The 56th
Academy of Country Music Awards will feature an unprecedented number of television-premiere performances, including
Elle King and
Miranda Lambert's opening the show with “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).”
The lineup includes
Dierks Bentley, performing
U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” with
The War and Treaty, and
Jack Ingram,
Jon Randall and Lambert on “In His Arms”;
Chris Young and
Kane Brown will buddy up on “Famous Friends,” while
Maren Morris and
Ryan Hurd will partner on “Chasing After You.”
Carrie Underwood will perform a medley from her new album of gospel hymns,
My Savior, and duet with CeCe
Winans.
Kelsea Ballerini and
Kenny Chesney will sing “half of my hometown” together and
Carly Pearce and
Lee Brice will duet on “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”
Thomas Rhett will premiere “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again”;
Blake Shelton will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his first hit single, “Austin,” and perform “Minimum Wage.”
Booked for solo performances are:
Brothers Osborne (“I’m Not for Everyone”), Chesney (“Knowing You”),
Eric Church (“Bunch of Nothing”),
Luke Combs (“Forever After All”),
Dan + Shay (“Glad You Exist”),
Mickey Guyton (“Hold On”),
Alan Jackson with “You’ll Always Be My Baby” and a special mashup on “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” and
Chris Stapleton (“Maggie’s Song”).
Lady A,
Jimmie Allen and
Gabby Barrett have joined the lineup as well.
Additionally,
SiriusXM’s
The Highway will be transformed into the official
ACM Awards Radio channel, providing exclusive content including backstage and pre-show interviews through the weekend.
Hosted by
Keith Urban and
Mickey Guyton, the ceremony will boast presenters
Ingrid Andress,
Blanco Brown,
Amy Grant,
Leslie Jordan,
Martina McBride,
Dolly Parton,
Darius Rucker and
Clay Walker.
The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards will air 4/18 on
CBS at 8pm and will be available to stream live and on demand on
Paramount+.
