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ACM Awards 2020: Eric Church touches hearts with Johnny Cash's 'Ragged Old Flag', fans say America needs this now

No sooner did Eric Church sing it, the internet erupted with joy and showered compliments on him for paying such a rich tribute to the National Flag

The Academy of Country Music Awards 2020 dazzled music lovers with an impressive line-up of country singers. Held at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe on September 16, 2020, the event hosted by first-time host Keith Urban had an impressive line-up of performers to celebrate country music's special night.

Billed as Country Music's Party of the Year, the ACM Awards are an annual celebration of the brightest stars and most awe-inspiring achievements within the genre. Eric Church turned out to be one of the most talked-about singers as many fans felt he deserved the Entertainer of the Year award. Riding high on the success of his single 'Stick that in Your Country Song', the singer came on stage to pay a tribute to Johnny Cash's 'Ragged Old Flag'. 

The lyrics of the song go: 
"So we raise her up every morning
We take her down every night
We don't let her touch the ground and we fold her up right
On second thought, I do like to brag
'Cause I'm mighty proud of that ragged old flag."

No sooner did he sing it, the Internet erupted with joy and showered compliments on him for paying a tribute to the National Flag. "O M G I think my favorite performance of the night is @ericchurch tribute to the Ragged Old Flag!!! So happy to see an entertainer stand up for the American Flag," one posted. Another said, "Watching the #ACMawards and @ericchurch nailed A Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash. Amazing job and, just like every other song tonight, exactly what this country needs right now. Amazing performance."

"Leave it to #EricChurch and the legendary #JohnnyCash to give the #BLM mummies a crash course on the significance of standing for the flag. #RespectTheFlag #BecauseOfTheBrave #RaggedOldFlag #ACMAwards," one fan tweeted. Another said, "The performance began with Eric strumming his guitar on a dark stage and had Johnny Cash reciting 'Ragged Old Flag' before he sang 'Stick That In Your Country Song.' #ACMAwards #EricChurch."

One fan said, "@ericchurch way to bring it home! Loved that intro as well! Thankful for performances like that to remind us why we stand for flag, and what made America the amazing country it is today! #ACMawards #america #stickthatinyourcountrysong." However, another Internet user wasn't quite impressed. "Loved Johnny Cash’s words, but didnt ‘get' @ericchurch’s song at all. Couldn’t tell if he was supporting our flag or saying stick it? Very odd song choice. Anyone else??"

At the music event, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Riley Green, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi and Tenille Townes performed at the Ryman. Jimmie Allen, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert featuring songwriters Natalie Hemby and Luke Dick and Tim McGraw performed at The Bluebird and Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Mickey Guyton, Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen performed from the Opry.

The award ceremony was broadcasted live from 8 pm to 11 pm on CBS Television Network and streamed on-demand on CBS All Access.