17th ACM Honors to air on Merit Street with star-studded line-up
The prestigious 17th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Honors will premiere on Merit Street on Tuesday, 24th September, marking the first time the special event will be broadcast on this network. The event, hosted by Carly Pearce and Jordan Davis at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, will pay tribute to some of country music’s finest artists and industry professionals.
This year’s honourees include Walt Aldridge, Tony Brown, Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, Shannon Sanders, Lainey Wilson, and Trisha Yearwood. The show will also celebrate Chris Stapleton, named Artist-Songwriter of the Year, and Jessie Jo Dillon, awarded Songwriter of the Year at the 59th ACM Awards.
The ceremony promises an unforgettable night, with performances from some of country music’s biggest names, including Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Terri Clark, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Keith Urban, and more. Special appearances from Post Malone, Kameron Marlowe, and Jackson Dean add an extra layer of excitement.
Trisha Yearwood, recipient of the ACM Icon Award, shared her astonishment at the accolade, saying, “It’s strange. I never thought this far ahead… When you look at the names on the list of previous Icon Award winners – Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Garth Brooks – it hasn’t settled in yet. I’m just trying to smile and enjoy myself, but it’s very surreal.”
Lainey Wilson, who will be honoured with the ACM Triple Crown Award, reflected on the significance of the recognition, saying, “It’s hard for me to wrap my head around. Just to be recognised by the people you look up to, your peers… I just feel so honoured.” Wilson, who has earned major accolades early in her career, added, “It’s really soon to be taking home some of these titles… I’m 32 years old, and I’ve been in Nashville for 13 years. I’m not a new artist.”
Carly Pearce, co-host of the event, highlighted what makes the ACM Honors so special: “This show is so special because we not only get to honour the artists that have made major impacts throughout the year, but we also get to honour the people behind the scenes… They deserve to be honoured in a big way.”
The evening will also see performances in tribute to Alan Jackson, the recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award. Reflecting on his influence, Carly Pearce shared, “Alan Jackson was such a staple of my childhood, listening in the car. He was the soundtrack to so many of our lives.” Co-host Jordan Davis echoed these sentiments, saying, “Alan Jackson is Country Music… Getting to perform one of his songs is just a very small way to say, ‘thank you for everything you’ve done for me.'”
Terri Clark, who will also take the stage, expressed her pride in Lainey Wilson, noting how far the young artist has come: “I’ve always wondered, ‘Is there a little girl in this audience that’s going to go on and do great things?’ And I’m so proud of Lainey. She has pole-vaulted over everything.”
The event will also celebrate Chris Stapleton, with Jamey Johnson offering high praise: “Chris is one amazing writer. I’m so proud to have written a few songs with him – and just glad that I get to live in an era where we all get to hear Chris Stapleton songs.”
The 17th ACM Honors is set to be a celebration of both the icons of country music and the future stars of the genre, bringing together a night of powerful performances and heartfelt tributes.
Catch the event live on Tuesday, 24th September at 9:00 p.m. ET on Merit Street.
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