Jump to content

Academy of Country Music Awards

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Academy of Country Music Awards
Current: 59th Academy of Country Music Awards
Official logo for the awards
Awarded forAchievements in country music
LocationVariable U.S. locations
CountryUnited States
Presented byAcademy of Country Music
First awardedApril 1966; 58 years ago (1966-04)
Websitewww.acmcountry.com
Television/radio coverage
NetworkABC (1972–1978)
NBC (1979–1997)
CBS (1998–2021)
Prime Video (2022–)
Produced byDick Clark Productions

The Academy of Country Music Awards, also known as the ACM Awards, were first held in 1966, honoring the industry's accomplishments during the previous year. It was the first country music awards program held by a major organization. The academy's signature "hat" trophy was first created in 1968. The awards were first televised in 1972 on ABC. In 1979, the academy joined with Dick Clark Productions to produce the show. Dick Clark and Al Schwartz served as producers while Gene Weed served as director. Under their guidance, the show moved to NBC in 1979, then to CBS in 1998, and Amazon Prime Video in 2022.

The academy adopted a sleeker, modern version of the "hat" trophy in 2003, which is now made by the New York City firm Society Awards. In 2004, the organization implemented online awards voting for its professional members, becoming the first televised awards show to do so. Entertainer of the Year was a fan-voted award for eight years, until 2016, when the ACM announced its decision to abandon Internet-voting for it and the three new-artist categories.

The 59th ACM Awards were presented at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas on May 16th, 2024.

Voting process

[edit]

Voting members of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) elect the nominees. In 2016, after an eight-year experiment intended to improve consumer engagement, the ACM announced its decision to abandon fan-voting for Entertainer of the Year and its three new-artist categories, thanks to the cost of participation and several rifts that had developed among artists. The program was controversial from the start and included the web ballot stuffing encouragement infamous among awards of the same type presented in other ceremonies. Kenny Chesney, after winning the first fan vote for entertainer in 2008, criticized the process backstage, complaining that instead of acknowledging artists' hard work, the vote had devolved into a marketing contest that rewarded people for "seeing how hard you can push people's buttons on the Internet." The winner, for example, of entertainer will now be voted on by the same people who select the male or female vocalist winner.[1]

Awards

[edit]

The most prestigious awards are for "Artist of the Decade" and "Entertainer of the Year." There are a number of other awards to recognize male and female vocalists, albums, videos, songs, and musicians. The awards are typically presented in April or May and recognize achievement for the previous year.

