All language subtitles for 58th.Annual.Academy.Of.Country

The countdown is on.

We are less than
an hour away from

the 58th Academy of Country
Music Awards.

The ACMs are back in Texas
for the first time

since 2015,
and here to give us

a warm Texas welcome are
the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Now we've all heard the saying
"Everything is bigger in Texas,"

and that goes for this show,
especially tonight.

The biggest stars
in country music come out to

play with hosts
Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.

And it all starts right now.

Kane Brown: Let's get it.

I can't believe you're real!

Dolly: Well, I'm not real.
Are you real? Ha!

Brown: # Girl, you gone
and done it to me #

We're just
excited to be here.

Brown: # Hotter than
a hoochie coochie #

# Got me like
the first time #

# I heard Alan Jackson #

No bigger stage than
this one right now.

Brown: # You get me high
as Willie, girl #

There will be
a lot of dancing.

Brown: # You turn me on
as much as I turn on #

Number one right here.

Brown: # I love country music #

Yeah.

That's right.

1, 2, 1, 2, 3!

Kelly: Welcome to the "Academy
of Country Music Awards

2023 Red Carpet," the official
countdown show

to the ACM Awards.

-I'm Kelly Sutton.
-And I'm Amber Anderson.

You may know us as
the hosts of the Amazon Music

"Country Heat" weekly
podcast, but today,

we are so excited to be
streaming globally

across Prime Video, Twitch,
Amazon Live, and more.

Tonight, we're coming to
you from the iconic

Ford Center at the Star
in Frisco, Texas,

and you won't want to
miss a beat

from this action-packed show.

Kelly:
This is the world headquarters

of the legendary Dallas Cowboys,
and it's seen

its share of legends,
so it's only fitting

that tonight's main event will
be hosted by two

of the biggest legends in
the history of country music

Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks!

And remember, Garth's
music streams exclusively

on Amazon Music.

Amber: And that's not all.

We've got Miranda Lambert,
Kane Brown, Ed Sheeran,

and so many more
of your favorite country stars.

They'll all be rocking
the Star tonight.

Kelly: Yes.
Amber: And for the first ever,

this year's ACM Awards show is
free to stream globally

during the live show
on Prime Video and on Twitch.

It's a big moment for us,
y'all, so tell your friends!

Now during the show tonight,
you're gonna be

seeing a QR code pop up
right here, which will take

you to the destination
of all things ACMs on Amazon,

including looks inspired by
some of the fashion you're

gonna see right here on
the red carpet tonight,

exclusive playlists
to stream, and much more.

Now if you're on your mobile,
check out amazon.com/acmawards.

Now on our podcast,
we get to speak with all

of the biggest names in country,
but this event is

so massive, we've asked
some of our friends

to help us out farther down
the black carpet.

Now you know her from her
show "Nights with Elaina."

She also just won
the 2023 ACM Award

for National Weekly On-Air
Personality of the Year,

and you know him from being
an unstoppable force

in the country music scene,
as well as being

our 2022 Amazon Music
Breakthrough Artist.

Let's throw it on down to
Elaina Smith

and our bestie recording artist
Breland!

Thank you so much,
Kelly and Amber.

Breland and I are all
systems go down here.

We are sure are.
To put it in cowboy terms,

we are champing at the bit
to get our interviews on.

Mmm. And Breland is
pulling double duty.

You're back on the stage
tonight and presenting

an award with Gabby Barrett.

Are you excited for the show?

Breland: You know I am.

I can't wait to see
my buddy Keith Urban

and Lainey Wilson tonight,
and of course, I'm looking

forward to all the pre-show
performances

that are coming our way.

Elaina: Oh, guys. We have got
Tiger Lily Gold, Matt Stell,

and a 2023 Amazon
Breakthrough Artist

To Watch Dalton Dover hitting
the pre-show stage.

You of course, Breland, were
an Amazon Breakthrough Artist

last year,
and look at you now.

Yeah, indeed. Well, yes,
we can't wait to get it

kicked off down here,
but we just heard there's

action at the top
of the carpet, so back to you,

Kelly and Amber.

Trisha Yearwood
and Garth Brooks,

ladies and gentlemen!

How about it?

We're gonna get to you
in a minute, but ladies first.

Garth:
Don't worry about. I'm fine.

You are performing
with Carly tonight.

-I am.
-Oh, tell us about this.

She and I have become friends.

You know, she asked me to
induct her into

the Grand Ole Opry,
and so we've just been buddies,

and so when tonight came up,
she asked if I would do this

with her, and so I'm
excited to be here.

Kelly: She calls you her
celebrity crush.

-You know that, right?
-Yeah. Ha! She is the sweetest.

-Yes.
-And she's got great pipes.

I love her singing,
so I'm excited.

Amber: I know. OK, Garth.
Kelly: Your turn!

We need to know how are
the nerves about hosting

the show tonight?

Oh, it's fine.
You knew right away.

When we talked, promise you,
she's not gonna read

one word off that
Teleprompter...

and she's already
warned me, too.

"I'm just gonna go sometimes."
I'm like, "OK."

Amber: You got to stay ready.
Garth: It's great. Yeah.

So I don't know
if there can be,

like, a 99% host and then
a 1% host for a co-host.

That's what it's gonna be.
She is hilarious.

Kelly: Best part of the night
for you tonight will be when?

Garth: Oh, my gosh.
I think--uh, I don't know.

She is--when she makes
her appearance--

I'm gonna try not to be out
on the floor

when she makes her appearance.

-We love you guys.
-We love you guys.

-Thank you so much.
-Thank you.

Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood,
thank you.

Trisha: Have a great night.

We've got with us
Bailey Zimmerman on the carpet!

Bailey, how you feeling, man?

You have been on a rocket,
and you've got a new album

coming out this week.

How are you feeling
about everything, man?

Uh, it's crazy.

I--I never thought
I'd get to have an album, man,

so to get to put 16 songs out
and call it something

and have a whole brand
around it is really cool,

so I'm excited.
I hope people love it.

Elaina: I mean, we're literally
hours away at this point

from it dropping, so how
are you actually

feeling about that?

Um...me and my manager
cried last night

because it's a deal for
us because we've had

"Religiously"
the song since we met.

The day we met, he gave me
that song, and I recorded it

as the second song
I'd ever recorded,

so for it to be out now
and the album dropping tonight,

it was just a big deal,
and it's 50th birthday.

It was a really
big deal for us...

Elaina: Aw.

Bailey: so a little bit of
crying, a lot of golf,

a lot of drinks, having fun.

We're celebrating for sure,
but I'm excited, though.

Breland: Dude, I've known
you now for a while.

We were talking about
how far back we go.

I've just watched your
whole journey unfold

and the ups and the downs
of it all, but here you are

at the ACMs, Amazon's
Breakthrough Artist.

Elaina: Yeah!
Breland: I've been in your shoes

as far as that goes.

How does it feel to
be nominated this year, too?

Bailey: Like I said, man, I
never thought I'd have an album,

so to get to be here
and be around all our friends

and you and all these cool
people, it's--it's just

an honor to be here really.

I mean, like I said,
I didn't think I'd ever

make it this far,
so the fact that we're here

with all our friends
in Austin--or Dallas,

and it's crazy, man.

I have no idea what's going on.

Elaina: Well, now it's just
a celebration,

so you need to go on getting
in there, have some fun.

Bailey Zimmerman,
thank you so much.

Proud of you, brother.

Yeah. I love you boys. Thanks.

Bailey Zimmerman's one
of our favorites.

Oh, my gosh. I love that guy.

We love him. OK. Last year
after receiving her

first gold album for
"Just About Over You,"

Priscilla Block made such
a splash as a co-host

on the red carpet
the ACMs had to have her back.

And this year, she's down
at the performance stage,

so let's throw it on
down to Priscilla Block.

Thank you. We have got
an incredible talent

kicking off our pre-show
performances.

Recently named as
an Artist To Watch by Amazon,

you know him from Team Blake
on "The Voice."

Here he is with his
phenomenal new single

"Giving Up On That."

Let's year it
for Dalton Dover.

# I hate you met the sinner #

# Lord knows I ain't no saint #

# But I'm trying to lean
a little more #

# That way these days #

# Put up with more
than I ever would've #

# You left just like
you should've #

# But since
you've been gone #

# Ain't nothing
'round here the same #

# Girl, I've given up on #

# Drinking as much
as I used to #

# When I had you #

# Given up on #

# Just sayin' I'm gonna change #

# I've given up on
passing the blame #

# Everything made you walk out #

# On what we had #

# But when it comes
to wanting you back #

# Girl, I ain't never
giving up on that #

# I pray it ain't too late #

# For you to see
what I've turned into #

# I just wish my working on me #

# Was working on you #

# But since you said good-bye #

# And hit me
with them taillights #

# I swear I've changed
everything but your mind #

# 'Cause, girl,
I've given up on #

# Drinking as much
as I used to #

# When I had you #

# Given up on #

# Just sayin' I'm gonna change #

# I've given up on
passing the blame #

# Everything made you walk out #

# On what we had #

# But when it comes
to wanting you back #

# Girl, I ain't never
giving up on that #

# Oh, oh, oh #

# I ain't ever giving up on #

# Fightin' for what
we could've been #

# Hangin' on to what
we should've been #

# I wish I would've been #

# A better man back then #

# 'Cause, girl,
I've given up on #

# Drinking as much
as I used to #

# When I had you #

# Given up on #

# Just sayin' I'm gonna change #

# I've given up on
passing the blame #

# Everything made you walk out #

# On what we had #

# But when it comes
to wanting you back #

# Girl, I ain't never
giving up on that #

# And I ain't ever
giving up on that #

Priscilla: Dalton Dover, y'all!

Dalton: Thank you, thank y'all.

I mean, how about that voice?

Dalton: Thank you, guys.
Thank you.

Priscilla: I feel like you have
one of the best new voices

in country music.

I'm such a fan.

We've been out
on the road together.

Dalton: Priscilla,
thank you so much.

Priscilla: How does it feel
being at your first ever ACMs?

Dalton: Like I was saying
earlier, like, I just remember

sitting on my mama's couch
watching the ACMs,

just wishing I was there
when I was just a kid,

so for me to be here with you
guys, Priscilla,

oh, man, it just means
absolutely the world, man.

Priscilla: Well, you're here,
and everyone loves you so much.

Back to you.

-Dalton Dover.
-He sounded so great!

-That voice!
-The voice of an angel.

We absolutely love him.
OK, everybody.

Let's take a look at some
of our favorite

fashion looks
of the night so far.

We love seeing what's
happening on the red carpet.

Amber: Ooh!
Both: Kimberly Perry!

Kelly: Oh, and she's got her
bump on full display.

Amber: That's gorgeous.
Kelly: Kimberly Perry you

remember from The Band Perry,

but she's doing
her own thing now.

Just released her first
solo single,

and we are so happy for her.

Amber: The queen, the gasp.

Kelly: The queen! Dolly!
Amber: The queen!

Look at that fringe.

-The silver. It is gorgeous.
-The rhinestones.

She always said her
favorite color is rhinestone,

and she is wearing
it in full display.

Tenille Townes.

Amber: One, she has fantastic
hair, and I hear that

she does it all herself.

Kelly: Oh, my gosh! That blue.
Amber: That looks fierce.

Kelly: It is gorgeous.
Amber: That's beautiful.

Absolutely love seeing her.

Well, y'all, if you are
watching on Amazon Live,

you can actually shop
the latest fashion trends

in the live stream carousel,
and please make sure

to tell us in the comments
which looks you're loving,

and, Twitch, we have not
forgotten about you.

We love seeing what you're
saying in the comments.

We love our Twitch family.

Hey! Check out that QR code
to explore more playlists

and everything that's all
associated with the ACMs.

All right. Let's head on
down the carpet

to Elaina and Breland.

We are here--ha--with
the men of the hour

Mitchell Tenpenny
and Chris Young.

How are y'all feeling tonight?

I'm good. Are you good, dude?

Man, I'm good, baby.

It's hot back here,
but it's awesome, man.

Breland: It certainly is.

Mitchell:
Let's talk about y'all.

Elaina: There it is.

I mean, everybody on the carpet
looking great.

Everybody kind of going
with the Texas vibe.

-Was that intentional with the--
-I had to do it.

I literally went down
today and grabbed one.

-I had to do it.
-You did it today?

-Yeah.
-Incredible!

Chris, I had a chance to
check out your set

last week out on the West Coast,
and you've just got

this thing down to a science.

What advice would you
give to an up-and-coming

artist like me?

I mean, I don't have
to give you any advice.

I saw your set, too, man.

You crushed it out there,
so, yeah, I got nothing.

I enjoyed--I don't know if
you saw me,

but I sat there entire time.

I watched your entire set.

It was the first time I've
seen you, I guess, since

we were in the room
writing together,

so it was really fun to get to
see you out there

in front of that big,
old crowd of people.

-It was great.
-Thank you, man.

We're definitely gonna need
to hear more about

that writing, that's for sure,
but, Mitchell, you--

this is your second
nomination at the ACMs.

Does it feel different
this time around?

Heh. Well, it's awesome to
have it with one

of my best friends, man,
and that's the only difference.

First time, I was scared,
all alone, didn't know

what to do,
and speaking of advice,

he's been giving me some
good--some good advice

on how to do it,
so it's awesome to do it

with your friends.

Well, you get to spend
the night with your buddy

and I'm sure your beautiful
wife Meghan over there,

as well, but, you guys,
have so much fun tonight.

Chris Young, Mitchell Tenpenny,
thanks a lot, guys.

-Congratulations, guys.
-Congrats.

Thanks, y'all.

And now we have with us
the beautiful Keith Urban

-and Nicole Kidman.
-How are you guys?

You look amazing.
Look at you two.

-Likewise.
-Thank you.

Now y'all know you two are
a part of the reason why

I moved to Nashville
in the first place.

Keith, you've done such
a great job of reaching out

to up-and-coming artists.

Why is that important to you?

Because we're all
an up-and-coming artist

at one point, and I think we
need help when we get to town.

Most of us do,
and we just want someone

to believe in us.

You know, it makes all
the difference,

so you were easy to
believe in, Breland.

Breland: Thank you, man.

Well, you guys really
do have, like, one

of the favorite country music
bromances at this point.

It's so fun to watch.

What was it about Breland
that made you want to

reach out to him?

Keith: His spirit, soul,
passion, curiosity,

all the things that I think you
have to have as an artist

and hopefully you never
lose, especially

the curiosity
and the passion is key, yeah.

Well, it's so good to
see you guys here.

Hopefully you have
a great night.

I'm looking forward to your
performance

of "Texas Time," man.

Thank you, thank
you very much. Thank you.

And I see we've got
Jason Aldean over here.

Yeah. You got to get in there.
You got to get in.

-Jason, come on in, come on in.
-Come on up, man.

Keith: We're tag-teaming Jason.

Ha ha ha!

Elaina: You can--
Breland: Ha ha ha!

Elaina: The hi's and byes.

Keith: It's Good to see
you, man.

Elaina: Hey, man.
Breland: What's up, man?

Elaina:
Come on in, come on in.

Hi. I'm good. How are you?

Jason: Good.

Jason, Brittany, welcome up.

You guys look incredible.

How are you doing?

Nice to see you, as well.

See, this is what
happens on the red carpet.

You just never know who's
gonna come in and out

from Keith Urban to the Aldeans.

You guys, how has
this night been

so far for y'all?

Uh, great. I mean,
it's been kind of a long day

getting ready for it.

Well, more for her than me,

but we actually just got here.

Looking forward to,
you know, having it

in Texas this year
and changing it up a little bit

and looking forward to the show.

So it's gonna be
a good night, I hope.

Elaina: Mm-hmm.

Breland: You've been nominated
now many years in a row.

You've won a bunch
of these awards.

My question is, man, how
do you keep it fresh

this many years in?

I don't know.

I just--you know, to me,
I love what I do,

I love getting in the studio,
working on new music,

and, you know, just trying
to push the envelope

every time out and try
new things,

and so far, it's--you know,
fans have supported it

and allowed me to stick around
for a while,

so I don't really have
a right answer for that.

