Jason Aldean will step in for Morgan Wallen at this week’s ACM Lifting Lives: LIVE concert in Frisco, Texas on May 10 as the “One Thing At A Time” singer has been placed on doctor-ordered vocal rest.
Aldean, the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Decade, will now headline Wednesday evening’s event, which take place at Topgolf at The Colony ahead of Thursday’s 58th Academy of Country Music Awards.
The Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On Fundraiser presented by VGT by Aristocrat Gaming will also feature performances by HARDY, Lainey Wilson, ERNEST, Bailey Zimmerman and DJ 13lackbeard.
ACM Lifting Lives: LIVE is in its fourth year and is taking place in Texas for the first time ever.
The concert event will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music. The organization has funded national music therapy programs serving various mental and physical health organizations. Recipients include patients at children’s hospitals and other healthcare facilities, recovering veterans, people with Williams syndrome, and individuals with mental illness.
Morgan Wallen Placed On Strict Vocal Rest
The news was revealed on Tuesday evening (May 9) by ACM Lifting Lives. The announcement comes hours after Wallen took to social media and revealed that he has been placed on a strict vocal rest that forced him to reschedule six weeks worth of concerts and appearances.
On Tuesday afternoon (May 9), the country superstar took to social media to share the unfortunate news with fans via an emotional video message.
“What’s going on y’all, I’m just going to get straight to it. I got some bad news from my Doctor’s at the Vanderbilt Voice Center yesterday. After taking ten days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible,” he explained. “So, I went in and got scoped yesterday and they told me I injured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks. So that’s what I’m going to do. They want me to not talk at all, but they said it’s okay if I need to for something like this.”
READ: Morgan Wallen Will No Longer Perform At 2023 ACM Awards
Injured In Australia
The superstar went on to reveal another injury that took place when he was on tour in Australia.
“I also tore my lat [latissimus dorsi] while we were in Australia. I’ve been trying to work through that quietly, but this off is going to help me get that back right as well,” he also revealed.
He then shared that he and his team are currently working to reschedule upcoming tour dates and that he unfortunately won’t be able to perform at the ACM Awards or the ACM Lifting Lives event. He encouraged his fans to still attend Wednesday event at Top Golf as it benefits a good cause.
“We’re working on rescheduling all the date during this time frame. We’ve almost got that done, but some of them are pending so I will keep you updated,” Wallen continued. ”I won’t be able to make these festivals that I have during this time frame, but we are going to make those right next year. I won’t be able to do the ACM Awards or the other event, which y’all make sure you still go it’s for a great cause.”
“I Hate It”
Doctors warned Wallen that he must adhere to vocal rest, otherwise it could impact his voice in the future.
“They told me that if I do this the right way that I’ll get back to 100% and they also said that if I don’t listen and if I keep singing that I permanently damage my voice. So for the longevity of my career this is just the choice I had to make,” he acknowledged. “I hate it, but I love you guys and I appreciate all the support that you always give me and I’ll see you soon and I’ll be back better than ever. God bless you.”
READ: Kenny Chesney To Fill In For Morgan Wallen At Two Upcoming Festivals
One Night At A Time World Tour
Wallen is currently in the midst of his One Night At A Time World Tour, which kicked off with two sold-out shows at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in April.
The One Night At A Time World Tour marks Wallen’s first-time ever headlining stadiums across the globe for multiple nights.
Rescheduled tour dates and festival appearances will be announced soon. Upon the announcement of new dates, a 30-day refund window will open at the point of purchase.
Highway Desperado Tour
Meanwhile, Jason Aldean is gearing up to embark on his 41-city headlining trek, dubbed the Highway Desperado Tour.
Produced by Live Nation, the Highway Desperado Tour will kick off on July 14 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY, making stops across the U.S. in Atlanta, Charlotte, Phoenix and more before wrapping up in Tampa at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre on October 28.
Aldean also recently released a brand-new song, “Tough Crowd,” a tune that serves as a tribute to the Aldean Army.