Major awards

[edit]
Year Entertainer of the Year Male Artist of the Year Female Artist of the Year Song of the Year Album of the Year New Male Artist of the Year New Female Artist of the Year
2024 Lainey Wilson Chris Stapleton Lainey Wilson Jordan Davis, Chase McGill, Greylan James, Josh Osborne – "Next Thing You Know" HigherChris Stapleton Nate Smith Megan Moroney
2023 Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen Cole Swindell, Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Thomas Rhett, Mark D. Sanders, Tim Nichols – "She Had Me at Heads Carolina" Bell Bottom CountryLainey Wilson Zach Bryan Hailey Whitters
2022 Miranda Lambert Chris Stapleton Carly Pearce Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson – "Things a Man Oughta Know" Dangerous: The Double AlbumMorgan Wallen Parker McCollum Lainey Wilson
2021 Luke Bryan Thomas Rhett Maren Morris Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz – "The Bones" Starting OverChris Stapleton Jimmie Allen Gabby Barrett
2020 Thomas Rhett (tie)
Carrie Underwood (tie)
Luke Combs Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi – "One Man Band" What You See Is What You GetLuke Combs Riley Green Tenille Townes
2019 Keith Urban Thomas Rhett Kacey Musgraves Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers – "Tequila" Golden HourKacey Musgraves Luke Combs Ashley McBryde
2018 Jason Aldean Chris Stapleton Miranda Lambert Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall – "Tin Man" From A Room: Volume 1Chris Stapleton Brett Young Lauren Alaina
2017 Thomas Rhett Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, Joe Spargur – "Die a Happy Man" The Weight of These WingsMiranda Lambert Jon Pardi Maren Morris
2016 Chris Stapleton Barry Bales, Ronnie Bowman, Chris Stapleton – "Nobody to Blame" TravellerChris Stapleton Chris Stapleton Kelsea Ballerini
2015 Luke Bryan Jason Aldean Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby, Nicolle Galyon – "Automatic" PlatinumMiranda Lambert Not awarded Not awarded
2014 George Strait Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary – "I Drive Your Truck" Same Trailer Different ParkKacey Musgraves
2013 Luke Bryan Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton – "Over You" ChiefEric Church
2012 Taylor Swift Blake Shelton Lee Brice, Liz Rose – "Crazy Girl" Four the RecordMiranda Lambert
2011 Brad Paisley Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin – "The House That Built Me" Need You NowLady Antebellum
2010 Carrie Underwood Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott – "Need You Now" RevolutionMiranda Lambert
2009 Carrie Underwood Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto – "In Color" FearlessTaylor Swift
2008 Kenny Chesney Jennifer Nettles – "Stay" Crazy Ex-GirlfriendMiranda Lambert Jack Ingram Taylor Swift
2007 Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon, Jamey Johnson – "Give It Away" Some HeartsCarrie Underwood Rodney Atkins Miranda Lambert
2006 Keith Urban Sara Evans Craig Wiseman, Ronnie Dunn – "Believe" Time Well WastedBrad Paisley Jason Aldean Carrie Underwood
2005 Gretchen Wilson Craig Wiseman, Tim Nichols – "Live Like You Were Dying" Be HereKeith Urban Not awarded Not awarded
2004 Toby Keith Toby Keith Martina McBride Doug Johnson, Kim Williams – "Three Wooden Crosses" Shock'n Y'allToby Keith
2003 Kenny Chesney Phillip Brian White, David Vincent Williams – "I'm Movin' On" DriveAlan Jackson Joe Nichols Kellie Coffey
2002 Brooks & Dunn Alan Jackson Alan Jackson – "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" O Brother, Where Art Thou? — Various Artists Phil Vassar Carolyn Dawn Johnson
2001 The Dixie Chicks Toby Keith Faith Hill Mark D. Sanders, Tia Sillers – "I Hope You Dance" How Do You Like Me Now?!Toby Keith Keith Urban Jamie O'Neal
2000 Shania Twain Tim McGraw Marv Green, Aimee Mayo – "Amazed" FlyThe Dixie Chicks Brad Paisley Jessica Andrews
1999 Garth Brooks Steve Wariner, Billy Kirsch – "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" Wide Open SpacesThe Dixie Chicks Mark Wills Jo Dee Messina
1998 George Strait Trisha Yearwood Stephony Smith – "It's Your Love" Carrying Your Love with MeGeorge Strait Kenny Chesney Lee Ann Womack
1997 Brooks & Dunn Patty Loveless Bill Mack – "Blue" Blue Clear SkyGeorge Strait Trace Adkins LeAnn Rimes
1996 Alan Jackson Dickey Lee, Karen Staley, Danny Mayo – "The Keeper of the Stars" The Woman in MeShania Twain Bryan White Shania Twain