You know, you know
how it is, man.

You just go in and mess around
and hope people like it.

Elaina: Well, speaking of new
music, you are going to be

performing some
new music tonight, right?

Yeah. We got a new song
we just dropped,

kind of a surprise song last
week called "Tough Crowd,"

and we're gonna play
for that the first time live

ever tonight,
so I'm looking forward

to that, as well.

Brittany, I'm sure
you've seen it.

-It's pretty awesome, yeah?
-It's really great.

Well, you guys, have
a great time tonight.

Congratulations,
and we'll see you in there.

Absolutely. See you guys.

-Bye.
-Good to see y'all.

Already walking
in here a winner it's Hardy.

Oh, my goodness!

7-time nominee.

Last night, you find
out that you are

Artist-Songwriter,
and then what happens?

Uh, ha!

We played our thing
for Lifting Lives,

and then we did a media--

we had to do media
for 10 minutes,

and so Lainey and I are doing
an interview together

in front of a step and repeat,
and then I just hear

"Whoa, hold on, hold on,"
and Storme Warren comes out

from behind and...

Kelly: Oh, my gosh.

and he has our
Visual Media award,

and so we got two of them
last night.

I was really excited.

What was your thought
in that moment?

Did it--has it hit you yet?

Yeah. I mean, kind of.
I just...

Amber and Kelly: Ha ha ha!

-I'm so weird about all this.
-No, it's good!

And I feel like--I still
feel like I'm just, like--

I still feel like I'm, like,
the new guy, and I still--

in a way, I have,
but I, like, I feel like

I haven't--still haven't been
doing this that long,

and so it's not as much, like,
imposter syndrome as, like,

I'm like, "This is too
early for all this stuff

to be happening," so it's
just--it's all like

good shock,
you know what I mean?

Kelly: Think about how much
you've already done in town

for other people,
and you laid all

of that groundwork, man.

This is all--it's due,
and I am so happy for you.

Hardy: If you say so.

Kelly: It is, so 5 more
nominations

that you might win tonight.

You're gonna have to get
one of those little wagons

to take all those trophies home.

We're so happy.

I'm gonna have to
check another bag, man.

Check another bag.

I wonder how much they weigh.

And you're performing
"Truck Bed" tonight.

-I am, yes.
-We're looking forward to it.

-Ready for that.
-Good to see you.

-We love you, Hardy.
-Good to see you, Hardy.

-Thank y'all.
-Back to Elaina and Breland.

We are here with the very
talented Ashley McBryde,

3-time nominee.

How you feeling, Ash?

Good! Good!

It's warm,
but I don't mind it.

-Yeah.
-It's definitely warm,

but we are getting into
a really hot night

here because inside
you are going to be

not only nominated
but performing.

-Yes.
-I'm obsessed that

you chose Bren--or that
you chose, uh--

-"Tina."
-"Tina." "Tina."

-Yes. "Tina," the bonfire.
-All the girls are coming over.

So you have all of your
buddies joining you

onstage, as well.

Yeah. Brandy Clark, Caylee
Hammack, Pillbox Patti,

John Osborne.

-We got my band up there.
-Whoo!

Who made the decision
to do this one?

Um, I mean, I would love
to take all of the credit

for that, but it was
my team and I were like,

"I think it's time for
'Tina' to have a moment."

Breland: Definitely.
I mean, look.

Your project is incredible.

It kind of reads like
a musical or like a--

you know, like
a soap opera in some ways.

Thank you. Thank you.

What gave you the idea to
do a project like this?

It's a bold choice.
I love it.

I think it was--well,
Pillbox Patti

and Aaron Raitiere and I were
writing, and we'd written

a song
called "Blackout Betty,"

and then we realized that we
have all these characters

from over the years--
"Living Next to Leroy,"

"Shut Up Sheila"--
so we just gave them neighbors

and a place to live.

Might the "Lindeville"
crew ever turn into, like,

a Broadway musical?

-I wouldn't say no to that.
-Hmm.

I would not say no.

What can we expect
from you next?

I feel like you
could do anything.

Well, we put "Lindeville,"
and then hot on the heels

of that, it's time for
a new me record, right,

a new us record,
and it's ready.

It's ready to go.
Breland: I love it.

Well, we can't wait to hear
everything you have

coming this year.

Ashley McBryde, congratulations.
Have so much fun tonight.

No one has more fun than me.

-Oh, don't we know it.
-That is a fact.

Ha ha ha!

Amber: Country fans are the best
fans in the world,

and we have got an audience
to prove that tonight.

Let's take a look over
at the Kendra Scott Fan Pit

named of course for
the Texas-based jewelry brand,

what Kelly and I
are wearing tonight.

These fans are going wild.

Kelly: On the red carpet...

Jelly Roll and Miss Bunnie.

-Hi, guys!
-Come on!

-Fan favorites.
-Yeah, baby, yeah!

Yeah, baby, yeah!

I am so happy to see y'all.

You look fantastic.

She looks
absolutely incredible!

Amber: Stunning!
Kelly: You look great!

Golly. Man, listen.

I could have showed up
in a t-shirt and jeans, man.

I got the belle
of the ball, baby!

Kelly: Ha ha ha!
Oh, you sure do!

You're performing tonight,
and I am so pumped.

We've talked about this.

Oh, yeah. Special night,
special guest.

Share it.

Special moment,
uh, Lifting Lives moment.

It's gonna be incredible.

Amber: Ooh! We are so, so ready.

So on a night like tonight,
you're walking in.

It's just this big party.

It's a reunion
of everybody in Nashville.

What does this ACM week
mean to you, being involved

and being
at the center of everything.

I was thinking you're
talking about tonight.

We've been partying
since Monday, baby.

We've been out there--listen.

The ACMs have took over
the city of Frisco, baby.

Jerry Jones is
no longer the biggest thing

in Frisco, Texas, right now

because country music
is here, baby!

Ha ha ha!

We love you by the way, Jerry.
We're just saying, baby.

Kelly: OK. Tonight, the song
is called "Save Me."

You released this when?

Jelly Roll: Oh, I released this
song in 2020 right in the middle

of the spray boxes
with Lysol moment.

Kelly: Yes, yes.

Jelly Roll: You know, we were
all out there

-with our Lysol and scared...
-Right.

and I wrote this song,
and we released it right then

on YouTube,
and the rest was history.

Kelly: And tonight, can you
tell us who you're

singing it with?

Oh, I got a very special guest.

Listen. I ain't told nobody yet.

-You ready?
-Do it, do it!

I can't, but you got to
tune in and watch it.

-Jelly!
-It's gonna be incredible!

It is worth the wait, I promise.
It is good.

Jelly Roll
"Whitsitt Chapel," June 2?

I will say my special guest is
a way better singer than me.

-OK.
-Oh, my gosh.

New "Whitsitt Chapel,"
June 2, is that right?

Yes, ma'am. "Whitsitt Chapel,"
June 2, my album,

and I'm not new bashful for to
ask for you to presave it.

You can go presave it right now.
Please help me out.

Jelly Roll, Bunnie,
we love you guys.

Thanks for stopping by,
you guys.

Bye, guys.

We are here with Ernest,
who is a nominee tonight.

-Congratulations.
-Yeah. Thank you.

How does it feel to be here
on the carpet

at the show as a nominee?

Incredible. I think it's
the best way to do it,

coolest way to do it.

I haven't done this yet,
and so to be nominated

and to be here
with everybody and seeing

all my friends is great.

Breland: Now, Ern, you are one
of the illest writers,

freestylers, and now
artists as recognized

-by the ACMs.
-Thank you.

What don't you do?

Uh, I don't do really well
at putting my dishes up.

I know that.
I know I don't do that well.

Breland: Delaney probably has
something to say about that one.

I hear about that
for sure. Ha ha ha!

Well, you know,
we actually just saw

-your buddy Jelly Roll.
-Oh, yeah.

And I love the fact that
you guys are gonna be

in the same room tonight.

-Same.
-What are y'all getting into?

Who knows, but, I mean,
if we're getting into

something, y'all will
probably know it.

Elaina: Ha ha ha! We'll hear it
from a mile away?

