Eric Church Makes a Statement With ACM Awards Performance

Eric Church delivered a show-stopping performance during the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards on Wednesday.

Church’s performance began with a tribute to the late Johnny Cash. While seated on a dimly lit stage, Church strummed his guitar as Cash’s voice played delivering the 1974 release, “Ragged Old Flag.”

Church then kicked it into high gear with his latest single “Stick That In Your Country Song.” Backed by his touring band, the Entertainer Of The Year nominee left viewers speechless with his incredible performance.

Watch Eric's performance of "Ragged Old Flag" by Johnny Cash and "Stick That In Your Country Song" live from the 55th @ACMAwards. #ACMawards pic.twitter.com/1eFIeroD55

— Eric Church (@ericchurch) September 17, 2020

“Stick That In Your Country Song” was released on Thursday, June 25, finds Church challenging his fellow country artists to step up to write and sing about things that matter. From social turmoil to military homecomings to “underpaid” and “overworked” teachers, Church is sending a message to songwriters to sing about real-world issues.

Church co-wrote “Stick That In Your Country Song” alongside Davis Naish and Jeffrey Steele. The unapologetic anthem is the lead release from his much-anticipated new album, which will serve as the follow-up to 2018’s Desperate Man.

The country superstar was also nominated for two ACM Awards including Entertainer Of The Year and Song Of The Year for “Some Of It.”

The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards also featured performances from Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Riley Green, Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi, Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani, Taylor Swift, Tenille Townes, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban with P!nk, Morgan Wallen and Trisha Yearwood.

The 2020 ACM Awards took place in Music City for the first time ever. The three-hour show took place at three iconic venues: Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe.

Hosted by Keith Urban, the star-studded event aired on Wednesday, September 16 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on CBS Television Network and streamed live and on-demand on CBS All Access.