The 59th annual Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) unfolded on May 16th, 2024, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the ceremony celebrated the biggest names and rising stars in country music, culminating in a night filled with unforgettable performances and emotional wins.
While Luke Combs led the pack with eight nominations, it was Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton who emerged as the biggest winners, securing coveted trophies in major categories. Let’s delve deeper into the night’s highlights and the complete list of winners.
A Star-Studded Night of Country Music Celebration
The 2024 ACM Awards kicked off with a bang, featuring electrifying performances from some of the industry’s most beloved artists. From Luke Combs’ energetic rendition of “Fast Car” to the heartwarming duet of “Can’t Break Up Now” by Old Dominion and Megan Moroney, the ceremony kept the audience engaged and entertained.
Beyond the dazzling performances, the awards themselves were undoubtedly the night’s focal point. The competition was fierce, with several talented artists vying for recognition in various categories. Here’s a breakdown of the major winners:
- Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home the highly coveted Entertainer of the Year award. This historic win marks Wilson’s rise to the top of the country music scene and solidifies her place as a major force in the industry.
- Other Top Awards: Chris Stapleton also enjoyed a successful night, winning Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for “Higher,” and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Additionally, Luke Combs secured Single of the Year for “Fast Car,” while Jordan Davis received the Song of the Year award for “Next Thing You Know.”
- New Artist Recognition: The ceremony also acknowledged the next generation of country music talent. Megan Moroney, the most nominated woman at the ACMs this year, won New Female Artist of the Year, while Nate Smith took home the New Male Artist of the Year award. Tigirlily Gold received recognition as the New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year.
- Duo and Group Success: Established duos and groups also had their moment in the spotlight. Dan + Shay continued their winning streak with the Duo of the Year award, while Old Dominion secured the Group of the Year trophy.
The complete list of winners across all categories serves as a testament to the breadth and depth of talent within country music.
You can find the complete list of winners at the end of this article.
A Night to Remember: Celebrating Country Music’s Legacy
The 2024 ACM Awards were a resounding success, showcasing the vibrant energy and artistic merit of country music. From rising stars to established legends, the ceremony provided a platform to celebrate the genre’s rich history and promising future.
The night served as a reminder of the power of country music to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. The heartfelt performances and emotional acceptance speeches offered a glimpse into the passion and dedication that fuels this beloved genre.