-Or smell it.
-Yeah!

Now, Ern, what you do if
you're in a position now

as an artist who's also
an accomplished writer

if there's a song that you
write that somebody else

wants but you feel
like you'd sound good

on it, too?

It's definitely gotten to
a point where it's easier

for me to make that decision.

Earlier, it was kind of,
you know, the best way to

get my career along
the road was to let

these people cut the songs,
but just recently, I wrote

one maybe normally I would
immediately give away,

but I'm like,
"Tch. That's a heater.

I got to keep it."
Breland: Let's go.

And I got a fanbase now
that wants, you know,

more new music from me,
so the demand is up.

We are all wanting
that new music,

and I'm sure you're gonna be
giving it to us,

but, Ernest, thank you
so much for dropping by.

-Have fun tonight.
-Thank y'all.

-Thank you very much.
-Congratulations, bro.

Thank you. It's good
seeing you, Breland.

Likewise.

ACM's Lifting Lives is
the charitable partner

of the Academy of Country Music.

They do some great work
in the country music community,

helping those
that may experience

a financial hardship
or an emergency.

During the pandemic,
they helped over

2,000 people who lost their
work overnight, giving out

$4 million to help them
out with their bills.

They also fund music
therapy organizations

across the country that use
music as a form of healing

for health-related issues.

Here are some familiar
faces to tell us more

about ACM Lifting Lives.

What is ACM Lifting Lives?

-Music.
-Healing.

Hope.

ACM Lifting Lives is
the philanthropic partner...

Of the Academy
of Country Music...

Dedicated to improving
lives through

the power of music.

We harness the strength of
the country music community...

To provide aid in times
of need...

With a focus on health-related
initiatives.

Since 2006, ACM Lifting
Lives has given over...

$10 million to worthy causes.

Music is
scientifically proven...

To heal the mind, body,
and soul...

Which is why we prioritize
music and therapy.

Tyler: We are ACM Lifting Lives.

We are ACM Lifting Lives.

We are
ACM Lifting Lives.

ACM Lifting Lives does
so much for our community.

So much. We're
so grateful for them.

We are the hosts of the
"Country Heat" weekly podcast.

That's where you guys might
know us,

and I have to ask who's been
your favorite that we've had

on our podcast so far?

Oh, gosh. There are so many.

I mean, I love Luke Combs.

Like, I just--we got to see
him around today already,

and, oh, my gosh,
he is just--he tells some

really good stories, y'all.

OK. My favorite--Dolly Parton,

and she is standing by right now
with Priscilla Block!

Priscilla:
Hi. Good to see you again!

-We're like twins.
-We are like twins.

Well, listen. I had to step
away from the performances,

and I had to put on
my best Dolly outfit.

-Do you like it?
-I love it! I love it!

-You love it?
-Yeah.

I actually loaned it to her.

We are so excited
to have you hosting.

You're closing out the show with
your new single, right?

Yes, I am,
and I'm excited about it.

And you're a rockstar now.

Oh, that's what I hear.

How does it feel to
be a rockstar?

Oh, I don't know yet.

If I ever get there,
but I'm excited

about the new rock album.

Aw. Well, we are so excited.

You're already a rockstar
in everyone's eyes,

and you look absolutely
beautiful tonight.

Well, thank you.

Well, y'all get
ready for the show.

Yeah! Let's do it!

-The queen looks beautiful.
-Oh, my gosh!

Let's look at some other
favorites that we've seen

on the red carpet.

Gabby Barrett came in
and made a statement, y'all.

-She had a beautiful gown on.
-Yes, she did.

Kelly: I thought that was
the gown.

-Those are the sleeves.
-Those are the sleeves.

Kelly: Look at that!

Amber: I mean, we were like,
"Can we give

a moment for the dress?"

Kelly: A little commotion
for this dress, please.

She looks fantastic,
and she hosted

last year with Dolly.

Amber: And there's
Kane and Katelyn Brown.

Love them so much.

Kane's suit, this color.

Kelly: I really love to see
somebody branch out

and do a light color.

The guys look so sharp,
and Katelyn is always beautiful.

Amber: Oh, look at that dress.

Kelly: Hailey Whitters!
My goodness.

Amber: Ohh!

Kelly: Our new ACM female.
Look at her!

She is so cute,
and she said this was

a bridesmaid's dress.

Amber: Yeah, so we said,
"Bridesmaid's?" You know...

Kelly: Hang onto it.
You never know.

Amber: Hang onto it.
Look how cute she is.

Oh, my gosh.

Just want to, like, put
her in your pocket, right?

I just love her.

Well, if you guys are
watching on Amazon Live,

you can shop the latest
fashion trends

in the live stream carousel.

Make sure to tell us in
the comments which

looks you love.

Twitch, we love seeing
what you're saying.

Keep those comments coming.

All right. Check out
the QR code to explore playlists

and even more.

Now over to
Elaina and Breland.

Elaina: We are here with
Ian and Caroline Munsick.

Guys, welcome. How you feeling?
ACMs. It's all happening!

Ian: Feeling great.

Thank you guys for having
us. It's an honor to be here.

Elaina: Absolutely.

Breland: We understand that
y'all, you know, have

a special connection
with our host tonight--

Dolly Parton. Is that so?
Ian: Oh. Yeah, we do.

She saw me play
"Hard Candy Christmas" one time

on YouTube, and I got
to watch her react to it.

And, uh, man, let me just say,
if I ever got to meet her,

I would not be OK.

Elaina: Wait a second.
You're breathing the same air

as Dolly right now,
so it could happen.

What have you prepared?

Ian: I would not--no.
I am not prepared for this.

Her and Garth in the same room,

that's, like,
maximum star power.

Breland: That's a lot
of star power.

There's a lot of star power
here in Texas in general.

I know you and Cody have
a great relationship

and have put out
some music together.

What does it feel like
to be out here in Texas

for the ACMs, bro?

Ian: Man, it feels hot, dude.
Breland: It's hot.

Ian: I'm from Wyoming where
it's very dry.

It's very humid here.

But CoJo is the GOAT of
Texas country music,

and, man, it's just awesome
to be able to collaborate

with one of my
country music heroes.

Breland: Dude.

Elaina: Well, Ian, Caroline,
you guys look fantastic.

Ian: Thank you.
Elaina: So get in there,

get to some air conditioning.

And it's so great to see you.
Ian: Thank you, guys.

Breland: Have a great night,
y'all.

Ian: Thank you, guys. You, too.

Kelly: Ian is so cool.
Amber: He's so stylish.

Kelly: I love him. All right.

We are getting close
to the big Show.

The ACM Awards will be
free to stream.

Prime membership is not
required to watch

the livestream.

Amber: Now, the word
on the str--carpet

is that Priscilla has
another amazing

pre-show performance for us.

Kelly: Let's head down
that way right now. Priscilla?

Priscilla: Thank you.

I am so honored to introduce
this next performer.

He's the voice behind the hit
single "Pray for You."

And now he's back
with a brand-new release.

Put your hands together
and welcome to the stage

the one and only Matt Stell
as he performs "One of Us."

