Luke Combs, Eric Church, Rissi Palmer & More Celebrated at ACM Honors: 5 Top Moments

Artists, musicians and industry executives who have made indelible contributions to the country music genre were celebrated on Wednesday night (Aug. 20) during the ACM Honors.

This year, the ACM Honors was held at recently opened Nashville music venue The Pinnacle. Carly Pearce returned to host the awards show for a fifth consecutive year and was joined by first-time host Russell Dickerson.

The evening launched by remembering artists and executives that passed away in the past year, including Connie Francis, Jeannie Seely, Brandon Blackstock, Mike Borchetta and Ben Vaughn.

Dickerson and Pearce also kicked off the evening with a rendition of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s “Jackson,” before Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and singer-songwriter Carter Faith teamed up to celebrate the evening’s first honoree — songwriter of the year recipient Jessie Jo Dillon — by performing their version of the Dillon-penned Morgan Wallen hit “Lies Lies Lies.” (Dillon is also the writer on a string of recent hits, including Jelly Roll’s “Halfway to Hell” and Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?”)

Fairchild honored Dillon by noting not only her songwriting prowess, but also her role in championing women artists and songwriters, saying, “She’s given us a place that feels safe.”

Jelly Roll, who was not in attendance but accepted via video, was honored with the ACM Lifting Lives award, recognizing Jelly Roll for his commitment to philanthropy and serving others. On his Backroad Baptism Tour, he teamed with Live Nation to donate $1 from each ticket sold, raising over $600,000 to benefit at-risk youths. He also visited over 10 juvenile facilities, four rehabilitation centers and many homeless shelters to bring encouragement. Songwriter Ashley Gorley performed a version of “I Am Not Okay” to honor Jelly Roll.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Randy Travis was celebrated with the ACM milestone award, for his career milestones over the past year. Travis’s use of AI-assisted vocals in his songs helped bring his signature vocals into the spotlight again. Jamey Johnson honored Travis with a rendition of “Three Wooden Crosses.”

Wilson, who was not in attendance, was celebrated with the ACM songwriter-artist of the year accolade, and accepted via video.

Music executive Lori Badgett was honored with the ACM Service Award, recognizing Badgett’s years of service to the ACM. Songwriter Victoria Shaw paid homage to Badgett by performing a version of “The River,” a Garth Brooks classic that Shaw co-wrote with Brooks.

Amy Grant performed a version of Sawyer Brown’s “All These Years” in tribute to the song’s writer, Mac McAnally, who was honored with the ACM Poet’s Award. A Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, McAnally has had his songs recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Shenandoah and more.

The movie Twisters was celebrated with the ACM Film Award; the movie’s soundtrack was filled with music from country artists including Luke Combs, Moroney and Jelly. Tucker Wetmore performed his soundtrack contribution “Already Had It.”

Wetmore did double duty throughout the evening, as a performer but also serving as an affable, charming host in honoring recipients of the studio musicians and industry awards winners.

Below we look at five top moments from the event.