The 57th Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards aired Monday (Mar. 7) exclusively on Amazon Prime. In addition to honoring the year’s most successful artists, albums, and songs, the ACMs also featured a stellar line-up of performances from country music’s biggest artists.
With that in mind, here are my top 5 favorite performances from this year’s ACM Awards:
5. “If I Didn’t Love You,” Jason Aldean featuring Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood brought the energy to Allegiant Stadium with their upbeat heartbreak ballad, “If I Didn’t Love You.” Their collab has honestly been one of my favorite songs this year, so I was excited to see them take the stage together. I thought they sounded great, plus, how cool was Carrie’s awesome entrance when she flew over the crowd? In addition to their killer performance, the pair brought home the award for Single of the Year with their duet.
4. “Slow Down Summer,” Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett switched things up a bit and delivered a piano rendition of his hit song, “Slow Down Summer.” His performance made me feel like I was at one of his concerts and not a major award show. As a side note, I wouldn’t mind seeing TR play more piano, just sayin.’
3. “I Hope You Dance,” Gabby Barrett
ACMs co-host Gabby Barrett sang one of my–and her–favorite songs: Lee Ann Womack‘s “I Hope You Dance.” Barrett, who was the ACM’s 2021 New Female Artist of the Year, chose the song because she sang it previously while competing on American Idol. I thought she brought some powerful vocals to her performance and always enjoy seeing her on stage beside her husband and guitarist, Cade Foehner.
2. “I Will Always Love You,” Kelly Clarkson
Pop diva Kelly Clarkson honored ACMs host Dolly Parton with a cover of “I Will Always Love You.” She absolutely smashed her performance and reminded everyone yet again that there’s no song she can’t sing.
1. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” Carly Pearce featuring Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde gave an intimate and emotional performance of their duet, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” which explores infidelity from the perspective of two women who are unknowingly being cheated on by the same guy. This song has also been one of my faves this year, and these ladies had the audience captivated with their amazing vocals and incredible harmonies the entire time. The pair also took home the award for Music Event of the Year for their collab. In addition, Carly won the award for Female Artist of the Year.
And that concludes my list of favorite performances from the 2022 ACMs. Congrats to all the artists who took home awards this year!
If you’re a country music fan and you watched the ACMs, what was your favorite performance or moment? Share them with me in the comments below.
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