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Winners of the 52nd Annual ACM Awards

Throughout a star-studded event, winners were awarded during the 52nd Annual ACM Awards. Hosted by Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan, the award show featured top-notch performances as well as high honors awarded throughout the evening.

Following is a complete list of winners for the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards.

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean – WINNER
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Dierks Bentley
Thomas Rhett – WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert – WINNER
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brothers Osborne – WINNER
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

Vocal Group of the Year
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town – WINNER
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
Kane Brown
Chris Janson
Chris Lane
Jon Pardi – WINNER
Brett Young

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
Lauren Alaina
Cam
Brandy Clark
Maren Morris – WINNER
* four nominees only

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY T-MOBILE
A Thousand Horses
Brothers Osborne – WINNER
Dan + Shay
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae

Album of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

Black – Dierks Bentley
Producers: Ross Copperman, Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Dig Your Roots – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

HERO – Maren Morris
Producers: busbee, Brad Hill, Maren Morris
Record Label: Columbia Nashville

Ripcord – Keith Urban
Producers: Jeff Bhasker, busbee, Nathan Chapman, Nitzan Kaikov, Dann Huff, Tyler Johnson, Johnny Price, Nile Rodgers, Keith Urban, Greg Wells
Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Records Nashville

The Weight of These Wings – Miranda Lambert – WINNER
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf
Record Labels: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records

Single Record of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

Blue Ain’t Your Color – Keith Urban
Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban
Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Records Nashville

H.O.L.Y. – Florida Georgia Line – WINNER
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw
Record Labels: McGraw Music, Big Machine Records

My Church – Maren Morris
Producers: busbee, Maren Morris
Record Label: Columbia Nashville

Vice – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf
Record Labels: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records

Song of the Year [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

Blue Ain’t Your Color – Keith Urban
Songwriters: Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen
Publishers: WB Music Corp (ASCAP), Music Of The Corn (ASCAP), HillarodyRathbone Music (ASCAP), BMG Gold Songs (ASCAP), House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Spirit Catalog Holdings (S.a.r.l.), Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP)

Die A Happy Man – Thomas Rhett – WINNER
Songwriters: Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc (BMI), Cricket On The Line (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI), Eastman Pond Publishing (BMI), Music of Big Deal (BMI), Nice Life (BMI), Frederic And Reid Music (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Brodsky Spensive Publishing (BMI)

Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw
Songwriter: Lori McKenna
Publishers: Songs of Universal Inc (BMI), Hoodie Songs (BMI)

Kill A Word – Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens
Songwriters: Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
Publishers: Emileon Songs (BMI), Little Louder Songs (BMI), Longer And Louder Music (BMI), Mammaw’s Fried Okra Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI)

Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Dean Dillon, Linda Hargrove
Publishers: Universal-Songs Of PolyGram International (BMI), EMI Algee (BMI)

Vice – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Smack Hits (GMR), Kobalt Music Group,
Ltd. (GMR), Anderson Fork In The Road Music (ASCAP), Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc. (ASCAP), Smackville Music (ASCAP)

Video of the Year PRESENTED BY XFINITY [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

Fire Away – Chris Stapleton
Director: Tim Mattia
Producer: Jennifer Rothlein

Forever Country – Artists of Then, Now & Forever – WINNER
Director: Joseph Kahn
Producers: Nathan de la Rionda, Jil Hardin, Charleen Manca, Joanna Carter, Chandra LaPlume, Sarah Trahern,
Damon Whiteside

Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Jennifer Rothlein

Peter Pan – Kelsea Ballerini
Director: Kristin Barlowe
Producer: Michelle Abnet

Vice – Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: Ashley Bergeron Ford

Songwriter of the Year*(Off Camera Award)
Ashley Gorley
Luke Laird
Hillary Lindsey
Shane McAnally
Lori McKenna – WINNER

Vocal Event of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

Different For Girls – Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King
Producers: Ross Copperman, Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Forever Country – Artists of Then, Now & Forever
Producer: Shane McAnally
Record Label: MCA Nashville

May We All – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw – WINNER
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Big Machine Label Group

