Thomas Rhett Named Male Artist Of The Year at 2021 ACM Awards

Thomas Rhett was all smiles on Sunday (April 18) when he accepted the honor of ACM Male Artist of the Year during the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards. 

Rhett, who is the reigning Entertainer of the Year, beat out country music heavy hitters Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs and Eric Church to snag the trophy.

The superstar said his big was “absolutely incredible” and went on to thank his wife, Lauren, and three daughters at home. 

“These are literally my heroes sitting in these seats,” he gushed, referring to his fellow nominees. 

This marks Thomas Rhett’s third time winning ACM Male Artist of the Year. 

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.