Matt Stell: # One of us
got his number #

# Hung up, bet he probably
coulda made the big leagues #

# One of us dropped out,
tenth grade #

# And he's 'bout to be
a daddy next week #

# One of us wound up
on a Greyhound bus #

# Sent him out
of this one-horse town #

# He was gone about a year #

# And now he's sittin' right
here with a beer right now #

# We all talk a little
small town #

# Buncha
raised-right 'round-here kids #

# Keepin' it country #

# We all know
a little dirt road #

# 80-hour workload week
never hurt nobody #

# One of us got a chain
if you get stuck #

# One of us got a cooler
full of cold Busch #

# In the back of his truck #

# And if that sounds like you #

# You might be one of us #

# Well, you might be one of us #

# One of us got hitched
to a girl #

# He first met
way back in fifth grade #

# One of us ain't got
no settle-down in him #

# Probably never gonna change #

# One of us been gone
since he got called home #

# Drove right off the road
in his Chevy #

# Any one of us coulda been
shotgun #

# So we drink one
in his memory #

# We all talk a little
small town #

# Buncha
raised-right 'round-here kids #

# Keepin' it country #

# We all know
a little dirt road #

# 80-hour workload week
never hurt nobody #

# One of us got a chain
if you get stuck #

# One of us got a cooler
full of cold Busch #

# In the back of his truck #

# And if that sounds like you #

# You might be one of us #

# Yeah, baby #

# Well, you might be one of us #

# So raise 'em up #

# Raise 'em up #

# If it sounds like you #

# You might be one of us #

# Raise 'em up #

# If it sounds like you #

# You might be one of us #

# We all talk
a little small town #

# Buncha
raised-right 'round-here kids #

# Keepin' it country #

# We all know
a little dirt road #

# 80-hour workload week
never hurt nobody #

# One of us got a chain
if you get stuck #

# One of us got a cooler
full of cold Busch #

# In the back of his truck #

# And if that sounds like you #

# You might be one of us #

# Yeah, baby #

# Well, you might be one of us #

# You might be one of us #

# You might be
one of us #

# You might be one of us #

Priscilla: Matt Stell, everyone!
That was awesome.

Oh, my gosh.
Matt: Thank you.

Priscilla: So I am a huge
Matt Stell fan.

I think we all are.

And he's played shows
all over the place.

What is your favorite thing
about performing live?

Matt: Oh, man. Definitely
the energy from the crowd.

Man. Yeah, it's the best part.

Priscilla: And they brought it.
Matt: Absolutely.

Priscilla: So we love that.

Everyone, give it up
for Matt Stell!

Thank you. Back to you.

Amber: We've got
The War and Treaty joining us.

Kelly: Yes!
Tanya, Michael, how are you?

Tanya: We're doing great again.
Kelly: Again!

We got to hang out
with them last night on Twitch.

Amber: That's right.

Kelly: We were chatting it up
with y'all.

Tanya: Yes.

Kelly: Walking in here.
Nominated for duo of the year.

We've seen that video. It's gone
viral, when y'all found out.

Tanya: Oh, my God...

Kelly: How are you feeling
tonight?

Tanya: Speechless.
Amber: Yes!

Tanya: Speechless.

Just riding up and coming out
and walking up here

with my husband,
it's absolutely amazing.

Amber: This is like
the ultimate date night.

Tanya: Isn't it?
Kelly: Yeah!

Amber: It's like this is
an epic, epic date night.

Tanya: It really is.
We had two separate trailers,

and I was like, "He can't see
the bride yet.

He can't see the bride."
Amber: Oh, he's got to look...

Kelly: I know. He's laughing
about it. He's like, "I saw."

OK, performing tonight.
Michael: Yes.

Kelly: Tell us what
you're performing.

Michael: We're performing
our song off our newest release

called "Blank Page."

We're extremely excited
about it,

and I hope everybody likes it.

Kelly: What is it about music
that you

have just been drawn to
as a couple?

Because I know you were
talking about this last night,

how you're using it
to transform lives.

Michael: Yeah, I love the fact
that music can heal

and music can build bridges.

Like The Judds' song says,

"Love Can build a bridge,
so can music."

And I believe that that's what
we're doing with our music,

and we're honored.

Amber: You do it so well.
You do it so well.

All, everybody here
loves you so much.

Michael: Aw.

Kelly: Yes.
Amber: Us included.

Kelly: Big fans. OK, who are you
most excited to see?

If there's somebody you can
run into on this red carpet,

who is it gonna be?
Tanya: Oh, my God.

Dolly Parton!
Amber: Yes!

Tanya: I said it, I said it.
Michael: Luke Combs.

Amber: Ooh!
Kelly: Oh! OK. Hang out.

We're gonna see
if you guys run into them.

It's so good to see you.
Tanya: Thank you.

And y'all look beautiful.
Kelly: Congratulations.

Amber: Have a wonderful night.
Tanya: Thank you.

Kelly: The War and Treaty.

Breland: We are back
on the carpet

with "Mr. Saturday Night"
himself, Jon Pardi.

You always bring the energy.
Jon Pardi: Let's go.

Breland:
Two-time nominee tonight.

How are you feeling, man?
Jon: I feel great.

You know, Just out here working,
out here talking,

having some drinks.

Elaina: That's all you can do,
right?

Jon: Oh, my God, man...

Elaina:
And being super hot, I'm sure.

Jon: I'm not too hot.
Elaina: That's good.

Jon: The bus AC worked really
good on the way over here.

Elaina: Good! Well, one of
the awards you are up for is

album of the year.
Jon: Yeah.

Elaina: And that is
such an insane category

to actually get into.

How does it feel for you?
Jon: Oh, it feels great.

You know, we worked really hard
on the record.

We work hard on every record.

We try to make the best records,
cut the best songs.

And so to get a nomination is
always wonderful.

Breland: You also are coming off
the heels

of a very exciting announcement,

having just been inducted
into the Grand Ole Opry, man.

I got to see that moment
happen in real time last week

at Stagecoach.
How did that feel?

Jon: It was awesome.
That was a big surprise.

I didn't--
I didn't see it coming.

I, like, literally wondered
why Guy Fieri was--

he was onstage. I was like,
What's Guy doing on here?

But Guy pulled it off,

and Alan Jackson had
a great video.

Stagecoach was rocking.
They went crazy,

and a wonderful night,
a night I'll never forget.

Let's put it that way.
And I love the Opry.

They've been great,
so excited to be a member.

Elaina: Well, congratulations on
everything happening

in your world right now.
Jon: Thank you.

Elaina: Jon Pardi, you have
a fun time celebrating tonight.

Jon: Hey, you have fun, too.

Kelly: Kane and Katelyn Brown
with us on the carpet right now.

You guys look stunning.

First of all, tell us who
you're wearing.

Katelyn: Alexander Wang.
Kelly: Beautiful.

You look gorgeous.
Amber: Gorgeous.

Katelyn: Thank you.

Kelly: And tell us who he's
wearing, or do you know?

Kane: I think Givenchy. Uh...

Kelly: Uh-huh. See? That's what
I was afraid of. Ha ha!

Kane: I think.
Amber: Well, it looks great.

Kane: I just--I put it on.
Amber: It looks great.

Kelly: That's right.
You guys look fantastic.

Katelyn: Thank you.

Kane: I was right. I was right.
Amber: You were right.

Kane: I was right...
Amber: See? He knows.

Kelly: All right. Walking in
here, nominated many times over.

Your first ACM nomination.
Katelyn: Yes.

Kelly: How are you feeling about
it, mama?

Katelyn: I'm super excited.

I think it's gonna be
such a fun night.

And I'm like, I can't
even believe that, you know,

this is our life right now,
so it's cool!

Amber: Well, the song
is incredible.

Kane, we got to see you at
Stagecoach.

Kelly: Oh!

Amber: We were backstage hosting
all weekend,

but we snuck out.
Kelly: Yes.

Amber: We're like, We gotta
be in the front for Kane.

Your new single,
"Bury Me in Georgia," is

one of my absolute favorites,
which is saying a lot,

'cause I'm from Florida.
Kelly: Yeah.

Amber: So it feels kind of weird
singing that song,

but I love it so much.

Why did you pick that
as your new single?

Kane: I just felt like,
coming from, like,

such a sweet, sensitive song--
"Thank God"--

we had to bring something
with some energy afterwards,

and it was the most energetic of
the last singles

off my album, so I love it.

Amber: It gets us going.

Kelly: Nominated for
entertainer of the year.

What would it mean
to you to win?

Kane: Oh, man, it'd mean
the world to me.

I ain't getting my hopes up,
but it'd mean the world to me.

Kelly: You're already a winner.
You got her with you all night.

Kane: Right, right?

Kelly: We love you guys.
Congratulations.

Amber: Thank you so much for
stopping by. We appreciate it.

Kelly: Kate and Katelyn Brown.

Elaina: Hold onto your hats,
and get ready

for an adrenaline-fueled ride
with Prime Video's

newest docu-series show,
featuring

the most dangerous 8 seconds
in sports, bull riding.

Breland: "The Ride" follows

an ensemble cast of bull riders
and coaches

throughout the PBR Team Series
as they navigate

the league's
inaugural 2022 season.