Setting The World On Fire – Kenny Chesney Featuring P!nk
Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Record Labels: Blue Chair Records, Columbia Nashville

Think Of You – Chris Young Featuring Cassadee Pope
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Labels: RCA Nashville, RCA Records

Jessie Chris Lights Up County Radio with New Single “Burn”

Country newcomer Jessie Chris has released her brand new single “Burn” to country radio this week. The new track serves as an anthem of sorts representing those left behind in a relationship to pick up the pieces. With Chris’ strong vocals delivering relatable lyrics, “Burn” is a solid song that makes for a great fit on today’s platform of country music. “Burn” will be released to digital music outlets on April 14.

In addition to her new single, Jessie Chris is also one of the faces of Disney’s Anti-Bullying Campaign, as well as an ambassador for Sylvania’s “Be The Light” campaign. The rising star is using her voice within multiple programs, serving as an influential role model to many.

Learn more about Jessie Chris by visiting her Official Website, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thomas Rhett Unveils Dynamic New Single “Craving You” Featuring Maren Morris

To break the rules, you have to first master the guidebook – and few in Country music are both simultaneously paving new ground while paying tribute to the past like Multi-Platinum artist Thomas Rhett. He has shaped his own unique corner of the genre that is as fearless as it is furiously fun, and now the ACM Awards nominee has partnered up with GRAMMY® award-winner Maren Morris for his dynamic new single, “Craving You.”

The lead track from his upcoming third studio album that dips into the eighties with an infectious groove and twangy backbone, proves Thomas Rhett doesn’t see boundaries – and if he does, he just dances right over them. “Craving You” premieres today on GQ, impacts Country radio and is available now. LISTEN HERE.

“I’m so incredibly proud of ‘Craving You.’ It transports me right back to the eighties,” says Thomas Rhett. “There’s that Phil Collins-sounding drum, the stuttered bass notes. I’m a huge lover of the music from that genre and I think this song taps right into that vibe. And my fans know that I thrive on being unpredictable.”

On the day “Craving You” was composed, Thomas Rhett was scheduled to be at the co-writing session with “Craving You” co-writers Julian Bunetta and Dave Barnes – but he ended up sick and unable to attend. Somehow, the song created that afternoon perfectly captured the sonic palate he was looking for, so much so that it almost felt like kismet. “Craving You” is sensual and a little dangerous – it’s about wanting to be right back in the arms of a lover, even if you’ve only been apart for a minute. To capture that chemistry, he recruited the electric Morris with thrilling and pristine results. Thomas Rhett and Morris both bend the genre of Country music in unique, groundbreaking ways, and their combination is undeniable. ‪
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‪“Every song is written for a reason, but it felt like this one was meant for me,” added Thomas Rhett. “I remember texting Maren and asking if she would sing on the song. She came over and just blew me away. I was amazed at how much her voice fit the song. Having a woman on the song made it twice as craving – a guy and a girl, obsessed with each other. I think that’s relatable.”

‪For more information about new music and a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit ThomasRhett.com.

Darius Rucker Creates Signature Brand Spirit: “Backstage Southern Whiskey”

Darius Rucker is no stranger to whiskey. The beverage, as smooth as the Southern troubadour’s voice, has found its way into several of his hits including “Whiskey and You,” the whiskey-shootin’ music video for “Homegrown Honey,” and the oft-quoted lyric from his No. 1 single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” — “Between the work and the hurt and the whiskey…”

Thus, it comes as no surprise that Rucker would eventually create his own signature brand of the popular spirit. Rucker’s affinity for quality whiskey led him to partner with 843 to develop Backstage Southern Whiskey, a smooth, 84.3-proof craft blend. On March 29, RNDC Distributing will introduce Backstage Southern Whiskey in Rucker’s home state of South Carolina, with distribution in Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee to follow. Like the three-time GRAMMY-winning singer and former frontman for Hootie & the Blowfish, this whiskey has a story all its own.

