The ACM Award for Entertainer of the Year ended in a tie for the first time in the 55-year history of the awards show.
Both Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett were named Entertainer of the Year in a surprising twist that closed the night’s show. The win marks Carrie’s third ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy (2008, 2009), while TR scored his first.
“Happy to share this with Thomas Rhett and just have my name mentioned with his,” said Carrie from the stage. “And Luke [Combs] and Luke [Bryan] and Eric Church, I am beyond honored. Thank you fans for coming out to see us, spending your hard earned money. Band, crew, [and] everybody that makes those shows happen. You guys, hold on, [live music] will happen again. Just hold on.”
“Getting to hear an idol of mine, [host] Keith Urban, mention my name along with Carrie Underwood, it was like…It made me like, I’m not the new guy anymore,” said TR backstage. “You know, just being such a huge fan of Carrie since I can remember, since I was 15 or 16 years old, and winning such an iconic award with her, it just solidified a lot of things for me.”
The ACM Awards aired live from Nashville on Sept. 16 with first-time host Keith Urban. The show took place at three iconic Nashville institutions: the Grand Ole Opry House, The Bluebird Cafe and Ryman Auditorium.
Entertainer of the Year (TIE)
- Luke Bryan
- Eric Church
- Luke Combs
- Thomas Rhett WINNER
- Carrie Underwood WINNER
