Lainey Wilson sweeps Academy of Country Music awards

Last night, members of American Country Music gathered in Frisco, Texas, for the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, May 8.

The awards show was hosted by Reba McEntire, the Queen of Country Music. She kicked things off with her rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee.”

This celebration of Country Music continued to see many of its top artists and songwriters take to the stage, including Dan + Shay, Clint Black, Brooks, and Dunn, who were joined by Cody Johnson. Jelly Roll and Shaboozey tag-teamed for a performance, and Shaboozey’s birthday was celebrated.

The night saw artists take away awards, including:

• Chris Stapleton – Male Artist of the Year
• Brooks & Dunn – Duo of the Year
• Old Dominion – Group of the Year
• Ella Langley – New Female Artist of the Year and Single of the Year with Riley Green
• Zach Top – New Male Artist of the Year
• The Red Clay Strays – New Duo or Group of the Year
• Cody Johnson – Song of the Year

One of the biggest surprises of the night included the debut song Trailblazers which is a collaboration between Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Lainey Wilson.

This song is dedicated to women who paved the way for others to achieve their dreams and overcome obstacles that can hinder them.

What made this debut extra special was Lainey Wilson’s clean sweep at the awards, seeing her take away four big awards, including:

• Entertainer of the Year
• Female Artist of the Year
• Album of the Year with her album Whirlwind
• Artist – Songwriter of the Year

In Wilson’s acceptance speech when receiving the Entertainer of the Year Award, she thanked the community around her for helping her achieve the award.