Rucker has publicly toasted with his beloved Elite Eight South Carolina Gamecock teams, college graduates and record label teams in celebration of his platinum records, but what many fans may not know is that prior to every show, Rucker collects his tour mates, band and any special guests backstage to raise a glass of whiskey as “good luck” to ensure a great show. Rucker thanks the other acts on the bill, he acknowledges any celebrities or friends that are in attendance, and then tells his band to “go have fun.” Over the years, the toast has become a significant tradition for Rucker and his crew.

“That toast is a vital part of our nightly routine,” Rucker says. “It’s really about celebrating the opportunity to make music together. And Backstage Southern Whiskey is now a part of that important ritual that we can share with fans.”

And where there is one toast, there is bound to be another. While Backstage Southern Whiskey enters the marketplace in South Carolina, Rucker’s bourbon brand, Forbidden, is being crafted at Castle & Key Distillery (formerly Old Taylor Distillery) in Frankfort, Ky. by award-winning Master Distiller Marianne Barnes, an impeccable force in the bourbon industry with undeniable taste and a distinguished palate.

“I am truly excited about the brands that we are building,” Rucker says. “The product and brand development process has been a lot of fun and I look forward to sharing these great spirits with everyone.”

For distribution questions, please call 803-227-2630. As always, please drink responsibly!

Lady Antebellum Reveals Cover Art and Track List for Sixth Studio Album “Heart Break”

With a new sense of history and possibilities, Lady Antebellum reveals the cover art and track listing behind their sixth studio album HEART BREAK (Capitol Records Nashville), out June 9th. Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott had a new mission — setting aside time to put themselves in new surroundings, and concentrate on writing and exploring musical endeavors with no distractions. They rented a house in Florida, living and working under the same roof, and when the creative process proved successful, the trio set up a second retreat in southern California. Fans can now pre-order the ACM-nominated trio’s upcoming release at www.ladyantebellum.com.

“When we started working on this record, the goal was to give ourselves some space from the day to day,” said Scott. “Surrounding ourselves in a new environment with sunny beaches and warm weather really helped free our minds to focus solely on our art. We took some of our favorite writers and other writers we hadn’t worked with before to a new inspiring backdrop, where we were able to just write and soak up the journey. And it was on our first trip in Florida when we wrote ‘Heart Break’ that we felt it all click.”

Alongside producer busbee, their desire to shake things was made evident by their current Top 20 single “You Look Good,” complete with a funky horn arrangement. Elsewhere, HEART BREAK ranges from the sweet melancholy of “Somebody Else’s Heart” to the dramatic, surging ballad “Hurt,” which is a powerful vehicle for Scott’s voice as she soars over a spare rhythm section and classic string arrangement. With the clever extended metaphor of its lyrics and percolating groove, “Army” has a feel that’s a throwback to ‘70s pop, while the bright, breezy lift-off of “Think About You,” with an R&B-style guitar bouncing off of a banjo lick, is entirely of the moment.

“Being together every day, living in a house together, that was the special ingredient this time,” continued Haywood, “And then in the studio, busbee added a whole new layer. He’s such an integral part of this new chapter for us.”

The trio had a hand in writing eleven songs on HEART BREAK, resulting in their most intimate and heartfelt work to date. As Lady A gears up to get back on the road, the group is excited to add this new range of sounds and colors into a set already packed with a familiar arsenal of hits.

“This record is really our story,” adds Kelley. “They have a universal feel to them, but there’s a lot of our personal stories here.”

HEART BREAK TRACK LIST:
1. Heart Break
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Jesse Frasure, Nicolle Galyon)
2. You Look Good
(busbee, Ryan Hurd, Hillary Lindsey)
3. Somebody Else’s Heart
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, busbee, Shane McAnally)
4. This City
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Sara Haze, Will Weatherly)
5. Hurt
(Jon Green, Melissa Peirce, Ben West)
6. Army
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, busbee, Nicolle Galyon)
7. Think About You
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Sara Haze, Will Weatherly)
8. Good Time To Be Alive
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, busbee, Will Weatherly, Emily Weisband)
9. Big Love in a Small Town
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds)
10. Stars
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, busbee)
11. Teenage Heart
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Jon Green)
12. Home
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, busbee)
13. Famous
(Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Eric Paslay)