Take a look.

Man: This bull riding stuff
is mostly mental.

Right before
you're gonna get on,

your mind's gonna tell you
you can't do it.

But no matter
how scared you are,

you saddle up
and get on anyways.

Man 2: Professional bull riding
has always been

an individual sport.

Now in the Team Series,
the accountability to others

is going to change the game.

Man 3: There's high
expectations.

They want to be the best.

Man 4: All the guys
that came before me,

I just wanna do it bigger
and better than they did.

Announcer: Folks, here we go!

Woman: There's not another sport

that comes with this amount of
danger.

Man 5: These guys have families,
wives, and kids.

Man 6: There isn't one time I
don't pray before he gets on.

Woman 2:
These guys care for each other.

Man 7: When something happens in
our sport,

we just pull together.

Man 8: It comes down to this.

Coach: Go take it right here.
Go take it!

Man 9: Whoo!

Man 10: I look myself in
the mirror, and I'll say,

"You can be a champion,
and you-ing ride."

Breland: And with us now are
Ezekiel Mitchell

and Eli Vastbinder
from "The Ride."

How you guys feeling?
Ezekiel: Good. How are you?

Breland: Ezekiel, what do you
love most about this sport?

And how do you find
the strength to ride

week in and week out, knowing
that you're risking your lives

every time you
step on that bull?

Ezekiel: You know, this is
the most unpredictable sport

I've ever seen or experienced
in my whole entire life.

So it's just a daily challenge

of just trying
to push through adversity

and outdo these animals.
Breland: Amazing.

Elaina: And, Eli, 2022 marked

the first year of
the PBR Team Series.

How does this change the way
you approach riding,

and what was the hardest part
for you

to adjust to
under the new team format?

Eli: Yeah, it's completely
different than what we've

ever been used to, so it was
a lot to get used to,

and, you know, just the fact
that we're relying on teammates.

That was the biggest thing I had
to get used to.

So, yeah, it's a big deal,
and it's going to take over.

Elaina: Mm. Well, tune in.

Thank you for joining us,
and enjoy the show.

You can catch all
eight episodes of "The Ride,"

when it premieres May 30th
exclusively on Prime Video.

Amber: This red carpet is
heating up, and so are things

from the Kendra Scott Fan Pit.

Kelly: Hey, let's take a look at

some of our favorite looks
of the night so far.

Everybody looks fantastic,

but especially our girl
Mickey Guyton. OK!

Amber: Mickey came to play.
Kelly: Yes, she did.

I am loving all of it.
It's got the bling.

It's got the stripes.
It elongates.

Amber: I like the top knot!

Kelly: Come on, Mickey!
Ohh, she never disappoints.

Amber: She looked fantastic.
Kelly: Oh...

Amber: OK. This is Kelly's fave.
Kelly: This is my fave.

I love you, Keith Urban.

Nicole just looks
always stunning.

She never misses. That color is
so perfect on--

look at him giving her
her moment.

Amber: I know. I know.
Lainey. That green.

Kelly: Stunning.

Amber: And she's always got
her signature bell bottoms on.

Don't worry, y'all.
We saw this fit top to bottom.

Kelly: Those are bell bottoms.
Amber: They are.

Kelly: She looks amazing.

"Bell Bottom country,"
looking good! And the hat!

Amber: And the embellishment
on the sleeve.

We got that in common tonight.
Kelly: Uh-huh.

She looks fantastic.
Amber: Look at her!

And it's a cape.
OK.

We talked about this man.

Amber: We got the man!

It's her first time walking
the carpet with her man.

That's Duck Hodges.
He played for the Steelers.

I'm a big Steelers fan,
so, I'm very happy about that.

They look adorable.
Kelly: We were very happy

that she got to bring him
because she's

not done that yet.
Amber: Yes!

Kelly: So that's really special.

Amber: You guys,

if you're watching
on Amazon live, remember,

you can shop
all the fashion trends

in the livestream Carousel.

Don't forget about that.

And talk to us and tell us
which looks you love.

Same thing with Twitch.

Stay in those comments.
We love seeing it all.

Kelly: And remember, QR codes.

You got them right there.
Scan it.

Listen to the music before
you shop for more styles.

It's all right there. All right.

Elaina and Breland,
what you got?

Breland: We have with us here
Cody Johnson,

Texas personified,
here in Dallas.

Good to see you, buddy.
Cody Johnson: Man. You guys too.

Thanks for having me.

Breland: How does it feel
to have four nominations?

Is that correct?
Cody: Three.

We already lost one.
We found out last night.

But it's amazing, man.

In 2020--I said this wrong
yesterday

in all my interviews.

I was like, it was
my first ACMs.

I got nominated for new male
vocalist two years in a row,

and then we haven't been back
since, so I completely forgot.

So I said that wrong.

To everybody yesterday,
I said that wrong. But, yeah.

Elaina: Well, we're here now
and all ready to celebrate,

and you're going to be
performing.

But a cover,
not one of your own songs,

"Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies
Grow Up To Be Cowboys."

Why that song?

Cody: Honestly, if we're just
being real, if there's one guy

in country music that can sing

"Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies
Grow Up To Be Cowboys," it's me.

I live every day...
Elaina: Ain't that the truth?

Cody: I live every day as
a cowboy on the ranch at home,

so I thought--you know,
and that's why I kind of just

didn't even dress up tonight.

I was like, I'm gonna wear
what I would wear to work.

Breland: I love it, dude.
You look great.

Cody: Thank you.

Breland: Congratulations
on all the success, man.

I'm a huge fan
of your song "Human."

Is that, like, a super
meaningful song to you?

Cody: It is, man.
And when you put out

a song like "'Til You Can't"
that did what it did,

it was such a blow-up,

such a viral blow-up
all over the world, man.

I wanted to follow up
with something

that really
spoke the same language.

And, you know, if you come
to one of my live shows, like,

we'll have 20,000 people,
and I'll say,

"How many people are seeing me
for the very first time?"

And 98% of the crowd
raises their hand.

And I thought, you know what?

It's a good time to remind us
we're all human.

If you're just now meeting me,
no matter who you are,

no matter where you come from,
we're all human.

So to have it in the top ten
is huge.

Elaina: Well, we love to see it.
Congratulations on everything.

Cody: Thank you.

Elaina: Cody Johnson,
you have a great time tonight.

Cody: I'm going to.

Kelly: Our homecoming queen
has arrived.

Well, Miranda Lambert,
it's good to see you.

Miranda Lambert:
Good to see you.

Kelly: How does it feel to be
doing this in Texas?

Miranda: It's great. We're home.
Kelly: You're home.

Miranda: Yeah.

Kelly: You actually popped
in home at the Pink Pistol.

Miranda: I did. I was in Lindale
for a couple days,

and now we're in
the metropolis of Frisco, Texas.

Kelly: What do you think so far

of all the things that are
happening at ACMs? Pretty cool?

Miranda: It's good. Yeah.
Kelly: We like it here.

Amber: You're no stranger
to this.

Miranda: No.
Amber: No stranger.

You are performing "Carousel"
tonight on the show.

What does this song mean to you?
Miranda: I love this song.

It's one of my favorites,

maybe one of my favorites I've
ever written.

It's definitely in the top five,

so I'm just glad
it gets a moment, you know?

Kelly: The most nominated
ACM person in history,

with over 50 nominations.

You knew that, though, right,
that stat?

Miranda: Pretty crazy.
Kelly: It's pretty crazy.

Miranda: It's pretty crazy.
Kelly: But now we get to add

"New York Times" bestselling
author

with the cookbook "Y'all
Eat Yet?" Congratulations.

Miranda: Thank you very much.

Kelly: Where were you
when you found out about it?

Miranda: I was at home
in my PJs--ha ha!--

which is a great place to be.

Amber: Always the best story

if you find out when
you're home in your PJs.

Kelly:
OK. Which is more satisfying?

Number one song or "New York
Times" Best Seller list?

Miranda: Um, man,
that's a hard one.

I guess I will say
number one song

because I'm a musician, but I'm
really happy about the book.

It's amazing.

Kelly: Well, it's out of
nowhere.

