After being put on pause in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 14th ACM Honors were LIVE and IN-PERSON last night (August 25) at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
The special event, which recognized the special award honorees and Industry and Studio Recording Award winners from the 55th and 56th Academy of Country Music Awards, brought out some of the genre’s most talented faces for a star-studded lineup of live performances and award presentations.
Special Awards recipients Joe Galante and Rascal Flatts (ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award), Lady A and Ross Copperman (ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award), Luke Combs and Michael Strickland (ACM Gene Weed Milestone Award), Dan + Shay (ACM Jim Reeves International Award), RAC Clark (ACM Mae Boren Axton Service Award), Toby Keith (ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award), Loretta Lynn, Gretchen Peters and Curly Putman (ACM Poet’s Award) and Ken Burns’s Country Music (ACM Tex Ritter Film Award) were all on hand to receive their well-deserved honors, while Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Devin Dawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ronnie Dunn, Nicolle Galyon, HARDY, Caylee Hammack, Alan Jackson, Chris Janson, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, RaeLynn, Jordan Reynolds, Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Laura Veltz, Sam Williams and Lee Ann Womack all took the stage for unforgettable performances.
Click through the gallery below to see some of the best snaps of your favorite Country stars from the red carpet and backstage, and don’t forget to catch the 14th ACM Honors when it airs on Circle TV on Tuesday, November 23 @ 8PM ET with an encore on presentation on Wednesday, November 24 @ 12AM ET.
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Dan Smyers, Nicolle Galyon, Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon, Shay Mooney and Jordan Reynolds seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Hannah Mooney (L) and Shay Mooney attend the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: RaeLynn attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Charles Kelley, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Lyndsay Cruz, Hillary Scott, Clancey Hopper and Dave Haywood seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Ashley McBryde attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Ronnie Dunn seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Lori Badgett (L) and ReaLynn backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood of Lady A attend the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Ashley McBryde and Hank Williams Jr. seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: RaeLynn attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Caylee Hammack attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Keith Urban and Ross Copperman backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Carly Pearce and Shay Mooney seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Trace Adkins seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: ReaLynn backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Chris Janson, Dan Smyers, and Shay Mooney seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Hardy is backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Chris Janson (L) and Sam Williams attend the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched) Lee Ann Womack attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Ashley McBryde, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Hank Williams Jr. (L) and Sam Williams backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched) Nicolle Galyon attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Joe Don Rooney (L) and RaeLynn attend the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Lauren Alaina attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Jay DeMarcus and guests seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched) Carly Pearce attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Trace Adkins seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Trace Adkins and Victoria Pratt seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Chris Janson (L) and Cliffie Stone Icon Award Winner Joe Galanta backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Dan Smyers, Nicolle Galyon, Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon, Shay Mooney and Jordan Reynolds seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Devin Dawson attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Sam Williams attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Caylee Hammack, Ashley McBryde and Brittney Spencer backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Jay DeMarcus and guests seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award winner Ross Copperman seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Caylee Hammack attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Brittney Spencer attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood of Lady A attend the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched) Trace Adkins attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Caylee Hammack, Ashley McBryde and Brittney Spencer backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Lee Ann Womack attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Lauren Alaina (L) and Carly Pearce backstage at the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Devin Dawson attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Ross Copperman and Damon Whiteside seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Lauren Alaina attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Devin Dawson, Hardy and Lauren Alaina backstage at the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Nicole Combs (L) and Luke Combs attend the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched) Ashley McBryde attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Lori Badgett, Lee Ann Womack and Damon Whiteside seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Hardy attends the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Hank Williams Jr. (L) and Sam Williams seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Hank Williams Jr., Lori Badgett, Sam Williams and Damon Whiteside seen backstage during the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Devin Dawson, Hardy and Lauren Alaina backstage at the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched) Dan Smyers (L) and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay attend the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)
- NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: (L-R) Devin Dawson, Lauren Alaina, and Hardy backstage at the 14th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM)