The 2019 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, marking the 54th anniversary of the ceremony, saw Keith Urban take home the night’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year. Kacey Musgraves was the other primary victor of the evening, securing Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed work, Golden Hour.
The 54th ACM Awards, held on April 7, 2019, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, served as a pivotal moment for the country music industry. It was a night characterized by a blend of veteran resurgence and the cementing of "new" superstars who have, by 2026, become the foundational pillars of the genre. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the telecast focused heavily on live performances, utilizing a "Flashback" theme that paired contemporary hitmakers with the icons who influenced them.
The Significance of the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards
The 2019 ceremony arrived at a time when country music was navigating a transition between the "bro-country" era of the mid-2010s and a more diverse, sonically adventurous landscape. The dominance of Kacey Musgraves signaled a shift toward rewarding artistic depth and crossover appeal, while Keith Urban’s Entertainer of the Year win—his first in that specific category at the ACMs—was viewed as a long-overdue validation of his high-energy, guitar-driven live spectacles.
Reba McEntire returned for her 16th time as host, providing a steady, professional hand that balanced the high-energy musical numbers with sharp, often self-deprecating humor. Her opening monologue famously poked fun at the lack of female nominees in the Entertainer of the Year category, a topic that remained a central point of discussion within the industry for several years following the event.
Full List of 2019 ACM Award Winners
The following table provides the comprehensive list of winners across the primary categories broadcast during the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Entertainer of the Year | Keith Urban |
| Female Artist of the Year | Kacey Musgraves |
| Male Artist of the Year | Thomas Rhett |
| Duo of the Year | Dan + Shay |
| Group of the Year | Old Dominion |
| New Female Artist of the Year | Ashley McBryde |
| New Male Artist of the Year | Luke Combs |
| New Duo or Group of the Year | LANCO |
| Album of the Year | Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves |
| Single of the Year | "Tequila" – Dan + Shay |
| Song of the Year | "Tequila" – Dan + Shay |
| Video of the Year | "Babe" – Sugarland ft. Taylor Swift |
| Music Event of the Year | "Burning Man" – Dierks Bentley ft. Brothers Osborne |
| Artist of the Decade | Jason Aldean |
Deep Dive: Key Highlights and Performances
The 2019 ACMs were less about the acceptance speeches and more about the "collaborative spirit." The producers leaned heavily into the "ACM Flashbacks" concept, which celebrated the history of the genre while keeping the focus on current chart-toppers.
Jason Aldean: Artist of the Decade
One of the most significant segments of the night was the presentation of the Artist of the Decade award to Jason Aldean. This honor is only bestowed once every ten years, with previous recipients including Marty Robbins (1960s), Loretta Lynn (1970s), Alabama (1980s), Garth Brooks (1990s), and George Strait (2000s). Aldean was recognized for his massive commercial impact, including 22 number-one hits and his role in evolving the "country-rock" sound that dominated the 2010s. His performance during the show was a medley of his greatest hits, reminding the audience of his consistency over the preceding ten years.
The Rise of Dan + Shay
If anyone challenged Kacey Musgraves for the title of "biggest winner," it was the duo Dan + Shay. Their hit "Tequila" was an absolute juggernaut in 2019, sweeping the Single of the Year and Song of the Year categories. The track's success was a harbinger of the duo's massive crossover appeal, which would eventually lead to major pop collaborations. Their performance of "Tequila" was one of the vocal highlights of the night, showcasing Shay Mooney's impressive tenor range.
Kacey Musgraves and the "Golden Hour" Era
By the time the 2019 ACMs rolled around, Kacey Musgraves had already won the Grammy for Album of the Year, but winning the same title at the ACMs was significant because it represented acceptance from the Nashville core. Golden Hour was praised for its "galactic country" production and its ability to attract listeners who typically didn't consume country music. Her win for Female Artist of the Year ended Miranda Lambert’s historic nine-year winning streak in that category, marking a symbolic passing of the torch.
Luke Combs: The New King of Country
In 2019, Luke Combs won New Male Artist of the Year, a category that, in hindsight, seems almost too small for the trajectory he was on. At the time of the win, Combs had already achieved several consecutive number-one singles. His performance of "Beautiful Crazy" was a stripped-back moment that highlighted the songwriting and vocal power that would eventually make him a multi-time Entertainer of the Year winner in the years following 2019.
