The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards began on May 8 with a powerful 12-minute medley celebrating some of the most memorable Song of the Year winners. A lineup of country music legends and stars performed the classics that helped define the genre over the past six decades.
Reba McEntire, who also hosted the evening, opened the show with an energetic version of Merle Haggard’s “Okie From Muskogee.” She then passed the spotlight to Clint Black, who delivered a smooth rendition of Glen Campbell’s timeless hit “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
Wynonna Judd took the stage next with a heartfelt performance of “Why Not Me,” the 1984 track that helped launch her career as part of the duo The Judds. As she finished, she sang, “ACM 60 years of country music // why not me,” before welcoming LeAnn Rimes.
Rimes, dressed in a flowing white gown, performed a slow, emotional version of her 1996 breakthrough song “Blue” from a different part of the arena.
The medley continued with Little Big Town returning to the main stage to sing their Grammy-winning hit “Girl Crush,” followed by Dan + Shay performing their popular ballad “Tequila.” The duo held the final note for an extended beat, marking the close of the medley.
The opening tribute set the tone for a night dedicated to honoring the ACM Awards’ long legacy of celebrating country music’s most beloved songs and influential artists.
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