Miranda Lambert Will Receive the Inaugural Merle Haggard Spirit Award at ACM Honors

Miranda Lambert may not be an Okie from Muskogee, but the Texas spitfire will do Merle Haggard proud when she receives the inaugural ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award at the ACM Honors ceremony on Aug. 30 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The award honors uncompromising artists in the spirit of Merle Haggard while acknowledging a man who has figured prominently in ACM history.

With her fearless delivery, musically diverse catalogue, clever lyrics and take-a-stand attitude, Miranda will be a worthy recipient of the award.

The ACM Honors will also feature performances from Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Cam, Maren Morris and Cole Swindell.

Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban and Toby Keith will take the stage for a special tribute to Glen Campbell, who will be honored with the ACM Career Achievement Award.

The 10th ACM Honors is an evening dedicated to celebrating the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards. Hosted by Lady Antebellum, the two-hour special will tape on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, and make its television debut on the CBS Television Network on Friday, Sept. 9, 9–11 p.m. ET.

 

photo courtesy Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

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