Start Your ACM Country Fan Holiday Shopping NOW!

Check out the ACM Awards official merchandise online store.

As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the ACM Awards (April 19th on CBS!), they're offing 10 Days of Giveaways this holiday season Monday-Friday, starting December 1st – December 12th!

Check back each day as a new featured artist will be revealed and enter for your chance to win prizes & a signed copy of the ACM’s first-ever ACM commemorative book, This Is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of Country Music Awards, from the artist of the day! 

Check www.acmcountry.com on Monday December 1st for your first chance to win!

Purchase your own copy of This Is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of Country Music Awards, HERE!

Jake Hosts ACM Honors In Nashville

Country music fans, superstar Music City talent and industry elite turned out in force last week for the Academy of Country Music’s 8th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. 

The sold-out special event, hosted by Jake Owen, was held in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium and was sponsored by City National Bank.

The evening included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, BuckOwens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Charlie Judge, RobMcNelley,Justin Niebank,Michael Rhodes and Bryan Sutton.  Industry Award winners include Brian O’Connell of Live Nation, Nicole More of Neste Event Marketing, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, TX, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN,Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT.  Shane McAnally was honored as Songwriter of the Year.

Special Awards recipient Merle Haggard was previously presented with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award for his 50 years in country music on the 49th ACM Awards in April.

Check out photos from the red carpet here.

Country music fans, superstar Music City talent and industry elite turned out in force tonight for the Academy of Country Music’s 8^th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 49^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  The sold-out special event, hosted by Jake Owen, was held in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium and was sponsored by City National Bank.
The evening included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, BuckOwens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Charlie Judge, RobMcNelley,Justin Niebank,Michael Rhodes and Bryan Sutton.  Industry Award winners include Brian O’Connell of Live Nation, Nicole More of Neste Event Marketing, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, TX, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN,Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT.  Shane McAnally was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
Special Awards recipient Merle Haggard was previously presented with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award for his 50 years in country music on the 49^th ACM Awards in April. 
 Artists who performed in tribute to honorees included:

•       Dierks Bentley performing “Love’s Gonna Live Here”  in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Billy Burnette performing “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Shawn Camp performing “Guess Things Happen That Way” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Rodney Clawson, performing “The Chair” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Hunter Hayes, performing “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World” in tribute to Ronnie Milsap
•       Will Hoge performing “Me & Bobby McGee” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Jack Ingram performing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Tony Joe White performing “Polk Salad Annie” in tribute to Bob Beckham
•       Lee Ann Womack performing “An Empty Glass” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Dwight Yoakam performing a medley of “My Heart Skips a Beat,” “Cryin Time,” “Together Again” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson & Hillary Scott performing a medley of “Merry Go Round,” “Tie It Up,” and “Downtown” in tribute to Shane McAnally
•       Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen, performing “If I Didn’t Know Better” in tribute to Rascal Flatts and Steve Buchanan
•       Oak Ridge Boys performing “Elvira” in tribute to Paul Moore
•       The Swon Brothers performing a medley of “Wasted” and “See You Again” in tribute to Carrie Underwood

- See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/news.html?n_id=699#sthash.z2QlutDI.dpuf

Country music fans, superstar Music City talent and industry elite turned out in force tonight for the Academy of Country Music’s 8^th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 49^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  The sold-out special event, hosted by Jake Owen, was held in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium and was sponsored by City National Bank.
The evening included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, BuckOwens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Charlie Judge, RobMcNelley,Justin Niebank,Michael Rhodes and Bryan Sutton.  Industry Award winners include Brian O’Connell of Live Nation, Nicole More of Neste Event Marketing, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, TX, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN,Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT.  Shane McAnally was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
Special Awards recipient Merle Haggard was previously presented with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award for his 50 years in country music on the 49^th ACM Awards in April. 
 Artists who performed in tribute to honorees included:

•       Dierks Bentley performing “Love’s Gonna Live Here”  in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Billy Burnette performing “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Shawn Camp performing “Guess Things Happen That Way” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Rodney Clawson, performing “The Chair” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Hunter Hayes, performing “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World” in tribute to Ronnie Milsap
•       Will Hoge performing “Me & Bobby McGee” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Jack Ingram performing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Tony Joe White performing “Polk Salad Annie” in tribute to Bob Beckham
•       Lee Ann Womack performing “An Empty Glass” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Dwight Yoakam performing a medley of “My Heart Skips a Beat,” “Cryin Time,” “Together Again” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson & Hillary Scott performing a medley of “Merry Go Round,” “Tie It Up,” and “Downtown” in tribute to Shane McAnally
•       Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen, performing “If I Didn’t Know Better” in tribute to Rascal Flatts and Steve Buchanan
•       Oak Ridge Boys performing “Elvira” in tribute to Paul Moore
•       The Swon Brothers performing a medley of “Wasted” and “See You Again” in tribute to Carrie Underwood

Presenters included the Oak Ridge Boys to Paul Moore, Kenny Chesney to Shane McAnally,Pete Fisher to Steve Buchanan, and Jack Ingram to Kris Kristofferson. Brenda Lee presented to Cindy Devault, who accepted with other family members on behalf of her father, Bob Beckham.  Jake Owen presented to Ronnie Milsap, to Alison Clement, who accepted on behalf of her father Cowboy Jack Clement, and to Buddy Owens, who accepted on behalf of his father Buck Owens.  The Swon Brothers presented to Carrie Underwood, Tim Tebow presented to Rascal Flatts, and Lee Ann Womack presented to Dean Dillon.  Justin Moore presented the Industry awards, and Thomas Rhett presented the Studio Recording Awards.  
Jake Owen opened the show with a performance of Ronnie Milsap’s hit “Back On My Mind Again.”
The house band for the evening, led by musical director Frank Liddell, Wyatt Beard (background vocals), Glen Duncan (fiddle), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jedd Hughes (guitar/utility), John Jarvis (piano/keys), Liana Manis (background vocals), Brent Mason (guitar), Jerry Roe (drums), included Glenn Worf (bandleader/bass).
SPECIAL AWARDS
Career Achievement Award – Toby Keith andRonnie Milsap received the Career Achievement Award, honoring an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration that have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year. Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Reba and Kenny Rogers.
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award – Bob Beckham was honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.  Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama,Garth Brooks,Johnny Cash,Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers,Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, The Judds,  Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, KennyRogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
Crystal Milestone Award – Merle Haggard received the Crystal Milestone Award during the 49^th Annual ACM Awards telecast, which is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.  Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Awardinclude Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift. 
Gene Weed Special Achievement Award – Carrie Underwood received the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music. Past recipients of the Gene Weed Special Achievement Awardinclude Garth Brooks, George Burns, Jeff Foxworthy, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton and George Strait.
Jim Reeves International Award – Steve Buchanan andRascal Flatts received the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.  Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Alan Jackson, Charlie Nagatani,Buck Owens,Dolly Parton,Taylor Swift,Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum, among others. 
Mae Boren Axton Award – Paul Moore received the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.  Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed, Tommy Wiggins and David Young.
Poet’s Award – Jack Clement (awarded posthumously), Dean Dillon, Kris Kristofferson, andBuck Owens (awarded posthumously),received the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music. Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Guy Clark, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker and Hank Williams.
INDUSTRY AWARDS
CASINO OF THE YEAR:  Small Capacity - Mohegan Sun Wolf Den - Uncasville, CT
CASINO OF THE YEAR:  Medium Capacity - Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR:  Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Small Capacity - Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater – Austin, TX
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Medium Capacity - Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, TN
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Large Capacity - Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR:  Nicole More – Neste Event Marketing
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR:  Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS (FORMERLY THE MBI AWARDS)
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Michael Rhodes
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR:  Shannon Forrest
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rob McNelley
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Charlie Judge
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryan Sutton
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Paul Franklin
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR:  Justin Niebank
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:  Dann Huff
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:   Shane McAnally
- See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/news.html?n_id=699#sthash.z2QlutDI.dpuf

Country music fans, superstar Music City talent and industry elite turned out in force tonight for the Academy of Country Music’s 8^th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 49^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  The sold-out special event, hosted by Jake Owen, was held in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium and was sponsored by City National Bank.
The evening included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, BuckOwens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Charlie Judge, RobMcNelley,Justin Niebank,Michael Rhodes and Bryan Sutton.  Industry Award winners include Brian O’Connell of Live Nation, Nicole More of Neste Event Marketing, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, TX, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN,Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT.  Shane McAnally was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
Special Awards recipient Merle Haggard was previously presented with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award for his 50 years in country music on the 49^th ACM Awards in April. 
 Artists who performed in tribute to honorees included:

•       Dierks Bentley performing “Love’s Gonna Live Here”  in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Billy Burnette performing “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Shawn Camp performing “Guess Things Happen That Way” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Rodney Clawson, performing “The Chair” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Hunter Hayes, performing “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World” in tribute to Ronnie Milsap
•       Will Hoge performing “Me & Bobby McGee” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Jack Ingram performing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Tony Joe White performing “Polk Salad Annie” in tribute to Bob Beckham
•       Lee Ann Womack performing “An Empty Glass” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Dwight Yoakam performing a medley of “My Heart Skips a Beat,” “Cryin Time,” “Together Again” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson & Hillary Scott performing a medley of “Merry Go Round,” “Tie It Up,” and “Downtown” in tribute to Shane McAnally
•       Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen, performing “If I Didn’t Know Better” in tribute to Rascal Flatts and Steve Buchanan
•       Oak Ridge Boys performing “Elvira” in tribute to Paul Moore
•       The Swon Brothers performing a medley of “Wasted” and “See You Again” in tribute to Carrie Underwood

Presenters included the Oak Ridge Boys to Paul Moore, Kenny Chesney to Shane McAnally,Pete Fisher to Steve Buchanan, and Jack Ingram to Kris Kristofferson. Brenda Lee presented to Cindy Devault, who accepted with other family members on behalf of her father, Bob Beckham.  Jake Owen presented to Ronnie Milsap, to Alison Clement, who accepted on behalf of her father Cowboy Jack Clement, and to Buddy Owens, who accepted on behalf of his father Buck Owens.  The Swon Brothers presented to Carrie Underwood, Tim Tebow presented to Rascal Flatts, and Lee Ann Womack presented to Dean Dillon.  Justin Moore presented the Industry awards, and Thomas Rhett presented the Studio Recording Awards.  
Jake Owen opened the show with a performance of Ronnie Milsap’s hit “Back On My Mind Again.”
The house band for the evening, led by musical director Frank Liddell, Wyatt Beard (background vocals), Glen Duncan (fiddle), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jedd Hughes (guitar/utility), John Jarvis (piano/keys), Liana Manis (background vocals), Brent Mason (guitar), Jerry Roe (drums), included Glenn Worf (bandleader/bass).
SPECIAL AWARDS
Career Achievement Award – Toby Keith andRonnie Milsap received the Career Achievement Award, honoring an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration that have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year. Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Reba and Kenny Rogers.
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award – Bob Beckham was honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.  Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama,Garth Brooks,Johnny Cash,Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers,Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, The Judds,  Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, KennyRogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
Crystal Milestone Award – Merle Haggard received the Crystal Milestone Award during the 49^th Annual ACM Awards telecast, which is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.  Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Awardinclude Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift. 
Gene Weed Special Achievement Award – Carrie Underwood received the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music. Past recipients of the Gene Weed Special Achievement Awardinclude Garth Brooks, George Burns, Jeff Foxworthy, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton and George Strait.
Jim Reeves International Award – Steve Buchanan andRascal Flatts received the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.  Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Alan Jackson, Charlie Nagatani,Buck Owens,Dolly Parton,Taylor Swift,Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum, among others. 
Mae Boren Axton Award – Paul Moore received the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.  Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed, Tommy Wiggins and David Young.
Poet’s Award – Jack Clement (awarded posthumously), Dean Dillon, Kris Kristofferson, andBuck Owens (awarded posthumously),received the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music. Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Guy Clark, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker and Hank Williams.
INDUSTRY AWARDS
CASINO OF THE YEAR:  Small Capacity - Mohegan Sun Wolf Den - Uncasville, CT
CASINO OF THE YEAR:  Medium Capacity - Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR:  Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Small Capacity - Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater – Austin, TX
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Medium Capacity - Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, TN
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Large Capacity - Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR:  Nicole More – Neste Event Marketing
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR:  Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS (FORMERLY THE MBI AWARDS)
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Michael Rhodes
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR:  Shannon Forrest
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rob McNelley
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Charlie Judge
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryan Sutton
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Paul Franklin
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR:  Justin Niebank
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:  Dann Huff
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:   Shane McAnally
- See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/news.html?n_id=699#sthash.z2QlutDI.dpuf

George Strait Is Excited The ACM's Come To Dallas

Next year, to mark their 50th anniversary, the Academy of Country Music Awards will leave their longtime Las Vegas home and relocate to Dallas, where the televised award ceremony and performances will be held at AT&T Stadium.

