees and winners.

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A LAE TL TE ET RT EFRR OF M R O TMH ET H E

ACM CHAIRMAN WELCOME TO THE 56TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS! THE ACM BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND I ARE HONORED to bring the show back to Nashville and the city’s iconic venues, The Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe.

Along with honoring the superstars, up-and-comers, musicians, producers, songwriters, radio stations and all who make our genre what it is, the Academy has put its heartfelt efforts behind our charitable arm ACM Lifting Lives. This past year in particular Lifting Lives was more important than ever with the COVID-19 Response Fund, which provided $3.5 million in financial assistance to Country Music industry workers who lost their jobs due to the ongoing pandemic. That is an accomplishment we are all very proud of. Thank you to Lifting Lives Executive Director Lyndsay Cruz and Manager Taylor Wolf for your tireless work.

The Academy is thrilled to have superstar Keith Urban returning to the ACM Award’s stage and joining forces with the phenomenally talented Mickey Guyton as co-hosts for tonight’s show. Keith is a multi-talented worldwide ambassador for Country Music and Mickey Guyton is one of our brightest new stars. The pair wowed us all last year with an amazing musical collaboration on the 55th ACM Awards, and we look forward to seeing how they will wow us this year as co-hosts.

As we all continue to face the many difficulties that a pandemic brings, we are fortunate to have ACM CEO Damon Whiteside and our partners at dick clark productions to keep us safe as possible onsite so that we can bring this show to you tonight. I’d also like to send a thank you out to Jack Sussman and our longtime partners at CBS. A sincere thank you to the dedicated ACM staff as well as my fellow officers Lori Badgett, Chuck Aly, Carmen Romano, Gayle Holcomb, Tommy Moore and Paul Moore. Also, a big thanks to ACM Lifting Lives officers Paul Barnabee, Troy Vollhoffer, Dwight Wiles, Lorie Lytle and Taylor Wolf. We have a big night planned, so enjoy the show!

Sincerely, Ed Warm Chairman

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“This past year in particular Lifting Lives was more important than ever with the COVID-19 Response Fund, which provided $3.5 million in financial assistance to the Country Music industry workers who lost their lives due to the ongoing pandemic.”

GT L AW.COM

C O N G R A T U LA T I O N S

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES E S P E C I A L LY O U R C L I E N T S LEE BRICE BROOKS & DUNN KANE BROWN DAN + SHAY DEVIN DAWSON TRAVIS DENNING FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE JESSE FRASURE CODY JOHNSON

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Greenberg Traurig is a service mark and trade name of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. ©2021 Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Attorneys at Law. All rights reserved. Contact: Jess L. Rosen / Bobby Rosenbloum in Atlanta at 678.553.2100. °These numbers are subject to fluctuation. ¬Greenberg Traurig’s Berlin office is operated by Greenberg Traurig Germany, an affiliate of Greenberg Traurig, P.A. and Greenberg Traurig, LLP. *Operates as a separate UK registered legal entity.

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A LAE TL TE ET RT EFRR OF M R O TMH ET H E

ACM LIFTING LIVES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CHAIR ®

AT THE RISK OF THIS SOUNDING LIKE A LOVE LETTER TO THE INDUSTRY, we’ve never been more proud or humbled to be part of the Country Music family. This past year has been unprecedented at every turn and we never imagined a full year would pass without live music back out on the road. Yet, the power of music prevails as this community has rallied together to take care of one another physically, financially and emotionally. With the help of so many compassionate individuals, an impassioned Board of Directors, and generous organizations, ACM Lifting Lives® was able to disburse $3.5 million dollars to Country industry professionals who have been devasted by this pandemic over the past year. This network of bus drivers, lighting teams, musicians, tour managers, stagehands, artists, engineers and crew are our industry’s linchpins. Many are still unable to return to work so fundraising efforts for the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund are ongoing to continue supporting them.

This year also brought innovation in music therapy in ways we wouldn’t have anticipated. Our partners at Vanderbilt University Medical Center expanded their reach nationally for the ACM Lifting Lives Autism Lab using telehealth programs and hosted the 11th Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp online for those affected with the developmental disorder Williams Syndrome. Many of our grant recipients delivered music therapy virtually for the first time when faced with the restrictions of visiting their populations in person. Music didn’t stop for the pediatric hospital patients that still had “visits” from country artists through the Ryan Seacrest Foundation’s Seacrest Studios and their virtual technology. And as many music industry colleagues faced uncertainty, stress, and questions as jobs were furloughed, postponed and lost, our friends at Music Health Alliance were there to step in and support.

Thanks to many of you, music and its therapeutic power also still reached millions of people in homes across the nation and around the world. The many virtual concerts, livestream shows, online auctions, and Zoom parties kept spirits up, fans engaged, and Country Music close as we anxiously await the return of live events. With your support, we were able to leverage these happenings to raise critical money and awareness for ACM Lifting Lives. To all the artists and all of those who helped make it possible, we thank you.

We would be remiss to not acknowledge the ACM Lifting Lives Officers, the ACM Lifting Lives and ACM Board of Directors, ACM CEO Damon Whiteside and the ACM staff. You all make it possible to continue improving lives through the power of music.

To all that are Country Music, we love you.

Lyndsay Cruz Executive Director Paul Barnabee Chair, Board of Directors

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A LETTER FROM THE

PRODUCERS OF THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS A LETTER FROM THE

WE’RE THRILLED TO BE BACK IN NASHVILLE, the home of Country Music, for the 56th ACM Awards!

Last year marked the first time in its 55-year history that the show took place from Music City, and this year we return once again to broadcast from three of Nashville’s most iconic Country Music venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, the historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe.

15-time ACM® Award winner Keith Urban returns for the second consecutive year to co-host the show with New Female Artist of the Year nominee Mickey Guyton, marking her ACM Awards® hosting debut. Guyton and Urban stunned viewers last year with a powerful collaboration for Guyton’s critically acclaimed song “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” and will no doubt bring their energy and passion for Country Music to the stage as co-hosts.

Country Music’s hottest acts will rock the ACM Awards stage – from Dan + Shay to Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris & Ryan Hurd, Chris Young & Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Kenny Chesney to Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, of course our hosts Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton and many more!

You won’t want to miss all the incredible collaborations and surprises we have in store. Not to mention presentations of the most prestigious awards of the year.

Last year, we were the first live awards show to air since the start of the pandemic, setting the standard for how to safely execute a live production in the midst of a pandemic without sacrificing creativity, and this year we look forward to continuing that tradition, bringing you an evening filled with excitement and entertainment.

As always, we dedicate this show to all the Country Music fans who have endured so much over the past year. We honor your loyalty and enthusiasm for authentic storytelling through song and look forward to celebrating you and the music you love. Enjoy the show!

Sincerely, R.A. Clark, Executive Producer Amy Thurlow, Executive Producer Barry Adelman, Executive Producer Mark Bracco, Executive Producer Linda Gierahn, Executive Producer

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A BRIEF

HISTORY

IN THE HALF CENTURY SINCE ITS INCEPTION, the Academy of Country Music® has grown from a regional Southern California trade organization to a national powerhouse with its sights set on a higher purpose — IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC™ by connecting fans, artists and the industry.

Today, the ACM ® is dedicated more than ever to promoting new artists, artists on the rise and established superstars, while supporting the good work of charitable causes nationwide through ACM Lifting Lives®.

The Academy was officially founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, when performer Tommy Wiggins, songwriter Eddie Miller, and club owners Mickey and Chris Christensen teamed up with

Roger Miller and Patti Page

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THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC ®

other performers, radio and record label executives to establish the Country and Western Music Academy. Their vision was to promote Country Music in the western 13 states and to support artists based on the West Coast such as Billy Mize, Johnny Bond, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart, Jimmy Wakely and Tex Williams. In 1965, an official Board of Directors was formed, and in 1966, the Academy hosted its first official Country Music awards show honoring the industry’s accomplishments from the previous year. It was the first Country Music awards program held by a major organization, propelling Country Music into the public spotlight for the first time.

