Ashley McBryde, 42, delivered a musical salute to Luke Combs, 35, during the 18th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Honors on Wednesday (Aug. 20) at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee.
The three-time ACM Award winner took to the stage to honor Combs, this year’s ACM International Award recipient, with a powerful six-song tribute that included covers of some of Combs’ biggest hits. With just an acoustic guitar in hand and her signature vocals, McBryde captivated the star-studded audience as she covered “When It Rains It Pours,” “Beautiful Crazy,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “Where The Wild Things Are,” “Whoever You Turn Out To Be” and “Honky Tonk Highway.”
Combs, who was seated in the crowd alongside his wife, Nicole Hocking Combs, watched on from a table as McBryde belted out the lyrics, reimagining his chart-topping and fan-favorite hits.
“There’s no way I would’ve missed the opportunity to be here tonight. I’ve toured with Luke a lot, and especially in the U.K.” McBryde said before presenting Combs with the ACM International Award. “[During his concerts], you can’t tell who’s having more fun, whether it’s Luke or the fans.”
Luke Combs then made his way to the stage from the star-studded audience to accept the prestigious trophy.
“Oh man. Gosh. Give it up for Ashley McBryde, holy cow,” Combs began before admitting that ten years ago he “had never been on a plane,” but now his career in country music has taken him all over the world. He started by graciously thanking his wife, Nicole, for always being there for him despite being gone very often.
“I got a lot of thank yous to say, obviously first off, my wife who puts up with me being gone. And our two sons, Tex and Bo, obviously aren’t here. They’re in bed tonight,” Combs continued. “My second son was born when I was in Australia, and so this is a very, very, very small consolation prize from missing that. And that was one of the toughest and best days of my life all wrapped into one. You never think you’re going to watch your child be born on a f**king phone halfway across the world, but I want to thank my team.”
Combs then shouted out his manager, Chris Kappy, and thanked the artists who have joined him on tours that took place internationally like Ashley McBryde and Cody Johnson, who were present in the audience.
“Kappy, he always planted in me this idea that there were fans to be had and an audience for country music around the world, and we always had a plan to, no matter the cost out of our own pocket or the time or cost to go there and service those fans and I hope that I have shown to the fans that I care, that I have spent my time to go and play these shows in Europe and in Australia,” Combs added. “There are so many amazing artists who have joined me. Cody [Johnson]’s been over there with me, Ashley [McBryde]’s been over there with me and so many other amazing artists have lent their time to helping further country music and that was always the goal.”
He concluded, “I always feel like country music was so sequestered to the United States for some period of time, and I knew that these songs would speak to people all around the world, no matter the circumstance, no matter the place. And lastly, I want to thank my amazing band and crew, all the bands and crews who sacrifice their time away from their loved ones to put these shows on for fans all across the world. I love you guys. I love country music. Thanks to the Academy of Country Music.”
The ACM International Award honors the contributions of Jim Reeves. According to a press release from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), Combs was chosen as the recipient of this award as it’s “presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of Country Music throughout the world.”
Luke Combs has mastered the art of blending traditional country roots with a modern edge that resonates far beyond the U.S., making him a true global phenomenon. His international impact is reflected in more than 10 billion streams and 25 million monthly listeners across streaming platforms. Selling out arenas across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Australia, Combs has proven his widespread appeal. His success serves as a bridge, connecting the heart of American country music to audiences around the world.
Dan + Shay, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban, among others, are previous recipients of the ACM International Award.
ACM Honors, also known as the “Country Music industry’s favorite night,” is an annual event that celebrates special award winners, including Industry Awards, Studio Recording Awards, Songwriter Awards, and other Special Awards, given to outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to Country music.
“Tonight is a powerful reminder of the heart of Country Music,” Damon Whiteside, Academy of Country Music CEO, shared in a statement. “The artists, their voices, and stories move people around the world, but behind every song and performance is an entire community of songwriters, musicians, and industry leaders who help bring that artistry to life. To celebrate them all together in front of a sold-out audience is a true reflection of the spirit of this genre and the lasting impact it continues to have.”
The show also featured tribute performances from a star-studded lineup, including Tucker Wetmore, HARDY, Ashley McBryde, Carter Faith, Karen Fairchild, Victoria Shaw, K. Michelle, Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks, Jamey Johnson, Chris Janson, Amy Grant, Ashley Gorley, Carly Pearce, Luke Bryan, Russell Dickerson, and more.
These artists paid homage to the evening’s honorees: ACM Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon, ACM Lifting Lives Award recipient Jelly Roll, ACM Poets Award winner Mac McAnally, ACM Icon Award recipients Ben Vaughn and Eric Church, ACM Milestone Award recipient Randy Travis, ACM Lift Every Voice Award recipient Rissi Palmer, ACM Artist-Songwriter Award recipient Lainey Wilson, ACM International Award recipient Luke Combs, ACM Spirit Award recipient Cody Johnson, and ACM Film Award recipient Twisters.
Fans will be able to re-live the 2025 ACM Honors ceremony during a special three-hour broadcast of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, dubbed CMT Hot 20: ACM Honors Edition, airing on Saturday, September 27.
Hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner, alongside 18th ACM Honors hosts Russell Dickerson and Carly Pearce, CMT Hot 20: ACM Honors Edition will feature exclusive backstage interviews with honorees and performers, along with highlights and standout moments from the evening.
