Recap: Live Performances And Big Winners Shine During ACM Awards

Carrie Underwood

Check out highlights from the night and see which megastars went home with trophies.

The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards aired on Wednesday night in an unconventional way. For the first time ever, the show broadcasted without a live audience in Nashville, the home of country music. The show ended in an unexpected way with a tie between two country megastars vying for the biggest award of the evening.


The ACM Awards represented the first live award show amid the pandemic. Country superstar Keith Urban hosted the evening, shedding light on the unpredictable and difficult year the world has faced. He took a moment to honor the essential workers and first responders who have worked tirelessly to save the lives of many people battling COVID-19. The singer also paid respect to activists fighting for racial equality through unifying diverse voices across the nation.

Keith Urban Opens The Night

Urban shares:

"We are still in the midst of trying to fight two pandemics: COVID-19 and social injustice. Far too many lives have been lost to both."

Dan + Shay Win Duo Of The Year

The "10,000 Hours" duo won the first major award of the evening for Duo Of The Year. Dan Smyers enthusiastically gave a shoutout to their loyal fanbase and stated how proud they are to be apart of the country music family.

Old Dominion Scores Two Major Awards

The group took home two major awards for Group of the Year and Song of the Year for their hit "One Man Band." In their Song of the Year speech, Brad Tursi and Trever Rosen give a touching tribute to the band members' late loved ones.

Miranda Lambert Performs "Bluebird"

One of music's highlights from the night, Miranda Lambert took the stage to perform her beautiful hit single "Bluebird."

Blake Shelton Wins Single Of The Year

The "God's Country" singer accepted his award for Single of the Year and gives a series of shoutouts to all of the people who have helped him build his platform, as well as girlfriend Gwen Stefani for being supportive. The couple also performed their duet "Happy Anywhere" during the ACM Awards.

Carrie Underwood Honors Her Country Role Models

The country singer celebrates the women in country who have paved the way for her as a female artist in the industry.

Kane Brown Gives Positive Message To Fans In "Worldwide Beautiful"

Kane Brown delivers a powerful performance of "Worldwide Beautiful" on Wednesday night in the Grand Ole Opry House.

Luke Combs Adds Two Awards To His Collection

Luke Combs appeared on the Bluebird Cafe stage multiple times throughout the evening, accepting the awards for Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for What You See Is What You Get. The star also took the stage to sing "Better Together" from his winning album.

Maren Morris Wins Female Artist Of The Year

The country icon performed her latest hit "To Hell & Back" and accepted the award for Female Artist of the Year. At the end of her speech, Maren Morris tells viewers at home to vote in the upcoming election.

Taylor Swift Returns To ACM After Seven Years

Taylor Swift debuts the world premiere of "betty" from her latest album folklore. The star returns to her country roots in her acoustic song.

The Shocking Twist Of The Night

For the first time ever in ACM Award history, two artists win the main award of the evening, Entertainer of the Year. Icons Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood take the stage to accept the award. Rhett asks Urban, "What is happening, man?" with Underwood later stating "2020, man." The unusual twist left not only the artists stunned, but fans across the country.

To check out the full list of award winners, check out the ACM website.

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Charlie McDonald