The Academy’s signature “hat” trophy was created in 1968, the same year Fran Boyd was hired as the Academy’s first paid employee. During the early 1970s, the organization changed its name from the Academy of Country and Western Music to the Academy of Country Music (ACM). The awards show hit the TV airwaves in 1972, broadcast for the first time in national syndication.

Gene Weed took over producing and directing the show in 1974, and in 1979 the Academy joined forces with dick clark productions. Dick Clark and Al Schwartz served as producers while Weed continued to direct. The Academy soon named Bill Boyd executive director, and he also served as the talent coordinator for the show.

Under their guidance, the ACM Awards® moved first to NBC and finally to CBS, where it remains today.

In 1995, Fran Boyd became executive director after her husband, Bill Boyd, passed away. After 34 years of service, Fran retired and the position went to concert promoter and longtime ACM Board Member Bob Romeo, who served in the post for 12 years. Former Grand Ole Opry General Manager Pete Fisher served as CEO from 2016–2018 and in January 2020, experienced marketing executive Damon Whiteside became the new CEO of the

Academy. A Southern California native, Whiteside’s goals for the ACM encompass several key areas of focus: television, digital, board of directors’ involvement, growth of staff and membership, and serving the industry, with a focus on diversity and inclusion as well as charitable work through ACM Lifting Lives®.

After being staged in Los Angeles since the 1960s, the ACM Awards left Southern California for the first time in 2003 and settled into Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Events Center, then moving to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 2006. In 2015, the Academy moved the show to AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ACM Awards. The show (as well as the two-day ACM Party for a Cause® Festival at Globe Life Park) sold out in 18 minutes, landing in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most attended live awards show (with more than 70,000 fans in the house). After that triumphant event, the Academy returned its show to Las Vegas from 2016 until 2019.

Then came 2020. After selling out the 55th ACM Awards and surrounding Party for a Cause events that were planned for April in Las Vegas, the coronavirus pandemic caused the closure of large live events and the Academy was forced to postpone the show for the first time ever. After an exhaustive nationwide search, the ACM moved the show to the home of Country Music and three of Nashville’s iconic venues: The Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. The 55th ACM Awards, dubbed A NIGHT OF HEART AND HITS — LIVE FROM NASHVILLE, safely allowed the Country Music industry to do what it does best, connect fans across the globe with beautiful, memorial and exciting live music. Artists may not have been performing in the same room as fans, but the music still allowed fans to feel connected within the safety of their own homes. It seemed it was just what the world and

this community needed at an unprecedented and an extremely difficult moment in history.

As 2020 came to a close and the COVID-19 pandemic continued, it was obvious that the 56th ACM Awards would most likely have to mimic the previous year’s show. Back again in Nashville for a second consecutive year, the 56th ACM Awards will broadcast live April 18, 2021, from the same three venues: The Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. With safety always at the forefront, artists, crew and anyone to step foot in the venues will be tested frequently, health screened daily and provided proper PPE. This year’s show will be co-hosted by ACM Award winner Keith Urban and ACM Award nominee Mickey Guyton.

Today, the show is still produced by dick clark productions under the direction of longtime Executive Producers Barry Adelman and Richard A. “RAC” Clark, as well as dick clark productions’ Mark Bracco and Amy Thurlow and ACM’S Damon Whiteside.

While the Academy strives to produce high-quality entertainment through the annual awards show, ACM Honors™ in Nashville and other network specials, the annual ACM Party for a Cause events, which serve a dual purpose as fundraisers for the Academy’s charitable arm, are on hold this year due to the ongoing pandemic. ACM Lifting Lives improves lives through the power of music by funding music therapy programs, as well as supporting those in the music industry hit with unexpected and catastrophic expenses through the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund and ACM Lifting Lives COVID19 Response Fund. To date, the COVID-19 Fund has distributed $3.5 million to members of the Country Music industry who have lost jobs during the live events shutdown. ●

Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty

Charlie Daniels and Ernest Tubb

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Left to right: Vice President, Mary Wick, & CEO/Founder, Dr. Kari Lopez

NOMINEES ALBUM OF THE YE AR Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/ Record Company–Label(s)

Born Here Live Here Die Here

Luke Bryan PRODUCERS: Jeff Stevens / Jody Stevens RECORD LABEL:

Nashville

Capitol Records

Mixtape Vol. 1

Kane Brown PRODUCERS: Andrew Goldstein / Charlie Handsome / Dann Huff / Lindsay Rimes RECORD LABEL:

RCA Nashville

Never Will

Nashville

Warner Music

Brothers Osborne PRODUCER: Jay Joyce

Nashville

EMI Records

Starting Over

Chris Stapleton PRODUCERS: Chris Stapleton / Dave Cobb RECORD LABEL:

Mercury Nashville

SINGLE OF THE YE AR Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/ Record Company–Label(s)

“Bluebird”

Miranda Lambert PRODUCER: Jay Joyce

RECORD LABEL: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville

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RECORD LABEL:

Nashville

Warner Music

Carly Pearce & Lee Brice PRODUCER: busbee

RECORD LABELS: Big Machine Records / Curb Records

“More Hearts Than Mine”

Ingrid Andress PRODUCERS: Ingrid Andress / Sam Ellis

Nashville

Warner Music

“The Bones”

Maren Morris PRODUCER: Greg Kurstin

Nashville

Columbia

SONG OF THE YE AR Awarded to Songwriter(s)/ Publisher(s)/Artist(s)

“Bluebird”

Miranda Lambert WRITERS: Luke Dick / Miranda Lambert / Natalie Hemby

Emileon Songs / Little Louder Songs / Pink Dog Publishing / Songs of Universal, INC / Sony ATV Tree Publishing / Wrucke for You Publishing PUBLISHERS:

“One Night Standards”

Ashley McBryde WRITERS: Ashley McBryde / Nicolette Hayford / Shane McAnally

Canned Biscuit Songs / Smackworks Music / Smack Blue, LLC / Smackstreet Music / Tempo Investments / Warner Geo Met Ric Music / WarnerTamerlane Publishing Corp PUBLISHERS:

“I Hope You’re Happy Now”

RECORD LABEL:

Skeletons

RECORD LABEL:

Gabby Barrett PRODUCERS: Ross Copperman / Zach Kale

RECORD LABEL:

Ashley McBryde PRODUCER: Jay Joyce RECORD LABEL:

“I Hope”

“Some People Do”

Old Dominion WRITERS: Jesse Frasure / Matt Ramsey / Thomas Rhett / Shane McAnally

PUBLISHERS: Carrot Seed Songs / EMI Blackwood Music INC / Smackville Music / Songs of ROC Nation / Telemitry Rhythm House Music / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp / Smack Hits; Tempo Investments / Warner Gro Met Ric Music

“Starting Over”

Chris Stapleton WRITERS: Chris Stapleton / Mike Henderson

I Wrote These Songs / Straight Six Music / WC Music Corp PUBLISHERS:

“The Bones”

Maren Morris Jimmy Robbins / Maren Morris / Laura Veltz WRITERS:

PUBLISHERS: Big Machine Music, LLC / Extraordinary Alien Publishing / International Dog Music / Oh Denise Publishing / Round Hill Songs / WarnerTamerlane Publishing Corp.

VIDEO OF THE YE AR Awarded to Producer(s)/ Director(s)/Artist(s)

“Better Than We Found It”

Maren Morris DIRECTOR: Gabrielle Woodland

PRODUCERS: Sarah Kunin / Jennifer Pepke

“Bluebird”

Miranda Lambert DIRECTOR: Trey Fanjoy PRODUCER: Heather

Levenstone

“Gone”

Dierks Bentley DIRECTORS: Wes Edwards / Ed Pryor / Travis Nicholson / Running Bear and Sam Siske, with animation by Skylar Wilson PRODUCERS: Lora

Criner / Wilson

“Hallelujah”

Carrie Underwood and John Legend DIRECTOR: Randee St. Nicholas PRODUCER: Grant

Jue

“Worldwide Beautiful” Kane Brown DIRECTOR: Alex Alvga PRODUCER: Christen

Pinkston

SONGWRITER OF THE YE AR Ashley Gorley HARDY Hillary Lindsey Shane McAnally Josh Osborne

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Luke Bryan Eric Church Luke Combs Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

STUDIO RECORDING ARTIST

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

BAS S PL AYER OF THE YE AR

SPECIALT Y INS TRUMENT PL AYER OF THE YE AR

J.T. Cure

(Tie Within Category Increased Nominees)

Kelsea Ballerini Miranda Lambert Ashley McBryde Maren Morris Carly Pearce

MUSIC E VENT OF THE YE AR (Tie Within Category Increased Nominees)

Dierks Bentley Eric Church Luke Combs Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton

Awarded to Artist(s)/ Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)

“Be A Light”

Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban PRODUCER: Dann Huff RECORD LABEL: The

Valory Music Co.

