The Academy of Country Music® (ACM) announced today that Miranda Lambert will receive the inaugural ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award at the 10th Annual ACM Honors™. Approved by the ACM Special Awards Panel and voted on by the ACM Board, this new award will honor uncompromising artists in the spirit of Merle Haggard, while acknowledging a man who has figured prominently in ACM history.

“Merle was an integral part of the Academy’s history, and it was important to us that we honor his legacy. We couldn’t imagine anyone better suited to receive the first ever ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award than Miranda,” said ACM EVP/Managing Director Tiffany Moon.

The 10th Annual ACM Honors is an evening dedicated to celebrating the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards, which aired in April.  The event featured performances by Jason AldeanKelsea BalleriniDierks BentleyLuke BryanCamToby KeithAlicia KeysMiranda LambertMaren MorrisBlake SheltonCole SwindellKeith UrbanChris YoungDan + ShayThe Band Perry and hosts Lady Antebellum.

The two-hour special will tape on Tuesday, August 30 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, and make its television debut on Friday, September 9 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

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  • Juliet Schroder

    Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the latest fashion trends. Juliet holds a B.S. in marketing from St. John's University.