1995 Reba McEntire Reba McEntire Gary Baker, Frank J. Myers – "I Swear" Not a Moment Too SoonTim McGraw Tim McGraw Chely Wright
1994 Garth Brooks Vince Gill Wynonna Judd Victoria Shaw, Chuck Cannon – "I Love the Way You Love Me" A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'bout Love)Alan Jackson John Michael Montgomery Faith Hill
1993 Mary Chapin Carpenter Vince Gill, John Barlow Jarvis – "I Still Believe in You" Brand New ManBrooks & Dunn Tracy Lawrence Michelle Wright
1992 Garth Brooks Reba McEntire Billy Dean, Richard Leigh – "Somewhere in My Broken Heart" Don't Rock the JukeboxAlan Jackson Billy Dean Trisha Yearwood
1991 Tony Arata – "The Dance" No FencesGarth Brooks Alan Jackson Shelby Lynne
1990 George Strait Clint Black Kathy Mattea Jon Vezner, Don Henry – "Where've You Been" Killin' TimeClint Black Clint Black Mary Chapin Carpenter
1989 Hank Williams, Jr. George Strait K. T. Oslin Charles Gene Nelson, Paul Nelson – "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses" This WomanK.T. Oslin Rodney Crowell Suzy Bogguss
1988 Randy Travis Reba McEntire Paul Overstreet, Don Schlitz – "Forever and Ever, Amen" TrioDolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt Ricky Van Shelton K.T. Oslin
1987 Paul Overstreet, Don Schlitz – "On the Other Hand" Storms of LifeRandy Travis Dwight Yoakam Holly Dunn
1986 Alabama George Strait Fred Parris, Mike Reid, Troy Seals – "Lost in the Fifties Tonight" Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your MindGeorge Strait Randy Travis Judy Rodman
1985 Harlan Howard, Brent Maher, Sonny Throckmorton – "Why Not Me" Roll OnAlabama Vince Gill Nicolette Larson
1984 Lee Greenwood Janie Fricke Larry Henley, Jeff Silbar – "Wind Beneath My Wings" The Closer You Get...Alabama Jim Glaser Gus Hardin
1983 Ronnie Milsap Sylvia Merle Haggard – "Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)" Always on My MindWillie Nelson Michael Martin Murphy Karen Brooks
1982 Merle Haggard Barbara Mandrell Felice Bryant, Boudleaux Bryant, Larry Collins, Sandy Pinkard – "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma" Feels So RightAlabama Ricky Skaggs Juice Newton
1981 Barbara Mandrell George Jones Dolly Parton Bobby Braddock, Curly Putman – "He Stopped Loving Her Today" Urban Cowboy — Various Artists Johnny Lee Terri Gibbs
1980 Willie Nelson Larry Gatlin Crystal Gayle Sonny Throckmorton, Curly Putman – "It's a Cheating Situation" Straight AheadLarry Gatlin R.C. Bannon Lacy J. Dalton
1979 Kenny Rogers Kenny Rogers Barbara Mandrell Randy Goodrum – "You Needed Me" Y'all Come Back SaloonThe Oak Ridge Boys John Conlee Cristy Lane
1978 Dolly Parton Crystal Gayle Roger Bowling, Hal Bynum – "Lucille" Kenny RogersKenny Rogers Eddie Rabbitt Debby Boone
1977 Mickey Gilley Mickey Gilley Baker Knight – "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time" Gilley's SmokingMickey Gilley Moe Bandy Billie Jo Spears
1976 Loretta Lynn Conway Twitty Loretta Lynn Larry Weiss – "Rhinestone Cowboy" Feelins' Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn Freddy Fender Crystal Gayle
1975 Mac Davis Merle Haggard Don Wayne – "Country Bumpkin" Back Home AgainJohn Denver Mickey Gilley Linda Ronstadt
1974 Roy Clark Charlie Rich Kenny O'Dell – "Behind Closed Doors" Behind Closed DoorsCharlie Rich Dorsey Burnette Olivia Newton-John
1973 Merle Haggard Donna Fargo Donna Fargo – "The Happiest Girl In the Whole USA" The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.Donna Fargo Johnny Rodriguez Tanya Tucker
1972 Freddie Hart Freddie Hart Loretta Lynn Freddie Hart – "Easy Loving" Easy LovingFreddie Hart Tony Booth Barbara Mandrell
1971 Merle Haggard Merle Haggard Lynn Anderson Kris Kristofferson – "For the Good Times" For the Good TimesRay Price Buddy Alan Sammi Smith
1970 Not awarded Tammy Wynette Merle Haggard, Eddie Buriss – "Okie from Muskogee" Okie from MuskogeeMerle Haggard Freddy Weller Donna Fargo
1969 Glen Campbell Cathie Taylor Jimmy Webb – "Wichita Lineman" Bobbie Gentry and Glen CampbellBobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell Ray Sanders Cheryl Poole
1968 Lynn Anderson Dale Noe – "It's Such a Pretty World Today" Gentle on My MindGlen Campbell Jerry Inman Bobbie Gentry
1967 Merle Haggard Bonnie Guitar Fern Foley, Charles "Fuzzy" Owen, Johnny Paycheck – "Apartment No. 9" Not awarded Billy Mize Cathie Taylor
1966 Buck Owens Bonnie Owens Not awarded Merle Haggard Kay Adams