“Does To Me”

Luke Combs featuring Eric Church PRODUCER: Scott Moffatt RECORD LABEL: River

House Artists / Columbia Nashville

“I Hope You’re Happy Now” Carly Pearce & Lee Brice PRODUCER: busbee RECORD LABELS: Big

Machine Records / Curb Records

“Nobody But You”

Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani PRODUCER: Scott Hendricks RECORD LABEL: Warner

Nashville

Music

“One Beer”

HARDY featuring Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson PRODUCERS: Derek Wells / Joey Moi RECORD LABEL: Big

Loud Records

“One Too Many”

Keith Urban, P!nk PRODUCERS: Cutfather / Dan McCarroll / Keith Urban / PhD RECORD LABEL: Capitol

Nashville

DUO OF THE YEAR

Brooks & Dunn Brothers Osborne Dan + Shay Florida Georgia Line Maddie & Tae

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Lady A Little Big Town Old Dominion The Cadillac Three The Highwomen

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Ingrid Andress Tenille Arts Gabby Barrett Mickey Guyton Caylee Hammack

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Jimmie Allen Travis Denning HARDY Cody Johnson Parker McCollum

Mark Hill Tony Lucido Steve Mackey Glenn Worf

DRUMMER OF THE YE AR Fred Eltringham Evan Hutchings Derek Mixon Jerry Roe Aaron Sterling

GUITAR PL AYER OF THE YE AR J.T. Corenflos Kris Donegan Jedd Hughes Ilya Toshinskiy Derek Wells

PIANO/KE YS PL AYER OF THE YE AR Dave Cohen David Dorn Charlie Judge Mike Rojas Benmont Tench

Alicia Enstrom Jim Hoke Danny Rader Mickey Raphael Ilya Toshinskiy Kristin Wilkinson

S TEEL GUITAR PL AYER OF THE YE AR Spencer Cullum Dan Dugmore Mike Johnson Russ Pahl Justin Schipper

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YE AR Jeff Balding Jason Hall Gena Johnson Vance Powell F. Reid Shippen

PRODUCER OF THE YE AR Buddy Cannon Dave Cobb Dann Huff Jay Joyce Joey Moi

Records

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NOMINEES ACM RADIO AWARDS NATIONAL ON-AIR PERSONALIT Y OF THE YE AR

ON-AIR PERSONALIT Y OF THE YE AR

ON-AIR PERSONALIT Y OF THE YE AR

R ADIO S TATION OF THE YE AR

(Large Market)

(Small Market)

(Major Market)

Big D and Bubba Show Big D, Bubba, Patrick Thomas, Carsen

Lexi & Banks Lexi Papadopoulos and Jared Banks KUBL-FM (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Barrett, Fox & Berry Bill Barrett, Tim Fox and Tracy Berry KKNU-FM (Eugene, Ore.)

KKBQ-FM – Houston, Texas

Dave & Deb Dave Gunderson and Deb Turpin KSOP-FM (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning ‘Dr.’ Shane Collins and Tess Connell WPAP-FM (Panama City, Fla.)

CMT After MidNite Cody Alan American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks Kix Brooks The Crook & Chase Countdown Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase Morning Koffy Paul Koffy, Jasmine Sadry and Josh Jensen

ON-AIR PERSONALIT Y OF THE YE AR (Major Market)

Broadway WDRQ-FM (Detroit, Mich.)

Chris Carr & Company Chris Carr, Kia Becht and McKaila Poppen KEEY-FM (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Obie & Ashley Obie Diaz and Ashley Morrison WWKA-FM (Orlando, Fla.) The Wake Up Call Kelli Green and David Bugenske KFRG-FM (Riverside/ San Bernardino, Calif.)

ON-AIR PERSONALIT Y OF THE YE AR

Erin and Matt In The Morning Erin Hart and Matt Sharp KATI-FM (Jefferson City, Mo.) Steve, Ben and Nikki Steve Stroud, Ben Walker and Nikki Thomas WXBQ-FM (Bristol, Va.) The Philip Gibbons Show Philip Gibbons WGSQ-FM (Cookeville, Tenn.)

KSON-FM – San Diego, Calif.

WKLB-FM – Boston, Mass.

WXTU-FM – Philadelphia, Pa.

R ADIO S TATION OF THE YE AR (Large Market)

KSOP-FM – Salt Lake City, Utah KNCI-FM – Sacramento, Calif.

WDSY-FM – Pittsburgh, Pa. WSIX-FM – Nashville, Tenn.

WQDR-FM – Raleigh, N.C.

R ADIO S TATION OF THE YE AR (Medium Market)

KSKS-FM – Fresno, Calif.

KUZZ-AM/FM – Bakersfield, Calif.

(Medium Market)

KXKT-FM – Omaha, Neb.

Buzz Jackson KIIM-FM (Tucson, Ariz.)

WHKO-FM – Dayton, Ohio WIVK-FM – Knoxville, Tenn.

Double-L Lois Lewis KNIX-FM (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Geoff Emery KUZZ AM/FM (Bakersfield, Calif.)

R ADIO S TATION OF THE YE AR

Tanner in the Morning Rob Tanner, Catherine Lane, Chris Allen and Captain Jim WSOC-FM (Charlotte, N.C.)

Mo & StyckMan WUSY-FM (Chattanooga, Tenn.)

KATI-FM – Jefferson City, Mo.

The Morning Bull George, Mo and Cowboy Dave KILT-FM (Houston, Texas)

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Mad Dawg WQDR-FM (Raleigh, N.C.)

KNIX-FM – Phoenix, Ariz.

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Scott & Sarah in the Morning Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay WQMX-FM (Akron, Ohio) Steve Lundy & Gina Melton KXKT-FM (Omaha, Neb.)

(Small Market)

KCLR-FM – Columbia, Mo. KKNU-FM – Eugene, Ore. WCOW-FM – Sparta, Wis. WXBQ-FM – Bristol, Va.

Savannah Palmore & Matthew Charley

Studio Seven Productions/NM

s a m sv i ll e

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ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

LUKE BRYAN LUKE BRYAN IS FEELING THE LOVE FROM COUNTRY RADIO WITH HIS NEW ALBUM , Born Here, Live Here, Die Here. The project includes four No. 1 hits: “Knockin’ Boots,” “What She Wants Tonight,” “One Margarita” and “Down to One.” He’s now carried 24 singles to the top of Billboard’s Country airplay chart. In February, the album scored gold, and by year’s end, the video for “One Margarita” earned him a CMT Music Award. Meanwhile, 2020 brought numerous RIAA certifications, including six-times platinum for “Play It Again,” his third single to reach that landmark. In addition, “That’s My Kind of Night” and “I Don’t Want This Night to End” rose to five-times platinum, with “Kick the Dust Up” and “Drink a Beer” marking triple-platinum. Bryan has been named ACM® Entertainer of the Year twice (2012, 2014) and Crash My Party received the ACM Album of the Decade award in 2019.

He accepted the ACM Gene Weed Special Achievement Award in 2015 for selling 1.7 million tickets and charting six No. 1 singles from Crash My Party. Additional ACM wins include two Vocal Event trophies, New Artist and New Solo Vocalist.

Bryan grew up in Leesburg, Ga., as the son of a peanut farmer. He honors his rural roots through Farm Tour concerts in smaller communities, raising money to provide scholarships to area students. His new single is “Drink A Little Whiskey Down,” from a deluxe edition of Born Here, Live Here, Die Here. This is his ninth consecutive Entertainer of the Year nomination.

