Dustin Lynch, Lauren Alaina, Cam, Jon Pardi & More to Perform at ACM Honors Ceremony

TA

Dustin Lynch, Lauren Alaina, Cam, Jon Pardi & More to Perform at ACM Honors Ceremony

The Academy of Country Music announced its first round of performers and presenters for the 12th annual ACM Honors ceremony, which will take place on August 22 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The ceremony will recognize the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 53rd ACM Awards.

Performers include Lauren Alaina, Kassi Ashton, Cam, Deana Carter, Morgan Evans, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jon Pardi, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip. Presenters include Jordan Davis, Lindsay Ell, Lori McKenna and Storme Warren.

The ACM Honors, which will be hosted by Lauren Alaina and Jon Pardi, will pay tribute to a number of artists for their specific achievements, including Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Darius Rucker, Matraca Berg, Mickey and Chris Christensen, Eddie Miller, Rhett Akins, Rob Potts, Matraca Berg and Norro Wilson.

Check out the list of awardees, awards and past winners below.

Alan Jackson

Cliffie Stone Icon Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who throughout their career has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.
Past Winners: Alabama, Bob Beckham, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, George Strait, The Judds, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, Kenny Rogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, The Statler Brothers, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam.

Darius Rucker

Gary Harber Lifting Lives Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others, voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
Past Winners: Brooks & Dunn, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood.

Sam Hunt

Gene Weed Milestone Award: This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.
Past Winners: Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, George Burns, Kenny Chesney, Jeff Foxworthy, Merle Haggard, Gayle Holcomb, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.

Mickey Christensen, Chris Christensen and Eddie Miller (all awarded posthumously)

Mae Boren Axton Service Award: This award is presented to an outstanding country music artist, duo/group or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.
Past Winners: Barry Adelman, John Dorris, Bob Kingsley, Reba McEntire, Tim DuBois, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Paul Moore, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Keith Urban, Gene Weed, Tommy Wiggins and David Young.

Dierks Bentley

Merle Haggard Spirit Award: This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country legend and 20-time ACM Award Winner Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.
Past Winners: Miranda Lambert, Eric Church.

Matraca Berg and Norro Wilson (awarded posthumously)

Poet’s Award: This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.
Past Winners: Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Shel Silverstein, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Guy Clark, Jack Clement, Hank Cochran, Dean Dillon, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Kris Kristofferson, Bob McDill, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker, Jimmy Webb and Hank Williams.

Rhett Akins

Songwriter of the Year Award: This award is presented to an individual known predominately as a songwriter, selected by a Professional Panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization representatives.
Past Winners:
Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, and Roger Miller.

Rob Potts (awarded posthumously)

Jim Reeves International Award: This award recognizes an artist or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.
Past Winners: Joe Allison, Bill Boyd, Garth Brooks, Steve Buchanan, Joe Cates, Eric Church, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Al Gallico, Merv Griffin, Jim Halsey, Alan Jackson, Ken Kragen, Lady Antebellum, Sam Louvello, Thurston Moore, Charlie Nagatani, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Roy Rogers, Bob Saporiti, Louise Scruggs, Dinah Shore, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Jeff Walker, Jo Walker-Meador and Bill Ward.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Blogs

Conner Smith Pulls Out Of Shows In Order To “Process Recent Events” Following Fatal Crosswalk Car Accident

Conner Smith has withdrawn from two upcoming shows on June 20 and June 21 to process the aftermath of a fatal car accident that occurred in Nashville on June 8, where the 24-year-old country singer accidentally struck and killed a 77-year-old pedestrian in a crosswalk. “As Conner Smith takes time to privately process recent events,…

Conner Smith Pulls Out Of Shows In Order To “Process Recent Events” Following Fatal Crosswalk Car Accident

Conner Smith has withdrawn from two upcoming shows on June 20 and June 21 to process the aftermath of a fatal car accident that occurred in Nashville on June 8, where the 24-year-old country singer accidentally struck and killed a 77-year-old pedestrian in a crosswalk. “As Conner Smith takes time to privately process recent events,…

Margo Price Praises Tyler Childers Ahead Of Their New Collaboration, “Love Me Like You Used To”

During an exclusive listening party in London before her show at the Scala on Wednesday (June 18), Margo Price shared insights about her upcoming album, Hard Headed Woman, which is set for release on August 29 via Loma Vista Recordings. Her new collaboration with Tyler Childers called “Love Me Like You Used To,” caught the…

Margo Price Praises Tyler Childers Ahead Of Their New Collaboration, “Love Me Like You Used To”

During an exclusive listening party in London before her show at the Scala on Wednesday (June 18), Margo Price shared insights about her upcoming album, Hard Headed Woman, which is set for release on August 29 via Loma Vista Recordings. Her new collaboration with Tyler Childers called “Love Me Like You Used To,” caught the…

Lukas Nelson Aims To “Connect” With Fans “Who Will Follow Me Until I’m 90” With New Album, ‘American Romance’

Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson and leader of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, is set to release his debut solo album, American Romance, on Friday (June 20). The 36-year-old Grammy-winning musician is aiming to create a significant musical legacy of his own by staying true to his country-western, folk, and Americana roots.…

Lukas Nelson Aims To “Connect” With Fans “Who Will Follow Me Until I’m 90” With New Album, ‘American Romance’

Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson and leader of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, is set to release his debut solo album, American Romance, on Friday (June 20). The 36-year-old Grammy-winning musician is aiming to create a significant musical legacy of his own by staying true to his country-western, folk, and Americana roots.…

“Backup Plan” Producer Austin Shawn Reflects On Creating Bailey Zimmerman’s Hit Collaboration With Luke Combs

In a new interview with Billboard, producer Austin Shawn discusses the hit song "Backup Plan" by Bailey Zimmerman, and shares insight into the country star’s forthcoming album. Shawn says that the decision to feature Luke Combs was spontaneous. “When I finished the first rough mix on it, Bailey was like, ‘Should I text it to…

“Backup Plan” Producer Austin Shawn Reflects On Creating Bailey Zimmerman’s Hit Collaboration With Luke Combs

In a new interview with Billboard, producer Austin Shawn discusses the hit song “Backup Plan” by Bailey Zimmerman, and shares insight into the country star’s forthcoming album. Shawn says that the decision to feature Luke Combs was spontaneous. “When I finished the first rough mix on it, Bailey was like, ‘Should I text it to…

The Red Clay Strays Add Extra Dates To Their Sold-Out North American Tour

On Monday (June 16), the Red Clay Strays announced additional dates on their 2025 Get Right Tour across North America. The new shows are in Cincinnati, Ohio; Pikeville, Kentucky;  Macon, Georgia; and Huntsville, Alabama, and are set to take place in September and October. The ACM Award-winners will offer a fan pre-sale beginning on Wednesday…

The Red Clay Strays Add Extra Dates To Their Sold-Out North American Tour

On Monday (June 16), the Red Clay Strays announced additional dates on their 2025 Get Right Tour across North America. The new shows are in Cincinnati, Ohio; Pikeville, Kentucky;  Macon, Georgia; and Huntsville, Alabama, and are set to take place in September and October. The ACM Award-winners will offer a fan pre-sale beginning on Wednesday…