Special awards

[edit]

Artist of the Decade

[edit]

Triple-Crown Award

[edit]

The Triple-Crown Award is an elite honor that has been presented to only nine country acts in the history of the Academy of Country Music Awards. The honor distinguishes the achievement of an artist, duo or group upon receiving the New Artist (or New Male Vocalist, New Female Vocalist, New Solo Vocalist, New Vocal Duo, New Vocal Group or New Vocal Duo or Group), and Male/Female Vocalist (or Vocal Duo, Vocal Group, Vocal Duo or Group) and Entertainer of the Year awards.[3] Among the later recipients, Carrie Underwood received it at the ACM Awards,[4] while Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert received their awards at the Annual ACM Honors.[5] The following list shows the artists that have won the award and the first year winning each of the categories required. Two artists: The Chicks and Keith Urban have reached the milestones needed to receive the award, but they have not yet been awarded.

Venues

[edit]

The Academy of Country Music Awards were originally held at various locations in Greater Los Angeles through 2002. In 2003, the ceremony moved to Las Vegas, first at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay through 2005 and later at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand from 2006 to 2014. In 2015, the ceremony was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex in 2015 to celebrate its 50th anniversary.[6] The ceremony broke the Guinness record that year for Most Attended Awards Show, with 70,252 attending.[7]

The ceremony returned to the MGM Grand Garden Arena for 2016, then moved to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for 2017.[8] In 2018 and 2019, the show was again broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.[9] In 2020 and 2021, the in-person ceremony in Las Vegas was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the two ceremonies were held at various sites in Nashville, with the primary venues being the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Café.[10][11] The ACM confirmed a return to Las Vegas for 2022, with the ceremony held at Allegiant Stadium.[12]

In 2023, the ceremony moved to Texas, having been hosted by the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.[13]

Broadcasting

[edit]

The ACM Awards were previously broadcast by ABC from 1972 to 1978, NBC from 1979 to 1997, and CBS from 1998 to 2021. In June 2021, it was reported that CBS would not renew its contract to air the ceremony, citing declining viewership and demands from Dick Clark Productions for a higher rights fee. CBS' parent company ViacomCBS decided to prioritize its own CMT Music Awards (produced by its cable network CMT) as a competitor, announcing later that month that it would move to CBS and be held in April beginning 2022.[14]

After reports that the ACMs were being shopped to other networks such as NBC, it was announced on August 19, 2021, that the media rights to the ceremony had been acquired by Amazon Prime Video, making it one of the first major awards ceremonies on U.S. television to move exclusively to a streaming platform.[15][16] The ceremony is streamed via Prime Video, and simulcast on Amazon Live, Amazon Music, and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.[17] In November 2023, Amazon renewed its rights through the 60th ceremony in 2025.[17]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Roland, Tom (March 2, 2016). "Inside the ACM Awards' Decision to Abandon Fan Voting: Bickering Artists, Crafty Fans & 6-Figure Label Campaigns". Billboard. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
  2. ^ "Winners database". ACM Country. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  3. ^ "Carrie Underwood Scheduled to Perform on the 48th Annual ACM Awards". CBS.
  4. ^ "ACM Winners' Circle". CBS. August 18, 2010. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  5. ^ "Performers Announced for the 10th Annual ACM Honors, Jason Aldean To Accept Prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award". ACM Country. August 10, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  6. ^ Ciesco, Tim (April 9, 2015). "AT&T Stadium Gets Dressed Up for Record-Breaking ACM Awards". NBCDFW. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  7. ^ Lynch, Kevin (April 20, 2015). "Miranda Lambert and Brad Paisley honored as world records tumble at Academy of Country Music Awards". guinnessworldrecords.com. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  8. ^ "Academy of Country Music Reveals Plans for "The Week Vegas Goes Country" 2017 Including 5th Annual ACM Party For A Cause Festivities". acmcountry.com. January 27, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  9. ^ "See Reba's Reaction to the Absence of Female ACM Entertainer of the Year Nominees". soundslikenashville.com. February 21, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  10. ^ "ACM Awards Will Broadcast From Nashville For the First Time". billboard.com. 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  11. ^ Willman, Chris (2021-04-14). "ACM Awards Chief Previews Show: More Locations, More Live Audiences, 'More Fun,' Same Strict COVID Protocols". Variety. Archived from the original on 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2021-05-21.
  12. ^ Evans, Greg (2021-11-18). "Academy of Country Music Awards Sets Date, Venue For 2022". Deadline. Archived from the original on 2021-11-18. Retrieved 2021-11-18.
  13. ^ Nicholson, Jessica (2024-07-16). "ACM Awards Returning to Texas in 2025". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  14. ^ "CBS Balks at Airing 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards Over $22 Million Asking Price, Declining Ratings". TheWrap. June 16, 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-06-14. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  15. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (2021-08-19). "Academy Of Country Music Awards To Stream On Amazon Prime Video In Milestone For Award Shows". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  16. ^ Willman, Chris (2021-08-19). "Academy of Country Music Awards Will Bypass Networks, Stream Exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in 2022". Variety. Retrieved 2021-08-19.
  17. ^ a b Nicholson, Jessica (2023-11-02). "ACM Awards Re-Up With Prime Video in Multiyear Deal". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
[edit]