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ALSO NOMINATED FOR

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

ENTERTAINER

OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

ERIC CHURCH ERIC CHURCH’S CAREER IS A TESTIMONY TO THE POWER OF COUNTRY FANS. By building his audience through small clubs all the way up to arenas, he is one of the genre’s most visible stars. Earlier this year, he delivered the national anthem with Jazmine Sullivan at the Super Bowl. He placed his ninth No. 1 single in 2020 with a featured performance on Luke Combs’ “Does to Me.” That followed his own chart-topping hit, “Some of It,” from the gold-certified album Desperate Man. Church won his first ACM trophy as New Solo Vocalist for 2010. Other trophies include Album (Chief), Vocal Event (“The Only Way I Know”) and Video (“Mr. Misunderstood”). He received the 2014 Jim Reeves International Award to recognize his extensive European tour and the 2016 Merle Haggard Spirit Award to salute his uncompromising musical vision. His 2020 certifications include triple-platinum for “Drink in My Hand” and double-platinum for “Talladega.” Other career-defining hits include “Springsteen,” “Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Record Year” and “Give Me Back My Hometown.” His latest project is a triple album, Heart & Soul, introduced with the singles “Stick That in Your Country Song” (on Heart) and “Hell of a View” (on Soul). One of the albums (simply titled &) will be available only on vinyl, exclusively to his longtime fan club, The Church Choir. A 10-time Grammy Award nominee, Church was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2015. This is his third ACM Entertainer of the Year nomination.

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ALSO NOMINATED FOR

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

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ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

LUKE COMBS LUKE COMBS IS ONE OF VERY FEW ARTISTS TO CLAIM A DOUBLE-PLATINUM ALBUM CERTIFICATION IN 2021. What You See Is What You Get achieved that distinction in January on the strength of five No. 1 hits: “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “Even Though I’m Leaving,” “Does to Me” (featuring Eric Church), “Lovin’ on You” and “Better Together.” With these singles, Combs extends the record of his first 10 radio releases rising to No. 1. Combs made history in 2019 as his outstanding debut album, This One’s For You, tied the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country album chart. What You See Is What You Get arrived at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in November 2019. In addition, “Beautiful Crazy” spent seven weeks at No. 1 at Country radio, the longest of any song in the 2010s.

“When It Rains, It Pours,” “Beautiful Crazy” and “Hurricane” have been certified quadruple-platinum status, while “One Number Away” and “She Got the Best of Me” are double-platinum. The North Carolina native was born in Charlotte, grew up in Asheville and attended Appalachian State University in Boone. In college, Combs noted the way ASU graduate Eric Church built his music career.

As a result, Combs focused on writing songs, taught himself to play guitar with online tabs and won over fans one show at a time. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 2019. His new single is “Forever After All.” This is his second Entertainer of the Year nomination.

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ALSO NOMINATED FOR

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

CHRIS STAPLETON CHRIS STAPLETON, THE ACM ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE DECADE, COMMANDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION WHEN HE SINGS — and that rugged baritone has brought him international stardom and innumerable accolades. His latest collection, Starting Over, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country album chart in November, and its title track became his fourth Top 10 hit at Country radio earlier this year. His RIAA certifications stacked up in 2020 as well, with “Tennessee Whiskey” reaching seven-times platinum and “Fire Away” earning double-platinum. Recognizing his breakout in 2015, Stapleton won four ACM categories: Album (Traveller), Song (“Nobody to Blame”), Male Vocalist and New Male Vocalist. Two years later, he returned to accept trophies for the album From A Room: Volume 1 and his second Male Vocalist award. He continued that momentum in 2019 with the platinum “Millionaire” and collaborations with Sheryl Crow, P!nk, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars, and Justin Timberlake. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Stapleton lodged his first-ever No. 1 single at Country radio, “Broken Halos,” in 2018. On screen, he’s made a cameo on Game of Thrones, filmed a video for “Second One to Know” using only Legos and contributed a song to “Toy Story 4.” Stapleton grew up in eastern Kentucky. His father was a coal miner who introduced his son to a diverse array of music — and those sounds of outlaw Country and soul music seeped in.

He and his wife, Morgane Stapleton, oversee the charitable fund Outlaw State of Kind. This is his third ACM Entertainer of the Year nomination.

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ALSO NOMINATED FOR

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR ALBUM OF THE YEAR (ARTIST AND PRODUCER)

SONG OF THE YEAR (ARTIST AND SONGWRITER)

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ENTERTAINER

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ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

THOMAS RHETT THOMAS RHETT, A REIGNING ACM ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR (he and Carrie Underwood shared the distinction in a historic tie last year), offered a beacon of hope in 2020 with “Be a Light,” an all-star collaboration that became his 18th Top 10 hit in September. Meanwhile he’s also credited as a songwriter on Old Dominion’s “Some People Do.” In addition, he gifted fans with a few Christmas songs and a rousing chart-topping duet with Jon Pardi, “Beer Can’t Fix.” That feel-good tune, which became his ninth consecutive No. 1 hit in May, comes from the gold-certified album Center Point Road. Named for the street he grew up on, Center Point Road debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, set a record for the biggest streaming debut week for a Country album and secured a Grammy nomination. The collection also includes “Look What God Gave Her” and “Remember You Young,” with the latter winning ACM Video of the Year and achieving gold status last year. Born in Valdosta, Ga., but raised just outside of Nashville, Thomas Rhett is also a two-time recipient of the ACM Male Artist of the Year. He landed a six-times platinum certification for “Die a Happy Man,” a romantic ballad that spent six weeks at No. 1 at Country radio, earned a Grammy nomination, and led to ACM Awards® for Single and Song of the Year. The first half of a double-sided album, Country Again: Side A, lands in April, with the nostalgic new single, “What’s Your Country Song.” This is his second Entertainer of the Year nomination.

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ALSO NOMINATED FOR

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR SONG OF THE YEAR MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

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2021 NOMINEES

LAUREN ALAINA

NOMINATED FOR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Lauren Alaina is on the A-list when it comes to Country’s top collaborators. In 2020 she returned to No. 1 with “One Beer,” recorded with HARDY and Devin Dawson. She’s also partnered with Jon Pardi on “Getting Over Him” and Trisha Yearwood on “Getting Good.” She collected her first ACM® trophy as the 2017 New Female Vocalist of the Year, following the No. 1 singles “What Ifs” with Kane Brown and “Road Less Traveled.”

INGRID NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR ANDRESS• SINGLE OF THE YEAR X2 NOMINATED FOR

Ingrid Andress speaks her truth in her breakout debut single, “More Hearts Than Mine.” The poignant ballad comes from her personal experience of introducing a new boyfriend to her family, yet the emotions are universal. As her first Top 5 hit, “More Hearts Than Mine” serves as a cornerstone of her Grammy-nominated album, Lady Like. The Highlands Ranch, Colo., native released a stunning music video for “The Stranger” in 2020.

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JIMMIE ALLEN

NOMINATED FOR

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Jimmie Allen journeyed to No. 1 with his first two singles: “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To.” Both are found on his debut album, Mercury Lane, a nod to his roots in Milton, Del. In 2020 he offered a collaborative EP titled Bettie James, named for his grandmother and father. Guests include Noah Cyrus on “This Is Us,” Nelly on “Good Times Roll” and Brad Paisley on “Freedom Was a Highway.”

TENILLE ARTS

NOMINATED FOR

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Tenille Arts is introducing herself to Country listeners with “Somebody Like That,” an uplifting and optimistic single from her new album, Love, Heartbreak, & Everything in Between.

The Saskatchewan native first made her way to Nashville as a teenager, after attracting interest through posting cover songs online. After high school graduation, she returned to pursue her dream. She wrote or co-wrote every song on Love, Heartbreak, & Everything in Between.

2021 NOMINEES

KELSEA BALLERINI

NOMINATED FOR

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Kelsea Ballerini added to her accolades in 2020 with two complementary albums, numerous RIAA certifications and an anthem for wine drinkers everywhere. The Tennessee native issued kelsea early in the year, followed by the scaled-back ballerini in September. Meanwhile, “Miss Me More” ascended to double-platinum, trailed by platinum plaques for “homecoming queen?,” “Yeah Boy” and her debut album, The First Time. “Hole in the Bottle” reached gold in January.

