WATCH: ACM’s OUR COUNTRY Series Premieres Jo Dee Messina’s Performance Of Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On’

Jo Dee Messina is the latest artist to be featured in the Academy of Country Music’s new premium digital series OUR COUNTRY™. The stripped-down music video premieres today with the country star’s rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”

With her performance, the songstress stays true to the mission of the just-launched series, which aims to celebrate “the music, memories, and stories that define Country Music” by creating “a powerful musical tribute to America’s past, present and future.”

She brings her traditional country sound to the 1973 rock classic, backed only by two guitarists. Stripping the song down, Messina delivers a softer take on the power ballad while still maintaining its emotional strength as she showcases her wide vocal range. The result is a more vulnerable rendition of “Dream On” that highlights her ability to command a song.

Messina explains to ACM that she opted to sing the Aerosmith classic as an opportunity to step outside of her typical country sound while paying tribute to a fellow Massachusetts-born band whose music played a role in her childhood.

“I remember being a little kid and hearing this. I grew up outside of Boston so for me to be able to sing an Aerosmith song, first of all, is an honor. And second of all, it’s scary because if you don’t do a good job, then you can’t ever go back home,” she said with a laugh.

Beyond the performance itself, Jo Dee Messina went on to share her belief that music serves as a powerful outlet for self-expression.

“I think music in general, no matter what the format or the genre, it kind of gives us a voice,” Messina continued. “It gives our feelings of voice or our life, our voice, or our trials of voice. And so I think whether we sing it or we listen to it, it gives us a chance to be heard.”

That perspective perfectly sums up the mission of OUR COUNTRY™. According to ACM, the series was designed as a way to connect artists and listeners across generations, highlighting unity, heritage, and the genre’s lasting impact on American storytelling. Each artist delivers an acoustic interpretation of a classic song of their choosing while also taking part in candid conversations that blend personal storytelling with reimagined hits. The series also explores themes of identity, inspiration, and connection, showing how music continues to bring people together while honoring the past and spotlighting the future of the genre.

“OUR COUNTRY™ is about more than performance — it’s about connection,” said Lauren Burchett, Academy of Country Music Head of Strategic Partnerships & Revenue. “This series gives artists the space to share the songs and stories that shaped them while reminding audiences of Country Music’s history and its unique ability to unite people through shared experiences, emotion, and storytelling.”

Jo Dee Messina is the third artist featured in the series, which launched with Wyatt Flores and later showcased Kaitlin Butts. Each installment combines stripped-down performances with candid conversations, allowing artists to reflect on the music, memories, and experiences that have influenced both their lives and careers.

The complete lineup includes:

• Wyatt Flores performing The Fray’s “How to Save a Life”
• Kaitlin Butts performing The Steeldrivers’ “If It Hadn’t Been for Love”
• Jo Dee Messina performing Aerosmith’s “Dream On”
• Thelma & James performing “You’re the One That I Want” from Grease
• Jackson Dean performing Uncle Lucius’ “Keep the Wolves Away”
• Craig Campbell performing Clint Black’s “Killin’ Time”

New episodes will continue to roll out weekly across ACM’s digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, and TikTok.