You know, you think about it

and you put this out
and you're like,

That's not something
I normally would have.

So congratulations.
Miranda: Yeah. Thank you.

Kelly: And up for entertainer
of the year.

That's going to be a big one?

Miranda: It's a big one always
to just be in that category,

you know?
And I missed it last year.

It's my first time to ever miss,
and I won, so...ha ha!

Amber and Kelly: The reigning...

Kelly: ACM entertainer
of the year, Miranda Lambert.

Elaina: Oh, we are here
with Jo Dee Messina,

and I feel like I'm going
to have to hold Breland up

because the coolest thing
just happened.

What did you do when you
walked up here?

Jo Dee Messina:
# Don't touch my truck #

# Whoo-whoo, whoo-whoo #

My kids. I'm like,

you don't know how many hours
I spend rocking out in the car

to your music! It's so funny.

Breland: I'm freaking out

because I've been rocking out
to your music for years.

I'm so happy to meet you.
Jo Dee: I'm happy to meet you.

Breland: How are you feeling?
You look amazing.

Jo Dee: I feel great.
I feel great.

Breland: Yeah.
Jo Dee: Yeah, it's all fun.

It's all for fun tonight.
I love it.

Elaina: It really is going to be
a fun night.

I mean, you're nominated,
and you're also getting to sing

one of your biggest hits
in a new way.

Jo Dee: Yes. Yes!

Elaina: I mean, what has it
been like to watch the song

get a second life?
Jo Dee: It's great.

I just saw
the writer, Tim Nichols,

one of the original writers

of "Heads Carolina,
Tails California" come through,

and he's so excited.

So I love to see the joy,
like, in him.

And then, you know, Cole is
just having such a blast.

And I told Cole, I'm like,
"Don't get--like,

"you got to remember
this moment.

Don't stress over it, you know?
Just remember it..." because--

what a great night. He's going
to have a hot night tonight.

Cole Swindell. Yeah!
Breland: Oh, definitely.

Definitely. Here's my question
to you,

because you've been out here
for some time.

And my question is,
What's your advice

for an up-and-coming artist
like me?

Because you've been here before.

Jo Dee: You?
Breland: Yeah.

Jo Dee: Keep doing
what you're doing. Ha ha!

My kids love it. We love it.
Breland: Thank you.

Jo Dee: Don't sell out who you
are just to be famous.

Breland: Thank you.
Jo Dee: You know what I mean?

Be who you are and don't
sell out just because you

want that next number one record
or whatever.

I mean, there's a lot of people
telling us in this industry

what to do and how to be
and how to act.

And just be you because you
are so beautiful.

Isn't he so beautiful?
Elaina: Amen.

Well, we are just
so excited for you.

Jo Dee: Thank you.

Elaina: We'll get you a picture
with Breland,

but go have fun
in there tonight.

Thank you for stopping by.
Breland: Have a great night.

Jo Dee: Thank you.

Luke Combs:
Feel sweaty, you know.

Amber: Here with five-time
ACM nominee Luke Combs.

Kelly: Whoa!

Luke: How are y'all?
Kelly: This is so special.

I know that there are a ton of
them that you're nominated for.

Which one would mean the most
to take home tonight?

Luke: Oh, God. I mean, you know,
album would be really cool.

Entertainer, obviously, is
sweet, but anything, you know?

It's like, fun being here,
having a good time.

Kelly: You also get to perform
tonight.

Luke: I do? Yup, yup.
Kelly: You gonna tell us

what you're performing?
Is it a secret?

Luke: Yeah, I'm doing
"Love You Anyway."

It's going to be good.

Kelly: That's the one you let
the fans choose.

Luke: Yeah, I did. I did. Yeah.
So excited about it.

It sounds great.
Rehearsals were great.

Kelly: But "5 Leaf Clover"
is still in there

because that was the other...
Luke: Good one.

Kelly: option.
Luke: That's a good one.

Kelly: I voted "5 Leaf Clover."
I'm just saying.

OK, OK.
I'll take it into consideration.

Kelly: If you want to throw
that in as an encore.

Luke: I'll just do
two performances.

I'll just keep going.
Amber: Two.

Luke: Yeah.
Kelly: Man, you just did

back-to-back sold-out shows...
Amber: That's right.

Kelly: at Nissan Stadium
in Nashville.

Luke: Mm-hmm.
Kelly: You were there.

Amber: And I was there.
And I was singing so loud...

Luke: Good, good.
Amber: So loud. So proud.

I do want to ask,
should you win tonight,

do you prepare a speech
or do you wing it?

Luke: I never have before.
I haven't. So, no, I did not.

I was thinking about that
earlier.

It kind of stressed me out.

I was like, Oh, my God.
what if I win something?

What the hell am I supposed
to say? What do I say?

Kelly: Thank Nicole,
your wife...

Luke: For sure. For sure.

Kelly: who is six months'
pregnant and looks fantastic.

Luke: Definitely do that...
Kelly: Don't forget that.

Luke: She does look great.
She's over here somewhere.

She looks wonderful.
Kelly: Listen, we love you.

We love what you're doing.
And we are so happy for you.

Luke: I appreciate it, guys.
Thank y'all.

Kelly: Luke Combs, everybody.

Kelly: The most nominated artist
walking in tonight.

Hello, Lainey Wilson.
How are you?

Lainey Wilson: My hype girls,
my hype girls every time.

Kelly: We love you.
Amber: We added some people

to our hype squad.
Lainey: I see that.

Kelly: OK. You have been
all over the place tonight.

You get to perform not once
but twice. Doing "Grease"?

Lainey: Whoo, girl!
Now we cooking with grease.

Kelly: Now we cooking
with grease.

And you're also doing
something special.

Are you allowed to say
who it's with?

Lainey: I can't. I can't.
Amber: Secret.

Kelly: OK. It's a surprise.
Lainey: It is a surprise.

I want to tell you because
I am so excited about it.

But you're going to
be like, "Wow!"

Kelly: I'm pumped
about all of it.

Lainey: With a dear friend
of mine.

Kelly: Oh, it's going
to be good.

Amber: You've won ACMs
in the past.

We're thinking you're going
to take home some more tonight.

Lainey: I hope you're right,
girl. Speak it.

You know, we all about
that manifesting.

Amber: We are...
Kelly: We do.

Lainey: We're manifesting it
right now.

Kelly: Speak it into existence.
Which one would mean the most?

And I know that it's
really hard to choose

because you're nominated
for so many.

Lainey: That's hard.
But I will say--and I know I've

told you all this before,
but album of the year for me

would feel like a win for,
I mean, my producer, my team,

my songwriters, the musicians
who played on my record.

You name it, that would feel
like--a big win for everybody.

Kelly: "Bell Bottom Country."
show us the "Grease" moves.

You got the pants on.
Amber: There she goes.

There she goes.
Kelly: OK, she's got it.

We love you, Lainey Wilson.
Amber: We love you, girl.

Lainey: I love y'all so much.
Amber: Have so much fun tonight.

Kelly: We love you.

Breland: We are here
on the carpet

with the swaggiest woman
in country music, Lily Rose...

Lily Rose: What's up, y'all?
Hey, it's good to see you guys.

Elaina: It's good to see you.
I hear you've already

been having
a good ol' day here in Texas.

Lily: I mean,
when the weather's nice--

it was supposed to rain today--

you got to have a couple beers,
right?

Elaina: Yes.
Lily: That was fun.

Elaina: Then it makes the carpet
a lot more fun, doesn't it?

Lily: Absolutely.

You guys have had a long day,
so you're killing it.

Breland: Now, Lily,
you've had an incredible year.

Obviously, you've just recently
gotten married.

Congratulations on that.
Lily: Crazy. Yeah. Thank you.

Thank you.
Breland: But you're also

dropping some of the hottest
tunes of the summer.

You and Diplo have a tune
that just came out.

How does that feel?
Lily: It's pretty wild.

You know, so many red carpets
over the years

asking dream collaborations.

He's always been on my list.

So for it to come to fruition,
it's like we manifested it, so--

Breland: You got to speak it.
Lily: Come on, dude.

It's a fun song, and we're
having a good time with it.

