By: Sadie Christine

Every year, the ACM (Academy of Country Music) honors the achievements of artists, songwriters, and industry professionals who have shaped country music and deserve to be celebrated.
The 18th annual ACM Honors ceremony took place in August at Nashville’s famous Ryman Auditorium and was recently broadcast on CMT!
Hosted by Carly Pearce and Russell Dickerson, this year’s honorees included Lori Badgett, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, Twisters, Ben Vaughn, and Lainey Wilson.
HARDY honored Eric Church, who received the ACM Icon Award, with a performance of Church’s song Homeboy.
Ben Vaughn, who passed away earlier this year, was also posthumously honored with the ACM Icon Award during the ceremony’s memorial segment, which paid tribute to members of the country music community lost this year.
Luke Combs was honored by Ashley McBryde, who performed a medley of some of his biggest hits, including “When It Rains, It Pours,” “Beautiful Crazy,” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart.”
Combs received recognition for his record-breaking world tour and his efforts to share the positive message of country music with fans around the globe.
Cody Johnson received the ACM Spirit Award and was honored by his friend Luke Bryan, who performed a heartfelt rendition of Johnson’s hit “‘Til You Can’t.” Bryan displayed strong vocals throughout the cover, and it was clear he took pride in paying tribute.
Carter Faith and Karen Fairchild also took the stage to honor Jessie Jo Dillon, one of Nashville’s most influential songwriters. Together, they performed Morgan Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies,” a track Dillon wrote for Wallen’s latest album, I’m the Problem, which became the biggest country album of the year.
Randy Travis received the Milestone Award and was honored by Jamey Johnson, who delivered a moving performance of Travis’s classic “Three Wooden Crosses.” The tribute resonated deeply with fans, many of whom continue to celebrate the song’s lasting impact.
The ACM Honors are always a special day in country music, shining a spotlight on everyone who contributes to the genre and to country radio. The ceremony not only celebrates artists for their musical success but also recognizes their philanthropic efforts and the individuals behind the scenes (managers, engineers, organizations) as well as the songwriters, who help make it all possible.
Who would you like to see honored at next year’s ACM Honors, and who should pay tribute to them? Share your thoughts with us on socials!
Stay Wild, Stay Celebrating, Stay Country