Following the cancellation of SXSW, Ultra Music Festival, Coachella and Stagecoach over coronavirus COVID-19 concerns, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) is moving forward with plans to host the 55th annual awards show on April 5 at the MGM Grand.
The ACM team and dick clark productions issued a statement Wednesday morning to Billboard saying that “the health and safety of everyone connected with the show remains their top priority” and that they “are closely monitoring the situation along with the MGM team, who are in continuous contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Southern Nevada Health District, and other agencies and experts for guidance.” The organizers ensure that they “will take every precaution to ensure the safety of our artists, staff, crew, guests and attendees.”
After breaking their silence on coronavirus concerns, they followed their statement up with some good news by announcing the first round of performers for the live show. Host of the big night, Keith Urban, will perform; and viewers can also enjoy a star-studded performance of “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” with female powerhouses Miranda Lambert, Lindsay Ell, Caylee Hammack, Elle King, Ashley McBryde and Tenille Townes.
More performers will be announced in the coming weeks, but the king of country radio, Bobby Bones, has thrown his hat into the ring. In wake of coronavirus concerns, he offered to have his band The Raging Idiots perform their new song, “Wash Your Hands” on the show. The ACMs responded in a tweet: “we’ll have our people call your people.” A public health announcement and a performance by The Raging Idiots? It’s a win-win, if you ask us.
CBS will air the 55th annual Academy of Country Music Awards from the MGM Grand on April 5 (8pm ET).
