Two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year winner Carrie Underwood honored the trailblazing female Opry members who paved the way for today’s female artists at the 55th ACM Awards live from the iconic Grand Ole Opry House.
Underwood performed a medley of hit songs by her “heroes” including Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton in celebration of the 95th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry.
“Patsy and Loretta, Martina and Barbara, Reba and Dolly. These strong voices mean so much to me and to all the other female artists who stand on their shoulders,” Underwood said. “They are some of my heroes, and I am so honored to stand alongside them as a fellow member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s my pleasure to pay tribute to these legendary ladies as we celebrate the Opry’s 95th anniversary.”
The Entertainer Of The Year performed Cline’s “Crazy,” Lynn’s “You Aint Woman Enough,” Mandrell’s “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” Parton’s “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That,” McEntire’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” and McBride’s “Broken Wing.”
The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards also featured performances from Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Riley Green, Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi, Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani, Taylor Swift, Tenille Townes, Morgan Wallen and Trisha Yearwood.
The 2020 ACM Awards took place in Music City for the first time ever. The three-hour show took place at three iconic venues: Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe.
Hosted by Keith Urban, the star-studded event aired on Wednesday, September 16 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on CBS Television Network and streamed live and on-demand on CBS All Access.
