Maren Morris was crowned ACM Female Artist of the Year on Sunday (April 18) during the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards.
This is the superstar’s second consecutive win in the category and she couldn’t have been more thankful to take home the honor.
“I kind of consider this category to be who tried their best in a year where it was very weird and nobody could do what they were made to do,” she said from the stage.
Morris also gave a shoutout to her fellow Female Vocalist of the Year nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, and Carly Pearce, telling them, “You’ve inspired me so much, to no end.”
The 56th ACM Awards also featured performances from Brothers Osborne, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton, Alan Jackson, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Keith Urban, Gabby Barrett, Jimmie Allen, Little Big Town and more.
Additionally, the show included star-studded collaborations by Dierks Bentley feat. The War And Treaty, Miranda Lambert with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, Chris Young feat. Kane Brown, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice, as well as Carrie Underwood & CeCe Winans. The show opener featured the live debut of Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s duet, “Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home).”
Co-hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton, the 2021 ACM Awards took place in Music City for the second consecutive year. The three-hour awards show took place at three iconic Nashville venues, including Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. The awards show aired on Sunday, April 18 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET) on CBS Television Network and were also streamed live on CBS All Access.