One of country music’s greatest nights, the Academy of Country Music Awards, kicked off with a powerful duet between singer Miranda Lambert and pop singer Elle King.
The two played their hit song “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” while donning leather jackets adorned with long pink and blue tassels.
After the song, hosts Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton took to the stage to welcome viewers. Urban, 53, excitedly told fans that “Nashville is back” at his appearance.
The show takes place at several locations in Nashville, Tennessee, including the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Café.
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Next came a performance of “Famous Friends” by Chris Young and Kane Brown.
Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards. (Photo by Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for ACM)
After bouncing back from a dangerous accident, newcomer Blanco Brown awarded the night’s first prize for group of the year, which went to Old Dominion. In their speech, the group proudly showed themselves to be nominated alongside “such bada —-“.
Meanwhile, Thomas Rhett sang a medley of melodies, including “What’s Your Country Song.” Lambert then took the stage again – this time at the Bluebird Café – to sing with Chris Stapleton after the star’s wife reportedly had to skip the performance due to a “ previous doula commitment. ”
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Another duet was Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris. The couple sang “Chasing After You” and then lovingly shared a kiss.
Carrie Underwood stunned viewers and sang a medley of songs of faith. Underwood was virtually introduced by Dolly Parton, who noted that the couple shared their faith.
Miranda Lambert and Elle King perform onstage at the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry on April 18, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee (Photo by Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for ACM)
Underwood, who dazzled on stage, was joined by CeCe Winans for a powerful duet.
Stapleton and Morris are the best nominees with six each. Stapleton’s nominations include Album, Song, and Male Artist of the Year. Morris’ nominations include single and female artist of the year. She also landed a group of the year nod as a member of the Highwomen, the supergroup that also includes Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby.
Carrie Underwood and CeCe Winans impress viewers with their duet. (Photo by Brent Harrington / CBS via Getty Images)
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Some of the ACM winners were announced in advance, including Gabby Barrett (new female artist), Jimmie Allen (new male artist) and Kane Brown (video of the year). Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s platinum hit “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” co-written by Combs, won Music Event of the Year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report