It wasn’t the ACMs live from Las Vegas, but it was a wholesome, country-filled Sunday night on CBS. In place of the Academy of Country Music’s annual awards show, they aired the special “ACM Presents: Our Country” instead, featuring performances from some of the genre’s top artists.
Keith Urban, who was supposed to host the big night, belted out his hit song, “Wasted Time.” While female powerhouse, Carrie Underwood, gave a sultry, acoustic rendition of “Drinking Alone,” alone from her couch with a glass of wine. Shania Twain, who should be headlining her Las Vegas “Let’s Go!” residency, sang the appropriately-selected, “Honey I’m Home” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” alongside her dog and horse.
The two-hour special, hosted by Gayle King, also featured performances from Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum (and their kids!), Miranda Lambert, and duets by Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani and Kane Brown & John Legend; to name a few. The chief, Eric Church, took the opportunity to debut his new song, Never Break Heart;” trading his signature aviators for a pair of – what we can only assume are – reading glasses.
But one of the most touching moments of the night was a powerful tribute to the late country music legend, Kenny Rogers. Braid Paisley and Darius Rucker sang Rogers’ hit songs “Lucille” and The Gambler,” while Luke Bryan opted for “Coward of the Country.” Luke’s fellow American Idol judge, Lionel Richie, appeared on screen to share some history behind his friendship with the late country music star.