Memorable Musical Collaborations
The 54th ACMs featured several unique pairings that were designed to bridge the gap between traditional and modern country.
- George Strait and Miranda Lambert: The "King of Country" joined the most awarded artist in ACM history for a medley of Strait’s hits, including "Run" and "Amarillo by Morning."
- Brooks & Dunn with Luke Combs: This performance of "Brand New Man" was part of the promotion for Brooks & Dunn’s Reboot album. It showcased the timelessness of 90s country and helped introduce a younger generation to the legendary duo.
- Dierks Bentley and Brandi Carlile: They performed "Travelin' Light," a bluegrass-inflected track that highlighted the genre's acoustic roots.
- Maren Morris and Brothers Osborne: A high-energy performance of "All My Favorite People" brought a rock-and-roll edge to the Las Vegas stage.
Technical Specifications and Voting Process
The ACM Awards are unique because of the Academy of Country Music's membership structure. Unlike the CMA Awards (Country Music Association), which are voted on primarily by industry professionals, the ACMs have historically incorporated different voting blocks.
- Professional Members: The majority of categories are voted on by the professional membership of the Academy, which includes artists, producers, songwriters, and executives.
- The "New Artist" Categories: In 2019, the New Female, New Male, and New Duo/Group categories were often influenced by a combination of professional votes and fan participation, though the Academy has adjusted these rules over time to ensure professional integrity.
- The "Decade" Award: The Artist of the Decade is selected by the ACM Board of Directors rather than a general membership vote, reflecting a holistic view of an artist's impact on touring, radio, and cultural relevance over a ten-year span.
Looking Back from 2026: The Legacy of the 2019 Winners
From the perspective of 2026, the 2019 ACM winners list reads like a "who’s who" of the industry’s most durable talents.
- Thomas Rhett, who won Male Artist of the Year in 2019, has since solidified his place as a leading voice in "suburban country," focusing on family-centric themes that resonate with a massive demographic.
- Ashley McBryde (New Female Artist 2019) has evolved into one of the most respected storytellers in the genre, often cited as the "songwriter's songwriter."
- Old Dominion began their long-term dominance of the Group of the Year category here, a streak that would continue well into the 2020s.
The 2019 show was also notable for what it didn't do: it didn't shy away from the conversation regarding the "women in country" crisis. By awarding Kacey Musgraves the top honors, the Academy made a statement about the quality of female-led projects, even if the radio airplay statistics of the time didn't always reflect that excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hosted the 2019 ACM Awards?
The 2019 ACM Awards were hosted by Reba McEntire. This was her 16th time hosting the ceremony, a record for the Academy. Her hosting style was praised for its humor and its focus on honoring the history of country music.
Where were the 2019 ACM Awards held?
The ceremony took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas has been the traditional home of the ACM Awards for much of the 21st century, providing a high-energy backdrop for the "Party of the Year."
Which artist won the most awards in 2019?
Dan + Shay and Kacey Musgraves were the most decorated artists of the night. Dan + Shay won three awards (Single of the Year as artists and producers, and Song of the Year). Kacey Musgraves won two major awards (Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year).
Did Jason Aldean win Entertainer of the Year in 2019?
No, Jason Aldean did not win Entertainer of the Year in 2019; that award went to Keith Urban. However, Jason Aldean received the ACM Artist of the Decade award, a special honor recognizing his achievements from 2010 through 2019.
Why was Kacey Musgraves' win significant?
Kacey Musgraves’ win for Female Artist of the Year was significant because it ended a long period of dominance by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. It also validated her crossover success following the release of Golden Hour, which won Album of the Year at both the ACMs and the Grammys.
Final Recommendation for Music Historians
For those researching the evolution of country music, the 2019 ACM Awards serve as a perfect case study of a genre in flux. To get the most out of this historical data, it is recommended to view the performances of Luke Combs and Ashley McBryde from this specific night. These performances captured the exact moment these artists transitioned from "rising stars" to the "new establishment." Additionally, the 54th ACM official program and the archived press releases from the Academy of Country Music provide deeper context into the industry awards (such as the Radio Awards and Industry Awards) that were not part of the main telecast but are essential for a full understanding of the 2019 country music landscape.
