April 3, 2017
Country star Jason Aldean was the big winner at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards last night. The Georgia native was named ACM Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year.
“It’s my name on that trophy,” Aldean said backstage. “But it’s a group award. There’s about 50 people who should have their name on it.”
Aldean wasn’t the only repeat winner. Singer-songwriter Miranda Lambert was crowned Female Vocalist of the Year for the eighth year - which beat Reba McEntire’s streak of seven wins. Lambert also won Album of the Year for The Weight of These Wings. During her acceptance speech, she eluded to her high-profile divorce from singer Blake Shelton, saying “Thank you for letting me use my heartbreak and sharing it with me.”
Male Vocalist of the Year went to a visibly stunned Thomas Rhett, while Vocal Duo of the Year went to Brothers Osborne and Little Big Town took home their fourth Vocal Group of the Year award.
Musical highlights of the night included star-studded pairings. A reverent “Back to God” was performed by Reba and Christian singer Lauren Daigle. Power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill sang their new song “Speak to a Girl.” Carrie Underwood joined forces with Keith Urban for “The Fighter” and Maren Morris shared the stage with Thomas Rhett on his song, “Craving You.”
The crowd at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas became a dance party when Florida Georgia Line teamed with the Backstreet Boys for the 90s hit “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”
See a complete list of winners below and check out photos from the red carpet.
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Male Vocalist of the year
Thomas Rhett
Female Vocalist of the year
Miranda Lambert
Vocal Duo of the year
Brothers Osborne
Vocal Group OF THE YEAR
Little Big Town
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
The Weight of These Wings – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf
Record Labels: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records
Song of the Year [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
Die A Happy Man – Thomas Rhett
Songwriters: Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc (BMI), Cricket On The Line (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI), Eastman Pond Publishing (BMI), Music of Big Deal (BMI), Nice Life (BMI), Frederic And Reid Music (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Brodsky Spensive Publishing (BMI)
Video of the Year PRESENTED BY XFINITY [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
Forever Country – Artists of Then, Now & Forever
Director: Joseph Kahn
Producers: Nathan de la Rionda, Jil Hardin, Charleen Manca, Joanna Carter, Chandra LaPlume, Sarah Trahern,
Damon Whiteside
NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE *(Previously Announced)
Jon Pardi
NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE *(Previously Announced)
Maren Morris
NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE *(Previously Announced)
Brothers Osborne
Vocal Event of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]*(Off Camera Award)
May We All – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Big Machine Label Group
Single Record of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)] (Off Camera Award)
H.O.L.Y. – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Big Machine Label Group
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR *(Off Camera Award)
Lori McKenna