The Pulse of Country Music: 2024 ACM Awards Highlights

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Brayden Lambert | Last updated 5/17/24

The 59^th ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, truly set the stage on fire this year. Held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the event saw Lainey Wilson matching a record set by Taylor Swift in 2011 by becoming the first woman since then to win Entertainer of the Year at both the CMA and ACM Awards consecutively.

Wilson was the star of the night, also snagging Female Artist of the Year and Event of the Year for her collaboration with Jelly Roll on “Save Me.” Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton had a big night as well, taking home Album of the Year for “Higher,” Male Entertainer of the Year, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Both artists delivered performances that left the audience in awe and solidified their top spots at the awards.

.@laineywilson blessing the #ACMawards with her performance of "God Blessed Texas" ✨

We're just getting started! Catch the rest of the show on @PrimeVideo! https://t.co/H8DgKcESzm pic.twitter.com/T3hGTj0ZSi
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 17, 2024

The ceremony was short on talent, with Dan + Shay winning Duo of the Year and Old Dominion claiming Group of the Year. Rising stars also made their mark; Megan Moroney scooped up New Female Artist of the Year, and Nate Smith grabbed New Male Artist of the Year. Not to be outdone, Tigirlily Gold was named New Duo or Group of the Year.

Luke Combs was the most nominated artist of the evening, with eight nods. Despite stiff competition, he didn’t leave empty-handed, winning Single of the Year for his heartfelt cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” Jordan Davis also celebrated a win with “Next Thing You Know” being crowned Song of the Year.

This year’s ACMs highlighted the dynamic and expanding landscape of country music, showing its increasing blend with other music genres. It was a night filled with homage to traditional roots and a glimpse into the future of country music, making it a night to remember not just for the winners but for the genre itself.

Last night my Superbowl buddy @PostMalone and I took a moment to pay tribute to Dickey Betts of the @allmanbrothers. Did y'all catch our duet? @ACMAwards #RamblinMan #RebaACM

Watch the 59th #ACMAwards on @PrimeVideo: https://t.co/UJ4MlbFSHQ ✨ pic.twitter.com/FWsXj5OFI7
— Reba McEntire (@reba) May 17, 2024