The 54th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, held on April 7, 2019, featured a powerhouse lineup of performers including Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and George Strait. Reba McEntire hosted the star-studded event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, which highlighted a blend of contemporary hits and nostalgic "ACM Flashbacks."
The Grand Stage: Setting the Scene in Las Vegas
The 54th ACM Awards served as a pivotal moment for the country music industry, bridging the gap between legendary icons and the rapidly rising stars of the late 2010s. Broadcast live on CBS, the ceremony was designed to celebrate the genre's growth while honoring its roots. As we look back from 2026, the 2019 show remains a benchmark for production quality and collaborative spirit.
Reba McEntire returned for her sixteenth time as host, bringing a sense of familiarity and sharp wit to the proceedings. Her presence provided a stable foundation for a show that was packed with over 20 performances, ranging from intimate acoustic sets to high-energy stadium anthems. The atmosphere in the MGM Grand Garden Arena was electric, fueled by the "Artist of the Decade" presentation and several crossover collaborations that aimed to expand country music’s reach.
2019 ACM Awards Performers: The Complete Artist List
The 2019 roster was one of the most diverse in the Academy's history, featuring solo acts, duos, and unique pairings. The performances were categorized into standard sets, the special "ACM Flashback" series, and high-profile collaborations.
Solo Performances and Contemporary Hits
Many of the night's most memorable moments came from solo artists who were at the peak of their radio dominance. Carrie Underwood performed "Southbound" from her Cry Pretty album, delivering a high-energy, poolside-themed routine that moved from the stage into the audience. Meanwhile, Blake Shelton took the stage to perform "God’s Country," a song that would go on to win Single of the Year later that evening.
Other notable solo performers included:
- Luke Bryan: Performed "Knockin' Boots."
- Maren Morris: Delivered a soulful rendition of "GIRL."
- Thomas Rhett: Performed "Look What God Gave Her."
- Old Dominion: Performed "Make It Sweet."
- Chris Stapleton: Performed "A Simple Song."
- Little Big Town: Debuted their then-new single "The Daughters."
The "ACM Flashback" Collaborations
A unique feature of the 54th awards was the "ACM Flashback" series, which paired contemporary stars with legends to perform classic hits from the 1990s. This initiative was designed to celebrate the enduring legacy of country music.
- Brooks & Dunn with Luke Combs: They performed "Brand New Man," a high-energy collaboration that highlighted Combs' vocal power alongside the legendary duo.
- George Strait with Miranda Lambert: The "King of Country" joined Lambert for a nostalgic performance of "Runnin' Behind."
Crossover and Special Collaborations
The 2019 show also emphasized the genre-bending nature of modern country. One of the most talked-about moments was the collaboration between Kane Brown and R&B artist Khalid, who performed a remix of "Saturday Nights." This performance signified the Academy’s effort to embrace "Country-Pop" and "Country-R&B" fusions.
Additionally, Dierks Bentley joined forces with Brandi Carlile for "Travelin' Light," showcasing a more Americana-leaning side of the genre. Kelly Clarkson also made a dual appearance, performing with Dan + Shay on their hit "Keeping Score" and later appearing with Jason Aldean.
The Artist of the Decade: Jason Aldean’s Milestone
The centerpiece of the 2019 ACM Awards was the presentation of the Artist of the Decade award to Jason Aldean. This prestigious honor, previously given to legends like Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Alabama, Garth Brooks, and George Strait, recognized Aldean's massive impact on the genre throughout the 2010s.
To celebrate, Aldean performed a career-spanning medley that reminded the audience of his dominance on the charts. The medley included:
- "Lights Come On"
- "Don't You Wanna Stay" (with Kelly Clarkson)
- "Any Ol' Barstool"
- "Dirt Road Anthem"
- "She's Country"
The award was presented by George Strait, symbolizing a passing of the torch and a validation of Aldean's "country-rock" style which helped define the decade's sound. From our perspective in 2026, this moment solidified Aldean’s legacy as one of the most influential touring acts of his era.
Top Show Moments and Standout Performances
While every artist brought their best, a few moments defined the 54th ACM Awards and continue to be cited by fans years later.
Chrissy Metz’s Debut
This Is Us star Chrissy Metz made her country award show debut, performing "I'm Standing With You" from the film Breakthrough. She was joined by Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina, Mickey Guyton, and Maddie & Tae. The performance was a vocal powerhouse moment, emphasizing female empowerment and solidarity within the industry.
Keith Urban’s "Entertainer of the Year" Victory
Although not a performance in itself, Keith Urban’s win for Entertainer of the Year was the emotional climax of the night. After years of nominations and a previous win in 2005 for Top Male Vocalist, Urban’s crowning as the night's top winner was met with a standing ovation. Earlier in the night, he performed a spirited cover of "Burden," showcasing his world-class guitar skills.
Dan + Shay’s Dominance
The duo Dan + Shay had a breakout night, performing their hit "Tequila." Their performance was technically flawless and served as a victory lap for a year in which they swept the duo categories and won Song of the Year. Their success in 2019 marked a shift toward more melodic, pop-influenced country that dominated the airwaves for the subsequent several years.