And you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bigger supporter of the idea – beyond Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, perhaps – than the one-and-only George, who wrapped his Cowboy Rides Away Tour at the massive venue on June 7th.

“I don’t think they’re going to have a problem there,” the always under-stated Strait says. “If you haven’t been there, you’ve got to go. It’s amazing.” The King is excited to see what happens next spring, too – “I’m looking forward to being there. Hopefully I can be a part of it.”

Nice work, CBS and ACM

Tim McGraw Flies From Dallas To Las Vegas

After performing at the 2014 NCAA March Madness Music Festival he headed to Las Vegas for the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards where he tops the list of most nominated artists with a tally of seven nominations.

During his performance on the ACM Awards, McGraw will launch an unprecedented program called “Countdown To Sundown.”  When fans Shazam his ACM performance, they can join the Countdown program and will automatically have access to exclusive content and be entered to win a season pass for 2 tickets to each of Tim’s summer tour dates including an all expense paid trip to the tour’s opening night on May 8th. 

His upcoming album is set for release on Sept., 16.   Country radio is already on board with lead single “Lookin’ For That Girl,” which climbs into the Top 20 on the charts this week.

Throughout the “Countdown To Sundown,” as the march towards street date heats up, the GRAMMY winning entertainer will be revealing new songs from the album through major primetime television performances and will provide fans with exclusive access to free downloads, first listens, behind the scenes looks, exclusive tour experiences, contests and more throughwww.countdowntosundown.com.

“When you finish making an album, all you want is to have everyone hear it as soon as possible,” said McGraw.  “I’m in the unique position this year that I’m able to tour ahead of the album and introduce the fans to these songs early.   I’ve never done anything like this before, but in a world driven by immediate gratification, I want to be able to play a song live somewhere and then have it available for download right then.  You just never know where new music might pop up over the next few months… It’s going to be a fun summer!”

On May 8, McGraw will kick off his SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN 2014 TOUR bringing his “characteristically high-octane” (Billboard) show to over 30 cities.  Joining him for the summer run will be rising stars Kip Moore and Cassadee Pope.  For a full list of dates and to purchase tickets, visit www.timmcgraw.com.

Ready For The ACM Awards

The 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will open with an explosive performance by The Band Perry, and feature a slate of special performances by artists including Luke Bryan, Hunter Hayes, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, and Florida Georgia Line on the LIVE broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Dierks Bentley with Sheryl Crow, Lee Brice, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts will all perform on the TV show.

Miranda Lambert will duet with Blake Shelton,plus Eli Young Band and Rascal Flatts have been added to the country superstar lineup for a televised concert event featuring some of the biggest names in country music paying tribute to our armed forces.

Fans have multiple ways to interact and participate in the events leading up to and throughout the broadcast.  of the ACM Awards.

Lots o’ sponsors for what has become a huge financial success for the once-non-profit ACM these days.

Miranda Lambert will duet with Blake Shelton,plus Eli Young Band and Rascal Flatts have been added to the country superstar lineup for ACM PRESENTS: AN ALL-STAR SALUTE TO THE TROOPS, a concert event featuring some of the biggest names in country music paying tribute to our armed forces. - See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/press_releases.html#sthash.Pby3GG0j.dpuf

Miranda Lambert will duet with Blake Shelton,plus Eli Young Band and Rascal Flatts have been added to the country superstar lineup for ACM PRESENTS: AN ALL-STAR SALUTE TO THE TROOPS, a concert event featuring some of the biggest names in country music paying tribute to our armed forces. - See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/press_releases.html#sthash.Pby3GG0j.dpuf

It's Time To VOTE!

YOU can help decide who takes home two very important trophies at the 49th ACM Awards on April 6th! Fan voting for ACM Entertainer of the Year and ACM New Artist of the Year is now open. 

CLICK HERE to help YOUR favorite artist take home a shiny ACM Award. Remember, they can't do it without YOU! 

And then don’t forget to tune in to the ACM Awards on CBS, Sunday, April 6th at 8pm to see if your artist wins!

Las Vegas Goes Country

The ACM Awards are Sunday, hosted by Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton (listed in alpha order so as to avoid fisticuffs).  The city is ready!

Final ACM New Artist of the Year Nominees Announced

The fans have spoken, and the final three nominees for ACM New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s Department Stores are Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, and Justin Moore. All three artists now move on to the final round of voting, where you, the fans, will once again have a say in determining the ACM New Artist of the Year!

