Jason Aldean Pays Tribute to Longtime Friend Luke Bryan at ACM Honors

Aldean performed Bryan’s song “Someone Else Calling You Baby” and delivered a heartfelt speech in honor of his friend.

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Madeleine O’Connell

| Posted on

September 24, 2024

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9:18 pm

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Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan; Photos by Getty Images for ACM

During the 17th Academy of Country Music Honors, Luke Bryan earned the ACM Lifting Lives Award for his commitment to serving others and improving lives through the power of music. His longtime friend and fellow country star, Jason Aldean was on hand at the Ryman Auditorium to honor Bryan with a performance of his second No. 1 hit, “Someone Else Calling You Baby.”

Aldean Performs In Honor Of Bryan

The electric guitar-infused heartbreak anthem was co-written by Luke with Jeff Stevens and released in August 2010 as the third and final single from his 2008 album, Doin’ My Thing. The minute Aldean stepped on stage, he embraced his inner Luke Bryan and delivered the story about a man feeling pain and confusion after seeing someone else’s truck pulling out of his ex’s drive. As he reveals in the opening verse, the couple at hand had only been broken up for two weeks so when the man realizes his woman could have moved on that fast, he’s left with a strong desire to find out what’s really going on. 

Jason Aldean performs onstage during the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for ACM
Jason Aldean performs onstage during the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for ACM

Aldean’s authentic southern accent comes out strong while belting out the chorus, “Baby is someone else calling you baby/ It’s driving me crazy/ This bein in the dark/ Goodbye’s never easy/ So break it to me hard/ If you’re over my love girl/ Lay it on my heart/ Don’t try to save me.”

A Heartfelt Speech

The Georgia native wrapped up his performance and then headed over to the podium where he shared some kind words about his friend and the strong bond they were able to form in their early careers in Nashville.

“Luke and I both came up in this town together and we totally could have been enemies, rivals, but instead we became best friends. And over the years, I’ve watched him give 100 percent to whatever he does, especially when it comes to helping others. I can’t think of anyone more fitting to receive the ACM Lifting Lives Award tonight than my buddy Luke Bryan. Congratulations,” he shared.

Jason Aldean and  Luke Bryan attend the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan attend the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Bryan Paid Tribute To His Wife, Caroline, During His Acceptance Speech

Finally, it was Luke Bryan’s turn to speak on this incredible award he had just been presented. First, he thanked Aldean for taking the time to be there and perform in his honor and then he went on to share gratitude for his wife, Caroline, who was seated in the front row. 

“My wife, Caroline and I, we’ve had, I don’t know how many fundraisers and Red Bird games, it’s this little party that we do that raises money, and Jason and Brittany have been there every year supporting that cause. And man, I can always count on him and he knows I wouldn’t be anything charitable without my wife being by my side.”

The “Mind of a Country Boy” singer went on to express how meaningful it is to get to be so involved in philanthropic events, knowing how much of an impact his contributions can have on people. 

Caroline Boyer and Luke Bryan attend the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
Caroline Boyer and Luke Bryan attend the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

“Just so blessed to get to do this,” he continued. “And then when you’re out there and you see kids come backstage that aren’t as blessed as us, you see that you’re meeting a Make-A-Wish kid that day and you’ve been mad about your sore throat all day, and then you meet someone that has something far more serious than a sore throat. I’m so blessed to be a part of this industry where everywhere you look people go the extra mile to help and do things. It’s like I’m winning an award for, like my parents said, just doing what you ought to be damn doing.”

The heartfelt speech came to a close as Bryan shared a final round of thanks for ACM Lifting Lives and members of his team who have helped him manage his charitable efforts. 

“Thanks for everybody and what a beautiful night of music and thank you, the fans for being here. We love y’all.” 

Luke Bryan poses with the ACM Lifting Lives Award during the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
Luke Bryan poses with the ACM Lifting Lives Award during the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

The ACM Lifting Lives Award honors the contributions of Gary Haber, who was known for being a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors vote on a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional to receive this award who has shown that they are incredibly devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. 

Throughout his career, Luke Bryan has earned 30 No. 1 singles, won ACM Entertainer of the Year three times, and has racked up a total of ten ACM Awards to date. His philanthropic efforts include his annual Farm Tour, which has found the son of a peanut farmer bringing his epic show to local farms across the country for the past 15 years. Since the tour’s inception in 2009, he has awarded more than 80 scholarships, and the Farm Tour has raised enough money to, along with sponsors, donate more than 8 million meals.

Luke Bryan accepts the ACM Lifting Lives Award onstage during the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM
Luke Bryan accepts the ACM Lifting Lives Award onstage during the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

Hosted by Carly Pearce and Jordan Davis, the 17th Academy of Country Music Honors was filmed inside Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and aired Tuesday, September 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. PT on Merit Street. This served as the first time the special has aired on the network as part of a larger partnership between Merit Street Media and the Academy of Country Music. 

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Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.