Country singers gathered together last Sunday for ACM Presents: Our Country The program aired last 8pm Eastern Time April 5. It took over the slot of the supposed the 55th Academy of Country Music awards night, which was pushed to September 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gayle King hosted the concert-from-home show.
Some of the artists that appeared in the in the ACM Special Program were Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, John Legend, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum.
At the same show, there were tribute concerts for late singers Kenny Rogers and Joe Diffie. Rogers died last March 20 due to natural causes while Diffie died last March 29 due to COVID-19 complications.
Damon Whiteside, CEO of ACM said in the statement last March 15 that the decision was done in cooperation with many partners in the organization while ACM monitored the situation.
What Happened During the Event
Here are some of the best moments in "ACM Presents: Our Country", according to Billboard:
Blake and Gwen in Oklahoma
Singers Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are already on lockdown in Oklahoma. The two coaches of The Voice performed their hit duo "Nobody But You" from Shelton's ranch while practicing social distancing, according to PopCulture. The two harmonized in a ballad of love while Shelton strummed his guitar. It ended when the two showed their life in Oklahoma together.
Miranda Lambert
In Tennessee, singer Miranda Lambert performed her latest sigma "Bluebird" from her farm. Natural springs in her area surrounded her performance. "Thank goodness for technology that we could still connect. Lean into your music and let that heal you because music is medicine," she said in her video during her performance.
Keith Urban
Urban is supposed to be at the awards night, but instead, he made a video message to viewers admitting that he misses being with his fans and doing live concerts. He decided to play his single "Wasted Time" while at his home. Showing his talent in playing guitars, he slowly began the song with whispered vocals and delicate strumming before he picked up his pace mid-song.
Carrie Underwood
Underwood performed her single "Drinking Alone" from her album "Cry Pretty." Aside from her performance, she gave her fans a tour of her home. She performed from her couch in the living room.
Lady Antebellum
While observing social distancing, country band Lady Antebellum dedicated their song "What I'm Leaving For" from their latest album "Ocean" to those who are in the frontlines in battling coronavirus. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and all in the medical field were being dedicated due to the situation they have in their jobs right now.
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini performed her own single "Homecoming Queen" on the show from her bedroom. She said before that she could not exactly how her and her fans picture the recent pandemic. She also showed love and connection to her fans.
A Tribute to Kenny Rogers
Singers Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker joined forces as they paid tribute to the late Kenny Rogers with their rendition of one of Rogers' hit single "Lucille" and "The Gambler."