The final round of voting will begin at CBS.com on March 24^th. Cast your vote by logging onto www.VoteACM.com.

The Academy Of Country Music Award Nominees/2014

Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw lead nominations for the 49th ACM Awards, announced via the Academy's Facebook and Twitter in a digital press conference. 

Twelve celebrity guests ranging from Grammy-winning country artist Darius Rucker to Duck Dynasty stars Willie & Korie Robertson to pop sensation Katy Perry helped reveal the nominees.

WATCH THEIR VIDEOS HERE

READ FULL NOMINEES LIST

Who do you think should be among the final three nominees for ACM New Artist of the Year? Cast your vote NOW to help us narrow down the field. You can vote once per day before voting closes on Feb. 4th.

VOTE NOW

The Week Las Vegas Goes Country Keeps Growing

EVENT: Join us during The Week Vegas Goes Country® for the 2^nd annual ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL being held April 4^th and 5^th in Las Vegas at The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s new open-air retail, dining and entertainment district at the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip. The two-day, ticketed outdoor music festival will feature multiple stages for ongoing LIVE country music performances, interactive games, a country marketplace, and more.

Headliners Rascal Flatts will kick off the ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL on Friday, April 4^th with Thomas Rhett, The Cadillac Three, and special guests to be announced. Keith Urban headlines Saturday, April 5^th with Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Young, and more yet to be announced including the ACM New Artist of the Year nominees! 

A portion of proceeds from all tickets sales from the ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL will benefit worthy charities selected by the performers and our partners. You’ll be helping to raise awareness and funds while watching your favorite stars perform! This is truly the “feel good party of the year!”

To purchase tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com and search keywords “Academy of Country Music” or “ACM.”

General Admission two-day ticket packages are available for $65 each. The ticket gives you access to the festival grounds and performances on both Friday and Saturday from Noon until 12:00 a.m.

Tickets On Sale Soon For The 49th Annual ACM Awards Events

BLAKE SHELTON and LUKE BRYAN are again co-hosting the 49^TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS.

Country Music’s Party of the Year®, the 49^TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, honoring country music’s best and introducing the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 6, 2014.

ACM award-winning duo Florida Georgia Line will host the 4TH ANNUAL ACM FAN JAM at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, April 6, 2014. This live remote location gives country music lovers the ultimate fan-pass to be a part of the 49TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS! Throughout the three-hour Awards telecast from MGM Grand, there will be live ACM FAN JAM performances, via remote from the Mandalay Bay Events Center, by Florida Georgia Line and other top-tier music acts. The ACM FAN JAM continues after the Awards telecast ends, with performances by Florida Georgia Line.

The after-show party, ACM’s annual ALL-STAR JAM, held in the MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom, is the place to be immediately following the ACM Awards.

Stay over Monday, April 7, 2014, after the ACM Awards for another star-studded night!  For the past five years, the Academy has taped ACM PRESENTS, a special televised concert featuring and honoring artists such as George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Lionel Richie, Tim McGraw, and many others.  The Academy helps to fund ACM Lifting Lives through our televised specials. Each year, ACM Lifting Lives provides grants to music therapy and music education programs and helps endorse and contribute to country music artists’ favorite causes.  Proceeds from this special event benefit ACM Lifting Lives.  Stay tuned for more information on details about this special.

The Academy will announce its full schedule of The Week Vegas Goes Country® events in the coming weeks, which will include the ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE FESTIVAL, a ticketed outdoor music festival featuring country’s top hit makers, to be held April 4-6, 2014 in Las Vegas.  This country music festival will once again feature LIVE country music performances from some of the biggest stars in the business, along with interactive games and a shopper’s paradise and country marketplace -- much, much more to be announced. 

Talent line-up and ticket on-sale will be announced in January 2014.

The 48th Annual ACM Entertainer Of The Year

Will it be Jason, Luke, Miranda, Blake or Taylor?! It's your call!

CLICK HERE to vote now online, and watch tonight on CBS to vote via text.

• Watch the live stream of the GAC ACM Red Carpet show and the ACM Awards Press Room beginning at 3 p.m. PT at acmcountry.com. 
• Check out the red carpet arrivals and then see the winners in the backstage press room.
• Join the conversation online during the show HERE. 
• TWEET your congratulations to tonight’s ACM Award winners. Use #ACMs and YOUR tweet could end up on the show.