The Academy of Country Music revealed an expanded lineup of superstar collaborations and performances for the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards. This year, the awards telecast will honor three of country music’s hit songs from 1993 with Toby Keith and Blake Shelton performing Keith’s celebrated No.1 debut single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” Alan Jackson and Jon Pardi performing Jackson’s ACM Award-winning hit “Chattahoochee,” and Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson performing Reba’s Grammy Award-winning hit “Does He Love You.”
The performances will be part of the ACMS first ever “ACM Flashbacks” to honor classic country music hits and/or the artists whose music continues to influence musicians and fans alike. With this new feature, the ACM Awards will celebrate hits from a specific year, or honor an individual artist and their accomplishments through unique collaborations and one-of-a-kind renditions of their iconic songs.
Additional collaborations include Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina performing the multi-platinum, No. 1 hit “What Ifs,” Keith Urban and Julia Michaels performing Urban’s new single “Coming Home,” plus previously announced Bebe Rexha with Florida Georgia Line performing the chart-topping hit “Meant to Be.”
Also, Dan + Shay, Darius Rucker and Chris Young will join the lineup of previously announced solo performances by Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Midland, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, and Brett Young. Additionally, Carrie Underwood is set to debut her new single “Cry Pretty” on the ACM stage.
Previously announced presenters include David Boreanaz, Drew Brees, AJ Buckley, Cam, Sam Elliot, Eve, Ashton Kutcher, Dustin Lynch, Nancy O’Dell, Rebecca Romijn, Max Thieriot and Lindsey Vonn.
The ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.