DIERKS MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR BENTLEY• VIDEO OF THE YEAR NOMINATED FOR

Dierks Bentley is back with “Gone,” following a hot streak of radio mainstays like “Living,” “Burning Man” and “Woman, Amen.” Bentley grabbed his first ACM Award® as 2003’s New Artist due to his irresistible No. 1 debut single, “What Was I Thinkin’?” He’s since accumulated 17 chart-topping hits. In recognition of his singular talent, Bentley accepted the ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award in 2018. In October, “Living” became his seventh platinum single.

GABBY NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR BARRETT• SINGLE OF THE YEAR NOMINATED FOR

Gabby Barrett blasted onto the airwaves with “I Hope,” a Country smash with major crossover appeal. Barrett grew up near Pittsburgh, and started performing in public at 9 years old, encouraged by her father who overheard her singing Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” At 17, she earned a spot on “American Idol,” ultimately placing third. As the lead single from her debut album, Goldmine, “I Hope” rose to quadrupleplatinum in January.

LEE BRICE

NOMINATED FOR

SINGLE OF THE YEAR MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Lee Brice landed at No. 1 twice in 2020. First, he joined Carly Pearce on “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” then soon returned with “One of Them Girls.” The latter set up Brice’s longawaited fifth album, Hey World. The South Carolina native has collected ACM Awards for Single of the Year (“I Don’t Dance”) and Song of the Year (“I Drive Your Truck” and Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl”).

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2021 NOMINEES

BROOKS & DUNN

NOMINATED FOR

DUO OF THE YEAR

Brooks & Dunn, the only duo to win the ACM Triple Crown Award, dominated Country radio for two decades, starting with 1991’s “Brand New Man.” In addition to being named ACM Entertainer of the Year three times, they have won the Duo of the Year category 16 times. Brooks & Dunn are recipients of the 2018 ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019.

KANE BROWN

NOMINATED FOR

ALBUM OF THE YEAR • VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Kane Brown secured his fifth No. 1 single at Country radio in 2020 with “Homesick,” then ushered in a new era with Mixtape, Vol. 1. The ambitious project blended numerous genres while still appealing to Country fans with the breezy single “Cool Again.” In addition, the cinematic “Worldwide Beautiful” video managed to be futuristic and apocalyptic at the same time.

Brown lends his talent to musical hero Chris Young’s new single, “Famous Friends.”

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BROTHERS OF THE YEAR OSBORNE • DUO • ALBUM OF THE YEAR NOMINATED FOR

Brothers Osborne revived their fan base in 2020 with Skeletons and tapped into their famous live energy for its lead single, “All Night.” Picking up momentum from their 2016 breakout hit, “Stay a Little Longer,” they accepted back-to-back Duo trophies. They have also earned Video of the Year for “It Ain’t My Fault” and a Music Event win for “Burning Man” with Dierks Bentley. This is their seventh consecutive nomination for Duo of the Year.

DAN + SHAY

NOMINATED FOR

DUO OF THE YEAR

Dan + Shay, the reigning ACM Duo of the Year, have reached the status of arena headliners with a winning blend of romantic songwriting, emotional delivery and a strong bond of friendship. They broadened their audience beyond Country listeners with impassioned tracks like “Tequila,” “Speechless,” “All to Myself” and especially “10,000 Hours,” a collaboration with Justin Bieber. A 2020 hit single, “I Should Probably Go to Bed,” earned gold status in January.

2021 NOMINEES

DEVIN DAWSON

NOMINATED FOR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Devin Dawson won his first ACM Award, as a songwriter, when Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country” picked up the 2019 Single of the Year trophy. However, the California native first gained ACM attention through his own debut single, “All on Me,” which prompted a nomination for 2017 New Male Vocalist of the Year.

Following the No. 1 success of his collaboration with HARDY, “One Beer,” Dawson released The Pink Slip EP in January.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE

NOMINATED FOR

DUO OF THE YEAR

Florida Georgia Line are one of Country’s most successful duos ever. Together, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley have racked up 14 No. 1 hits. They released the album Life Rolls On in February, featuring “I Love My Country” and “Long Live.” Along with three Duo of the Year wins, their career ACM Awards include Breakout Artist of the Decade, Single of the Decade for “Cruise” and Music Event of the Decade for “Meant to Be.”

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TRAVIS DENNING

NOMINATED FOR

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Travis Denning set a Billboard record in June when “After a Few” finally reached No. 1 with a 65-week climb. A native of Warner Robins, Ga., Denning first gravitated toward heavy metal. He learned guitar when he was 11 and played in local bars as a 16-year-old. At 21, he moved to Nashville and networked at songwriter nights, soon landing a publishing deal and recording contract. His debut EP is Beer’s Better Cold.

ASHLEY GORLEY

NOMINATED FOR

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Ashley Gorley is clearly in tune with Country radio, with more than 50 of his compositions rising to No. 1. His recent catalog encompasses Lee Brice’s “One of Them Girls” and Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young,” as well as major hits by Dierks Bentley, Chris Janson, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Dustin Lynch and Brett Young. The Kentucky native was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 2020, marking his eighth time to win.

2021 NOMINEES

MICKEY GUYTON

NOMINATED FOR

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Mickey Guyton made a major media impression in 2020 with “Black Like Me.” The poignant single allowed her to share her experiences while showcasing her exquisite voice. It also secured her a Grammy nomination. A Texas native, Guyton grew up surrounded by Country Music and launched her career in 2015 with “Better Than You Left Me.” Her 2020 EP, Bridges, includes the singles “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” and “Heaven Down Here.”

HARDY

NOMINATED FOR

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Michael Hardy makes it look easy. His songwriting credits include Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” which was named 2019 ACM Single of the Year, as well as cuts with Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane and Jameson Rodgers. As an artist, known professionally as HARDY, he topped the Billboard country airplay chart in 2020 with “One Beer,” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson. That track is on his all-star compilation, Hixtape Vol. 1.

CAYLEE HAMMACK

NOMINATED FOR

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Caylee Hammack unveiled her debut album, If It Wasn’t For You, in June, and notably co-wrote and co-produced every track. In early 2020, “Family Tree” became her first Top 40 country single. Growing up in Ellaville, Ga., Hammack began writing songs as a teenager and moved to Nashville at 19. She is among the featured guests on Miranda Lambert’s “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” the 2019 ACM Music Event of the Year.

CODY JOHNSON

NOMINATED FOR

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Cody Johnson sailed past 1 billion career streams in 2020, almost exactly one year after releasing his major label debut album, Ain’t Nothin’ to It. That project debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country album chart, a testament to his fan base as well as the powerful lead single, “On My Way to You.” Drawing on his professional background in rodeo, Johnson concluded the year with “Dear Rodeo,” a duet with Reba McEntire.

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2021 NOMINEES

LADY A

NOMINATED FOR

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Lady A uncorked the bubbly in January as “Champagne Night” became the band’s 11th No. 1 Country single. The band reworked the song after its appearance on the network series “Songland,” then added it to a deluxe edition of their newest album, Ocean. The track reached gold status in January as well. It’s the second chart-topping single from Ocean, with “What If I Never Get Over You” reaching the pinnacle in 2020.

JOHN LEGEND

NOMINATED FOR

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

John Legend is indeed a legend when it comes to award shows. He is the first Black man to reach EGOT status, by earning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. He secured a gold single in January with “Conversations in the Dark,” while his signature smash, “All of Me,” soared to 13-times platinum.

Along with guesting on Carrie Underwood’s “Hallelujah,” he collaborated with Kane Brown on “ACM Presents: Our Country.”

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MIRANDA LAMBERT

NOMINATED FOR

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR SINGLE OF THE YEAR SONG OF THE YEAR X2 VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Miranda Lambert has collected more ACM Awards than any other artist in history, with 35 wins. The Lindale, Texas, native is a nine-time ACM Female Vocalist winner and a five-time recipient of the ACM Album of the Year. In 2019, “The House That Built Me” was named ACM Song of the Decade. She perched at No. 1 at Country radio in July with the charming single, “Bluebird” from her latest album, Wildcard.

