Go Backstage at ACM Honors [Pictures]
When country stars get together, it’s always a good time, and backstage at the 2016 ACM Honors show was no exception. Some of the industry’s biggest names gathered to celebrate special honorees and off-camera award winners from the 51st annual ACM Awards, which took place earlier this year.
The show — taped on Aug. 30 — will be televised for the first time this Friday (Sept. 9).
From new up-and-coming artists to long-time legends, the crowd at the 10th annual ACM Honors was buzzing with celebs, including Emmylou Harris, Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, Toby Keith, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, and Dierks Bentley, who all presented awards. The evening was hosted by Lady Antebellum and gave a particularly unique award to Miranda Lambert — the first-ever Merle Haggard Spirit Award. The award honors an artist who embodies Haggard’s rugged honesty, tenacity and integrity.
Check out the gallery above to see all your favorite country artists — not to mention Shelton’s co-judge on The Voice, Alicia Keys — hanging out together backstage at the event. Many of the artists will be seen performing on the broadcast, including Keys, Ballerini, Jason Aldean, Dan + Shay, Shelton, Bryan, Cam, and many more.