Complete Performance and Artist Table
The following table provides a comprehensive look at the performers, the songs they played, and the context of their appearance during the 54th ACM Awards.
| Performer(s) | Song(s) Performed | Performance Type/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Aldean | Medley: "Lights Come On," "Don't You Wanna Stay," "Any Ol' Barstool," "Dirt Road Anthem," "She's Country" | Artist of the Decade Medley (with Kelly Clarkson) |
| Carrie Underwood | "Southbound" | Lead Single from Cry Pretty |
| George Strait | "Every Little Honky Tonk Bar" | Solo Performance |
| George Strait & Miranda Lambert | "Runnin' Behind" | ACM Flashback |
| Brooks & Dunn & Luke Combs | "Brand New Man" | ACM Flashback |
| Kane Brown & Khalid | "Saturday Nights" | Genre Crossover Collaboration |
| Dan + Shay | "Tequila" | Song of the Year Performance |
| Miranda Lambert | Medley: "Kerosene," "Gunpowder & Lead," "Mama's Broken Heart," "Little Red Wagon" | Greatest Hits Medley |
| Blake Shelton | "God's Country" | Single of the Year Performance |
| Chrissy Metz, Carrie Underwood, et al. | "I'm Standing With You" | Film Soundtrack Performance |
| Keith Urban | "Burden" | Cover Performance |
| Dierks Bentley & Brandi Carlile | "Travelin' Light" | Americana-focused Collaboration |
| Maren Morris | "GIRL" | Title Track Performance |
| Luke Bryan | "Knockin' Boots" | Summer Anthem Debut |
| Thomas Rhett | "Look What God Gave Her" | Modern Country-Pop Set |
| Florida Georgia Line | "Talk You Out of It" | Mid-tempo Performance |
The Winners' Circle: Key Victories of the 54th Annual Awards
To understand the context of the performances, it is essential to look at who took home the trophies. The 2019 awards were notable for rewarding both veteran acts and new faces.
- Entertainer of the Year: Keith Urban
- Female Artist of the Year: Kacey Musgraves
- Male Artist of the Year: Thomas Rhett
- Album of the Year: Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves
- Single of the Year: "God's Country" – Blake Shelton
- Song of the Year: "Tequila" – Dan + Shay
- New Female Artist of the Year: Ashley McBryde
- New Male Artist of the Year: Luke Combs
Kacey Musgraves’ win for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year followed her historic Grammy sweep, further validating her artistic direction within the country community. Luke Combs’ win as New Male Artist was a foreshadowing of his eventual rise to Entertainer of the Year status in the years that followed.
Production and Hosting Excellence
Reba McEntire’s hosting was a highlight of the production. She famously used her opening monologue to address the lack of female nominees in the Entertainer of the Year category, a topic that was a major point of discussion in 2019. Her ability to balance humor with industry critique demonstrated why she remains a fixture of the ACMs.
The stage design utilized massive LED screens and a multi-level layout that allowed for quick transitions between the high number of performers. The decision to place Carrie Underwood’s "Southbound" performance in the middle of a crowd "beach party" was a technical challenge that the production team executed flawlessly, providing one of the most visually distinct segments of the broadcast.
Historical Retrospective: Why the 2019 ACMs Matter in 2026
Looking back from 2026, the 2019 ACM Awards represent the "end of an era" and the beginning of another. It was the last time the show felt truly anchored in the 2010s "bro-country" and "crossover-pop" peak before the industry began leaning into the more traditionalist and "outlaw" revivals seen in the early 2020s.
The 54th awards also marked the final major "Artist of the Decade" celebration before the global events of 2020 changed the landscape of touring and live award shows. The performances from 2019—specifically the "Flashback" sets—remind us of the cyclical nature of country music and the industry's deep-seated respect for its elders, even as it chases the next big radio hit.
FAQs About the 2019 ACM Awards
Who won the most awards at the 2019 ACMs?
Dan + Shay were among the night's biggest winners, taking home three awards: Song of the Year (as artists and producers) and Duo of the Year. Kacey Musgraves also won two major awards, including Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
Which artist was named Artist of the Decade in 2019?
Jason Aldean was honored as the ACM Artist of the Decade. This award is only given once every ten years to an artist who has dominated the charts, touring, and overall influence within the genre over the preceding decade.
Did George Strait perform at the 2019 ACM Awards?
Yes, George Strait performed twice. He performed his solo single "Every Little Honky Tonk Bar" and participated in an "ACM Flashback" performance with Miranda Lambert, singing his 1990s hit "Runnin' Behind."
Why did Reba McEntire host the show?
Reba McEntire is a legendary figure in country music and a long-time friend of the Academy. 2019 marked her 16th time hosting the ceremony, making her the most frequent host in the history of the ACM Awards.
What was the "ACM Flashback" segment?
The "ACM Flashback" segment was a special series of performances where modern stars were paired with veteran artists to perform classic country hits. This was a central theme of the 54th awards to honor the history of the genre.
Where can I watch the 2019 ACM Awards performances today?
Official clips of the performances are typically available on the ACM Awards' official YouTube channel or through the ACM Country official website. Some performances may also be found on the individual artists' Vevo channels.
Final Recommendation for Fans and Researchers
For those looking to relive the 2019 ACM Awards, focusing on the Jason Aldean Artist of the Decade Medley and the ACM Flashback performances provides the best overview of the show’s intent. These segments successfully captured the transition of the genre. If you are researching the evolution of country music production, the 54th ACMs are an excellent case study in how to balance a high volume of live performances (over 20 in three hours) with meaningful industry honors.
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