HILLARY LINDSEY

NOMINATED FOR

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Hillary Lindsey is one of Nashville’s most versatile songwriters, crafting material for artists ranging from Miranda Lambert to Lady Gaga. She won her third Grammy in 2020 for co-writing “I’ll Never Love Again” for “A Star Is Born.” Her recent credits include Kelsea Ballerini’s “Hole in the Bottle,” Luke Bryan’s “What She Wants Tonight” and “Knockin’ Boots,” and Mickey Guyton’s “Heaven Down Here.” She is the ACM reigning Songwriter of the Year.

2021 NOMINEES

LITTLE BIG TOWN

NOMINATED FOR

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Little Big Town illuminated the Country scene in 2020 with Nightfall, a compelling collection with singles such as “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey.” Produced by the band, Nightfall debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country albums chart. Perhaps their most mesmerizing hit, “Girl Crush” reached five-times platinum in August. This is their 15th nomination in the Group of the Year category, an award they have won four times.

SHANE McANALLY

NOMINATED FOR

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR SONG OF THE YEAR X2

MADDIE & TAE

NOMINATED FOR

DUO OF THE YEAR

Maddie & Tae share their beautiful harmony and heartfelt lyrics on their No. 1 platinum single, “Die From a Broken Heart.”

The bittersweet song became a cornerstone of their second album, The Way It Feels, released in April 2020. By year’s end, they wrapped up a holiday EP, We Need Christmas. Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye first glided to No. 1 in 2014 with the modern classic, “Girl in a Country Song.”

ASHLEY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR McBRYDE• ALBUM OF THE YEAR NOMINATED FOR

SONG OF THE YEAR X2 Shane McAnally, a two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year, taps into the emotions that Country Music is known for, while still creating huge hits at radio. Some of his 2020 compositions include Sam Hunt’s “Hard to Forget,” Lady A’s “Champagne Night,” Ashley McBryde’s “One Night Standards” and Old Dominion’s “Some People Do.” He founded the music publishing company SMACKSongs in 2012 and serves as producer and mentor of the network series “Songland.”

Ashley McBryde is seeing her creative vision pay off, as she notched two gold singles in 2020: “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” and “One Night Standards.” The latter is her biggest radio single yet, while its music video set in motion a surprising cinematic trilogy. Her 2020 album Never Will led to her fourth career Grammy nomination and a performance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” She will release a live EP in May.

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2021 NOMINEES

PARKER McCOLLUM

NOMINATED FOR

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Parker McCollum grew his fan base well beyond his native Texas with “Pretty Heart.” The heartbreak song, which he co-wrote, rose to No. 1 at radio in December and achieved platinum status this year. McCollum grew up in Conroe and now lives in Austin. He gravitated toward songwriting and playing guitar as a teenager and cites George Strait and John Mayer as his two biggest influences. His new EP is titled Hollywood Gold.

REBA McENTIRE

NOMINATED FOR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Reba McEntire has now been nominated for ACM Awards in five consecutive decades, this year due to her guest appearance on Thomas Rhett’s “Be a Light.” The 1994 ACM Entertainer of the Year, a seven-time Female Vocalist winner and a frequent host, this ambitious Oklahoma native is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. With perennial interest in her catalog, she received a platinum certification in 2020 for her signature hit, “Fancy.”

NOMINATED FOR

MAREN MORRIS

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR SINGLE OF THE YEAR SONG OF THE YEAR X2 VIDEO OF THE YEAR GROUP OF THE YEAR The Highwomen

Maren Morris, the reigning ACM Female Artist of the Year, notched her fourth No. 1 single in February with “The Bones,” an inescapable single that also crossed over to pop radio.

The track rose to triple-platinum status in September and its corresponding album, GIRL, earned gold status. A popular collaborator, Morris has recorded with Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and her husband Ryan Hurd. She is also a member of The Highwomen.

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OLD GROUP OF THE YEAR DOMINION• SONG OF THE YEAR NOMINATED FOR

Old Dominion, the ACM Group of the Year for the past three years, delivered three successful singles from their newest album, simply titled Old Dominion. “Make It Sweet” and “One Man Band” both reached No. 1 at Country radio, while “Some People Do” is up for ACM Song of the Year. Old Dominion collected the 2019 Song of the Year trophy for “One Man Band,” which went platinum in early 2020.

2021 NOMINEES

JOSH OSBORNE

NOMINATED FOR

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Josh Osborne continues to find outstanding success in Country Music, co-writing hits like Sam Hunt’s “Hard to Forget,” Old Dominion’s “One Man Band,” Darius Rucker’s “Beer and Sunshine,” and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere.” He’s also placed cuts with Gabby Barrett, Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts. A portion of the Country Music Highway near his hometown of Virgie, Ky., is named in his honor.

P!NK

NOMINATED FOR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Pink returns to the ACM ballot this year for “One Too Many,” her potent collaboration with Keith Urban. She has earned massive pop success with singles like “So What,” “Raise Your Glass” and “Just Give Me a Reason.” She earned a platinum certification in 2020 for her single, “Walk Me Home,” and has won three Grammy Awards. P!nk landed her first ACM nomination for “Setting the World on Fire” with Kenny Chesney.

CARLY PEARCE

NOMINATED FOR

• FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR • SINGLE OF THE YEAR • MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Carly Pearce embraced the ‘90s Country sound she grew up on for her second No. 1, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” a duet with Lee Brice. It’s a cornerstone of her self-titled second album, released on Valentine’s Day in 2020. Pearce grew up in Kentucky and moved to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., when she was 16 to perform at Dollywood. Her powerful debut single, “Every Little Thing,” climbed to No. 1 in 2017.

HILLARY SCOTT

NOMINATED FOR

GROUP OF THE YEAR Lady A MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Hillary Scott joins Thomas Rhett on “Be a Light,” a reflective song that complements her own solo recordings. Scott won Grammy Awards in Contemporary Christian categories for her 2016 album, Love Remains, and its single, “Thy Will.” And like Rhett, she grew up with a parent who’s quite familiar to Country fans — in her case, Linda Davis. Scott is also a member of Lady A, nominated for Group of the Year.

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2021 NOMINEES

BLAKE SHELTON

NOMINATED FOR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Blake Shelton scored two No. 1 singles in 2020, both of them recorded with his fiancée, Gwen Stefani. First, “Nobody But You” ascended the chart after appearing on his 2019 goldcertified compilation, Fully Loaded: God’s Country. By year’s end, the couple encored with “Happy Anywhere.” Meanwhile, in July, “God’s Country” became Shelton’ fourth triple-platinum single. The Oklahoma native has now charted 28 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Country airplay chart. He continues his charming run as a coach on the singing competition show “The Voice.”

THE CADILLAC THREE

NOMINATED FOR

GROUP OF THE YEAR

The Cadillac Three cranked up the Country Fuzz in 2020, with that album arriving in February. By year’s end, the band also served up Tabasco & Sweet Tea, a funk-inspired project. While off the road, they spearheaded a fundraising drive for Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville with a streaming series featuring multiple musical guests. Their gold-certified breakout single, “The South,” earned a 2014 ACM nomination for Vocal Event of the Year.

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GWEN STEFANI

NOMINATED FOR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Gwen Stefani gave notice that she knows how to deliver a Country smash, no doubt. With her fiancé Blake Shelton, the “Hollaback Girl” star sent two singles to No. 1 at Country radio: “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere.” In addition, the cute couple received a gold certification for their 2017 track, “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.” Listen for the pop sensation on Dua Lipa’s “Physical.” This is Stefani’s first ACM nomination.

THE HIGHWOMEN

NOMINATED FOR

GROUP OF THE YEAR

The Highwomen attained a No. 1 debut on Billboard’s Country album chart, achieved through excellent reviews, high-profile TV appearances and the dedicated fan bases of its four members. The self-titled project delivers original songwriting by each of the artists — Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires — and compositions like “Crowded Table” serve as a statement of inclusion. The supergroup performed at Newport Folk Festival in 2019.

2021 NOMINEES

CHRIS TOMLIN

NOMINATED FOR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

Chris Tomlin, one of Christian music’s most popular stars, crossed over to Country Music in 2020 as a featured guest on Thomas Rhett’s “Be a Light.” His newest album, Chris Tomlin & Friends, offers collaborations with numerous Country artists. The Texas native has charted 10 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Christian airplay chart, with platinum singles such as “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies),” “Good Good Father” and “Our God.”