Elaina: How did it come to
fruition?

Lily: Yeah, when I signed
my record deal

2 1/2 years ago,
they sent me, like,

a whole list of outside songs,

and "Sad In the Summer"
was on there.

It was just
a little guitar, vocal,

and put my voice on it
two years ago,

and it's finally
out in the world.

Elaina: Two years?!
Lily: A long, long time.

Elaina: Yeah! Then this is
a celebration at this point.

Lily: So we're very happy
it's out.

Elaina: Yeah.

Breland: What can people expect
from you?

I know that you and I have
this in common,

going out on the road
with Shania Twain.

Lily: Come on, dude. Yeah.

I'm going to see you at the
Nashville show. I can't wait.

Breland: Definitely.
Lily: But, yeah,

going on the road with Sam Hunt
and Shania Twain after that.

So it's going to be a wild year.
It's going to be awesome.

Elaina: Well, Lily Rose, you are
absolutely crushing it.

Have fun tonight, and thank you
for stopping by.

Lily: Hey, y'all, too.
Love you guys.

Breland: Have a good one.

Kelly: We love Lily Rose!

Amber: Oh, we love her so much.
Kelly: Yes.

Amber: We have got time
for one more performance.

So let's head on down to
the stage with Priscilla Block.

Priscilla: They say
that blondes have more fun,

and you've got to believe
that's true

when you see these two sisters
perform.

The song they're about to play
is huge.

And the video has already been
viewed 15 million times!

You're going to see why
in a second.

Here is Tigirlily Gold

with their intoxicating hit
"Shoot Tequila."

Kendra: # You've always been
a whole lot of trouble #

# But it's the kind I like
getting in #

Both: # So we might as well
make it a double #

# Yeah, you know
how the two of us get #

# We're dancing on the bar #

Kendra: # Ain't a pretty sight #

Both: # And I'mma blame you #

# When you get us in a fight #

# Ah, shoot, tequila #

# I didn't want to see you #

# But I love the taste of you
on my lips #

# 'Cause after one or two,
I feel you #

# You get me in the mood #

# To move my shake, shake
Shakira hips #

# I know I shouldn't do it #

# But I don't remember why #

# Such a bad influence #

# But you're looking good
tonight #

# Ah, shoot, tequila #

# You're good at what you do,
tequila #

Kendra: # And it goes like #

Both: # 1 tequila, 2 tequila #

# 3 tequila, more #

# If I had a little sense,
I would have stopped at four #

# Instead of cursing your name
on the bathroom floor #

# Swear to God I won't drink
tequila no more #

# But Mama didn't raise
no quitter #

# Giddyap, light 'em up,
knock 'em back #

Kendra: # Throw back #

Both: # Por favor, can you pour
a little quicker? #

# 'Bout to cut a rug,
call my ex #

# Talk some trash #
Krista: Whoops.

Both: # We be getting' loco
everywhere we go, go #

# Is the problem you or me? #

# I don't know #

# Ah, shoot, tequila #

# I didn't want to see you #

# But I love the taste of you
on my lips #

# 'Cause after one or two,
I feel you #

# You get me in the mood #

# To move my shake, shake
Shakira hips #

# I know I shouldn't do it #

# But I don't remember why #

# Such a bad influence #

# But you're looking good
tonight #

# Ah, shoot, tequila #

# You're good at what you do,
tequila #

Krista: Come on!

Kendra: # And it goes like #

Both: # 1 tequila, 2 tequila #

# 3 tequila, more #

# If I had a little sense,
I would have stopped at four #

# Instead of cursing your name
on the bathroom floor #

# Swear to God I won't drink
tequila no more #

Kendra: Come on!

ACM! Whoo!

Kendra: # Ah, shoot, tequila #

Krista: While we're in Texas...

Kendra: # We might as well #

# Shoot tequila #

Both: # Yeah-eah #

# Ah, shoot, tequila #

# I didn't want to see you #

# But I love the taste of you
on my lips #

# 'Cause after one or two,
I feel you #

# You get me in the mood #

# To move my shake, shake
Shakira hips #

# I know I shouldn't do it #

# But I don't remember why #

# Such a bad influence #

# But you're looking good
tonight #

# Ah, shoot, tequila #

# You're good at what you do,
tequila #

# And it goes like #

# 1 tequila, 2 tequila #

# 3 tequila, more #

# If I had a little sense,
I would have stopped at four #

# Instead of cursing your name
on the bathroom floor #

# Swear to God, I won't drink
tequila no more #

Priscilla: Tigirlily Gold!
Wow. Texas loves y'all.

Krista: Well, we love Texas, OK?

Priscilla: All right. So, y'all,
clearly you're sisters.

You've been singing together
forever. Let's have some fun.

Who's the troublemaker here?
Krista: Ooh.

We actually have a younger
sister named Carly.

Shout out to Carly.
But she's not in the band

because she is the troublemaker
of the sisters.

Priscilla: She is?

She would definitely be getting
y'all into trouble. I love it.

Y'all give it up
for Tigirlily Gold.

Back to you.

Amber: Oh, I just love
Tigirlily Gold.

Kelly: They sounded so good!
Amber: Those girls are so great.

Kelly: And they looked amazing.

We're going to show you some of
our favorite looks so far.

This has been
an incredible carpet.

So much color on the carpet!
Amber: Mm-hmm.

Kelly: Bright, vibrant
jewel tones,

including Miranda Lambert.

She walked in with
this blue number on,

and we all went, "Hello!"
Amber: Stopped in our tracks.

Kelly: I said it, and I mean it,

The homecoming queen
came back to Texas.

Amber: Yes, she did.

A "New York Times" Best Seller.

Kelly: That is so cool. Yes.

She's got this brand-new
cookbook.

"Y'all Eat Yet?"
is the name of it.

And it's already landed

on the "New York Times"
Best Seller list.

Amber: I just feel like she's
just, like, an ACMs queen.

Like, she is also reigning
entertainer of the year.

Kelly: Reigning entertainer
of the year

and also the most nominated
artist in history,

over 50 ACM nominations.

Amber: That is great.
Kelly: Look at that dress.

It's a moment.
She is telling him, like,

she's like,
"Come on over here, honey.

Amber: "Come over here."
Kelly: "Give me a squeeze."

Amber: They look so good
together.

Kelly: Another couple that we
saw,

Jason Aldean and Brittany.
They come in looking good.

Brittany always does
the slicked back,

sleek look great.
Amber: Uh-huh.

We've seen a lot
of party ponies tonight.

Kelly: A lot of party ponies.
Yes.

Amber: A lot of party ponies,
but hers is sleek.

Again, another bright color.

Kelly: I love the feathers.
Amber: Me, too.

Kelly: The feather detail.

Amber: And then Jason's jacket.

Kelly: I mean, that's a little
different take on the collar.

Amber: Yeah.
Kelly: And I really dig it.

He is more rock and roll
than he is fashion.

We know him well.

Oh, there she is.

Kelly: Oh, she is stunning
as always, Carly Pearce.

What did we call ourselves?
We look like a...

Amber: gradient.
Kelly: gradient color.

When we were standing next to
each other.

You had on red,
I have on hot pink,

She has on, like, a tangerine.

It was gorgeous.
Amber: Beautiful.

Kelly: We've had such
a great time.

And the show is about
to start, y'all.

You don't want to miss a minute.

So if you're watching us
on Prime Video or Twitch,

stay right here.

If you're watching anywhere
else,

head on over, Amazon.com/ACM to
watch the livestream for free.

Amber: Next up, Dolly and Garth

and the 58th Academy
of Country Music Awards.

But before we head inside,
we want to thank

Elaina Smith,
Breland, and Priscilla Block.

Also, a very special thanks
to Dalton Dover,

Matt Stell, and Tigerlily Gold

for bringing
their music to our pre-party.

Kelly: And thank you to
everybody

who came by to hang out with us.

Remember, the ACM Awards
will be free to stream.

Tell everybody! Prime membership
is not required

for this livestream.

Amber: The ACM Red Carpet,
it's officially in the books.

Kelly: Yes!
Amber: Yes!

And the ACM Awards start
right now.

See you inside.
Kelly: Bye!