Lainey Wilson stole the spotlight at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, scooping up two major awards including the coveted Entertainer of the Year title. According to WATE, Wilson, who's been hustling in Nashville for over a decade, also snagged the Female Artist of the Year award. In her acceptance speech, she said, "Everybody in this category has loved on me and believed on me. And I love y’all for that."
Wilson joined the ranks of Miranda Lambert, who nabbed the Entertainer of the Year prize in 2022, and other past winners like Carrie Underwood. The CBS News report highlighted her opening performance which featured a cover of "God Blessed Texas," seamlessly transitioning into her new track "Hang Tight Honey." Plus, she teamed up with artist Jelly Roll for the Music Event of the Year award for their hit, "Save Me."
Across the rest of the night's festivities, Jordan Davis clinched the Song of the Year award for "Next Thing You Know," as WATE reported, where he expressed his gratitude to fans and his love for songwriting. On a more sentimental note, Jason Aldean delivered a stirring tribute to the late Toby Keith with a rendition of "Should’ve Been a Cowboy," which resonated with the audience and Keith’s family. ACM staple, Reba McEntire, took the reins as the event's host, marking her return to the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Other noteworthy moments came from Chris Stapleton, who grabbed both the Album and Male Artist of the Year awards, according to WATE. His performance of "Think I’m in Love with You" was spiced up with a surprise appearance by pop sensation Dua Lipa. Not to be outdone, Post Malone premiered a new song and even joined McEntire in tribute to the late Dickey Betts. Meanwhile, Luke Combs took home the Single of the Year for his cover of Tracy Chapman’s "Fast Car," as mentioned by The Tennessean.