KEITH URBAN

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

NOMINATED FOR

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Carrie Underwood, a reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and a Triple Crown Award winner, is one of Country Music’s most prominent ambassadors. In 2020, she presented a Christmas album, My Gift, with a special appearance from John Legend.

And in March, she released her first-ever gospel album, My Savior. Underwood’s album Cry Pretty debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Its fourth single, “Drinking Alone,” earned a gold certification in July.

NOMINATED FOR

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR X3

Keith Urban, a Triple Crown Award winner, earned his 42nd Top 10 Country hit in 2020 as “God Whispered Your Name” and “Be a Light” shared the spotlight in September. The former is from his new album, The Speed of Now Part 1. That collection also features a catchy collaboration with P!nk, “One Too Many.”

Urban’s past wins in the Music Event category include “The Fighter,” “We Were Us” and “Start a Band.”

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2021 NOMINEES

ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO ARTIST(S)/PRODUCER(S)/ RECORD COMPANY–LABEL(S)

BORN HERE LIVE HERE DIE HERE L U K E B R YA N P R O D U C E R S | Jeff

Stevens, Jody Stevens

R E C O R D L A B E L | Capitol

Records Nashville

MIXTAPE VOL. 1 KANE BROWN P R O D U C E R S | Andrew

Goldstein, Charlie Handsome, Dann Huff, Lindsay Rimes

R E C O R D L A B E L | RCA

Nashville

NEVER WILL ASHLEY McBRYDE P R O D U C E R | Jay R E C O R D L A B E L | Warner

Joyce

Music Nashville

SKELETONS BROTHERS OSBORNE P R O D U C E R | Jay R E C O R D L A B E L | EMI

Joyce

Records Nashville

STARTING OVER C H R I S S TA P L E T O N P R O D U C E R S | Chris

Stapleton, Dave Cobb

R E C O R D L A B E L | Mercury

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Nashville

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

2021 NOMINEES

AWARDED TO ARTIST(S)/PRODUCER(S)/RECORD COMPANY–LABEL(S)

“BLUEBIRD” MIRANDA LAMBERT P R O D U C E R | Jay

Joyce

R E C O R D L A B E L | Vanner

Records/ RCA Records Nashville

“I HOPE” GABBY BARRETT P R O D U C E R S | Ross

Copperman, Zach Kale

R E C O R D L A B E L | Warner

Music Nashville

“I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY NOW” C A R LY P E A R C E & L E E B R I C E P R O D U C E R | busbee R E C O R D L A B E L | Big

Machine Records / Curb Records

“MORE HEARTS THAN MINE” INGRID ANDRESS P R O D U C E R S | Ingrid

Andress, Sam Ellis

R E C O R D L A B E L | Warner

Music Nashville

“THE BONES” MAREN MORRIS P R O D U C E R | Greg R E C O R D L A B E L | Columbia

Kurstin

Nashville

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2021 NOMINEES

SONG OF THE YEAR

AWARDED TO SONGWRITER(S)/PUBLISHER(S)/ARTIST(S)

“SOME PEOPLE DO” OLD DOMINION

“BLUEBIRD”

MIRANDA LAMBERT

S O N G W R I T E R S | Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby P U B L I S H E R S | Emileon Songs; Little Louder Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs of Universal, INC; Sony ATV Tree Publishing; Wrucke for You Publishing

S O N G W R I T E R S | Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally P U B L I S H E R S | Carrot Seed Songs; EMI Blackwood Music INC; Smackville Music; Songs of ROC Nation; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp; Smack Hits; Tempo Investments; Warner Gro Met Ric Music

“STARTING OVER” C H R I S S TA P L E T O N

“ONE NIGHT STANDARDS” ASHLEY MCBRYDE

S O N G W R I T E R S | Chris

Stapleton, Mike Henderson

Wrote These Songs; Straight Six Music; WC Music Corp

P U B L I S H E R S | I

S O N G W R I T E R S | Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally P U B L I S H E R S | Canned Biscuit Songs; Smackworks Music; Smack Blue, LLC; Smackstreet Music; Tempo Investments; Warner Geo Met Ric Music; WarnerTamerlane Publishing Corp

“THE BONES” MAREN MORRIS

S O N G W R I T E R S | Jimmy

Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz

P U B L I S H E R S | Big Machine Music, LLC; Extraordinary Alien Publishing; International Dog Music; Oh Denise Publishing; Round Hill Songs; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

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VIDEO OF THE YEAR

2021 NOMINEES

AWARDED TO PRODUCER(S)/DIRECTOR(S)/ARTIST(S)

“BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT” MAREN MORRIS

D I R E C T O R | Gabrielle

Woodland P R O D U C E R S | Sarah Kunin, Jennifer Pepke

“HALLELUJAH”

CARRIE UNDERWOOD AND JOHN LEGEND D I R E C T O R | Randee

St. Nicholas P R O D U C E R | Grant Jue

“BLUEBIRD”

MIRANDA LAMBERT D I R E C T O R | Trey

Fanjoy Levenstone

P R O D U C E R | Heather

“WORLDWIDE BEAUTIFUL” KANE BROWN

D I R E C T O R | Alex

Alvga Pinkston

P R O D U C E R | Christen

“GONE”

DIERKS BENTLEY

D I R E C T O R S | Wes Edwards, Ed Pryor, Travis Nicholson, Running Bear and Sam Siske, with animation by Skylar Wilson P R O D U C E R S | Lora

Criner, Wilson 5 6 TH A C M A W A R D S

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MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

2021 NOMINEES

AWARDED TO ARTIST(S)/PRODUCER(S)/RECORD COMPANY–LABEL(S)

“BE A LIGHT”

T H O M A S R H E T T F E AT U R I N G R E B A M C E N T I R E , H I L L A R Y S C O T T, CHRIS TOMLIN, KEITH URBAN P R O D U C E R | Dann RECORD

Huff L A B E L | The Valory Music Co.

“DOES TO ME”

L U K E C O M B S F E AT U R I N G E R I C C H U R C H P R O D U C E R | Scott

Moffatt

R E C O R D L A B E L | River

House Artists/Columbia Nashville

“I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY NOW” C A R LY P E A R C E & L E E B R I C E P R O D U C E R | busbee R E C O R D L A B E L | Big

Machine Records / Curb Records

“NOBODY BUT YOU”

B L A K E S H E LT O N F E AT U R I N G G W E N S T E F A N I P R O D U C E R | Scott

Hendricks

R E C O R D L A B E L | Warner

Music Nashville

“ONE BEER”

H A R D Y F E AT U R I N G L AUREN AL AINA & DEVIN DAWSON P R O D U C E R S | Derek

Wells, Joey Moi

R E C O R D L A B E L | Big

Loud Records

“ONE TOO MANY” KEITH URBAN, P!NK

P R O D U C E R S | Cutfather,

Dan McCarroll, Keith Urban, PhD R E C O R D L A B E L |

Capitol Records Nashville

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5 6 TH A C M A W A R D S

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AFFILIATED Deana Ivey

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS ®

DIGITAL MARKETING/ DISTRIBUTION

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

Beville Dunkerley

Chris Lisle

MANAGER

CLLD, LLC/ The Touring Career Workshop

Scott Scovill

Pandora

Enzo DeVincenzo 377 Management

Crystal Dishmon

The Steel Mill/Moo TV

Shopkeeper Management

Sally Williams

Kerri Edwards

OFFICERS CHAIRMAN Ed Warm Joe’s Live

Live Nation

kpentertainment

MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS PRE SIDENT Lori Badgett

City National Bank

VICE PRE SIDENT Chuck Aly

Country Aircheck

TRE ASURER Carmen Romano FBMM

PARLIAMENTARIAN Paul Moore

PGM Connections, LLC.

SERGE ANTAT-ARMS Gayle Holcomb

5 6 TH A C M A W A R D S

Spotify

ARTIST/ MUSICIAN/ PRODUCER/ ENGINEER Chuck Ainlay

Ebie McFarland Essential Broadcast Media

MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO Cyndi Forman UMPG

Rusty Gaston Jimmie Allen

Sony ATV Music Publishing

RADIO F. Reid Shippen

Tim Roberts Entercom

RECORD COMPANY

WME

Derek Wells

SECRE TARY Tommy Moore

SONGWRITER

Academy of Country Music

50

Brittany Schaffer

Lee Thomas Miller

Ryan Dokke PIA Music

Ben Kline

Warner Music Nashville

Cris Lacy

Warner Music Nashville

Cindy Mabe

Jackie Campbell 615 Leverage + Strategy

RAC Clark

Andrew Kautz BMLG

Lion’s Heart Entertainment

Jeff Krones

Becky Gardenhire

Charlie Cook

Beth Laird

Steve Lassiter

John Dennis

Frank Liddell

Universal Music Group Nashville

CAA

TALENT AGENT WME

Reliant Talent

Cumulus

Dennis Entertainment

TALENT BUYER/ PROMOTER Ali Harnell Live Nation

Seth England Big Loud

Creative Nation

Carnival Music

Jon Loba

Broken Bow Music Group

VENUE Roger Gearhart Graham Brothers Entertainment

Troy Vollhoffer Premier Global Production

VISUAL CONTENT Tom Forrest taillight

Leslie Fram

Shawn McSpadden

CMT

Red Light Management

Jeremy Holley

Daniel Miller

FlyteVu

Greg Hill

Hill Entertainment Group

Fusion Music

Curt Motley UTA

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Randy Bernard Bob Doyle & Associates

Bobby Bones iHeart Media

Will Hitchcock Morris Higham Management

Brian O’Connell

Mason Hunter

Lynn Oliver-Cline

BMI

Live Nation

River House Artists

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51

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Clarence Spalding

Ken Tucker

Candice Watkins

Ben Vaughn

MAVERICK

Wheelhouse Records

(continued)

Big Loud Records

Tree Paine

Premium PR

Chris Parr MAVERICK

Brian Wright

Warner Chappell

EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS

Universal Music Group Nashville

Rod Essig

Trisha Yearwood

Mark Hartley

CAA

PAST CHAIRS Rod Phillips iHeart Media

Duane Clark

Sally Seitz

Darin Murphy

Jennie Smythe

Ken Robold

Apple Music

Girlilla Marketing 5 6 TH A C M A W A R D S

FBMM

Kelly Rich

Amazon Music

52

Paul Barnabee

FBMM

CAA

Sony Music Nashville

Butch Waugh Studio2bee

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC STAFF Brandon Campbell

Danielle Bardier

CEO

Senior Video Manager/ Creative & Content

Lyndsay Cruz

Melissa Moldovan

Bridget Cirone

Jessica Curtis

Jenny Dunn

Damon Whiteside

Executive Director/ ACM Lifting Lives®

Senior Manager/ Marketing

Coordinator/ Events

Coordinator/ Marketing

Lisa Lee

Senior Vice President/ Editorial & Content Curation

Erick Long

Senior Vice President/Events

Brooke Primero

Senior Vice President/Marketing

Manager/ Marketing

Lanni Gangon

Coordinator/Strategic Partnerships

Libby Gardner

Manager/Events

Coordinator/ Creative & Content

Haley Montgomery

Gloria Chavez

Manager/Awards & Membership

Assistant/Finance & Operations

Maddy Stessman Alexa Fasheh

Vice President/ Finance & Operations

Manager/Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance

Hannah Kellis

Assistant/ Creative & Content

INTERNS Alexis Bingham

Events & Operations

Emily Leonard

Events & Operations

Tommy Moore

Vice President/Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance

Mary Pambukyan Manager/Finance & Operations

Nicole Marchesi Dayna Poskanzer

Assistant/Marketing

Marketing

Carrie McDonough Marketing

Madeleine O’Connell Creative & Content

Sara Okum Marketing

Jen Heaton

Director/Strategic Partnerships

Taylor Wolf

Manager/ ACM Lifting Lives 5 6 TH A C M A W A R D S

53

LIFTING LIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS ®

OFFICERS C H A IR Paul Barnabee FBMM

V I C E C H A IR M A N Troy Vollhoffer Premier Global Production

V I C E P R E S ID E N T Lorie Lytle

Fridrich & Clark Realty

TREASURER Dwight Wiles Wiles + Taylor & Co., PC

S E C R E TA RY Taylor Wolf

ACM Lifting Lives

REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTORS

Darin Murphy

Ryan Dokke

F. Reid Shippen

Play It Again Music

Beville Dunkerley

CAA

Robot Lemon

Troy Vollhoffer

Pandora

Premier Global Production

Rod Essig

Butch Waugh

CAA

Greg Hill

Hill Entertainment Group

Ebie McFarland

Studio2bee

Sally Williams Live Nation

PUBLIC DIRECTORS

Essential Broadcast Media

Tiffany Brush

Jackie Campbell

Shawn McSpadden

Mark Bloom

Duane Clark

Daniel Miller

615 Leverage + Strategy

FBMM

5 6 TH A C M A W A R D S

Lion’s Heart Entertainment

FBMM

Paul Barnabee

54

RAC Clark

Red Light Management

Fusion Music

Topgolf

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Ross Copperman

Lisa Paulsen

PAST CHAIRS

Chris Farren

Stand Up To Cancer

Lori Badgett

Kathleen Flaherty

Kimberly Schlapman

Bruce Bowman

Combustion Music

K21 Communications

Meredith Seacrest Fletcher Foster

F2 Entertainment

John Hickman

Dallas Cowboys

Ricky Kelley

Harley-Davidson of Columbia

Ryan Seacrest Foundation

City National Bank

Kaboom!

Debbie Carroll MusiCares

Elaina Smith

Nights with Elaina

Mark Hartley

Dwight Wiles Wiles + Taylor & Co., PC

Gayle Holcomb WME

Ellen Lehman

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Lorie Lytle

Fridrich & Clark Realty

Beth Moore

Jay Williams WME

Bill Mayne

Judee Ann Williams

Tree Paine

CAA

Premium PR

Ed Warm Joe’s Live

5 6 TH A C M A W A R D S

55

WE’D LIKE TO EXPRESS A HEARTFELT THANK YOU to our Nashville host venues — the Grand Ole

Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe — for their hospitality in Music City.

THANK YOU On behalf of the Academy of Country Music Board of Directors and staff and dick clark productions, we’d like to thank CBS Television, CBS.com and CBS affiliates for their continued commitment to the Academy of Country Music® and enthusiastic support of Country Music.

A sincere THANK YOU to our longtime partners at dick clark productions for all their hard work and dedication to the Academy of Country Music and the ACM Awards.

56

5 6 TH A C M A W A R D S

J O I N ACM LI F TI N G LIVES I N S U PP O RTI N G TH E CO U NTRY M USI C COM M U N IT Y D I REC TLY VIA TH E COVI D -19 RESP O NSE FU N D

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PRODUCTION CREDITS E X E CU T I V E PRODUCERS R.A. Clark Amy Thurlow Barry Adelman Linda Gierahn CO-E X E CU T I V E PRODUCER Raj Kapoor E X E CU T I V E PRODUCER F OR T HE AC A DEM Y OF COUN T RY MUSIC Damon Whiteside DIRE C T OR Marcelo Gama W RI T ER Barry Adelman SPE CI A L M AT ERI A L W RI T ERS Amberia Allen Dave Boone Lisa Lee Jon Macks SUPERV ISING PRODUCER Nicole Velasco CONSULT ING PRODUCER Datwon Thomas CO-PRODUCER Patrick Menton

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PRODUC T ION DE SIGNER Brian Stonestreet L IGH T ING DE SIGNER Travis Hagenbuch MUSIC DIRE C T OR Edgar Struble PRODUC T ION SUPERV IS OR Pat Brannon Wise PRODUC T ION M A N AGERS Ralph Payne Brandy Burnett A S SIS TA N T S T O PRODUCERS Stephanie Fry Samantha Gordon Kate Krassowski Stephanie Pumilia Maddy Stessman

Congratulations to all the ACM Awards Nominees & Winners

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