'ACM Presents: Our Country': From Carrie Underwood to Blake Shelton, country stars' home concerts win hearts
The 'ACM Presents: Our Country' hosted by Gayle King and airing in place of the ACM Awards, which had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, has given people a much-needed break from their routine lives with performances from Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, and many more.
Speaking of the event, Gayle Kind said "We were all ready for the big night [in] April, but the coronavirus changed everything...The genius of this is that all the superstars of country music [have] done special performances from their home that they shot themselves. So, you've got Lady Antebellum [at] one, two, three different locations. You've got Blake and Gwen fireside in Oklahoma singing ‘Nobody But You’ with her brother doing the camera." She added, "You name the people, they're there: Old Dominion, Tim McGraw. But everybody did it from their home -- it's unbelievable."
For many, it was a pleasure seeing the stripped-down at-home versions of some of their favorite country songs. Underwood's 'Drinking Alone' was one of the biggest hits of the night, and supremely apt for anyone who was doing just that - drinking a glass of wine while practicing social distancing and staying at home. Before she began Underwood said, "I’m sorry we can’t all be together in person, but I’m glad we can all find ways to be connected," adding, "This song actually seems to be striking a chord, more than ever with a lot of you these days, especially while so many of us are riding things out at home...Just remember though, we're not really alone. We are alone together. And that is exactly how we're gonna get through this mess."
The two-hour-long show also featured some fun conversations and look backs at some memorable ACM Award show moments. This special was put together in place of the ACM Awards which have been officially rescheduled for September 16 at 8 pm ET (to air on CBS). While voting for the awards has already ended, the results will be kept confidential until the show airs.
Fans were naturally delighted to get this intimate home concert with some of their favorite country stars.
"Watching #ACMOurCountry on @CBS and have to say, I like this so much better than a big staged production with a live audience," tweeted one fan. Another said, "#ACMOurCountry is exactly what I needed in my life right now."
"Sunday sunset over Nashville while watching #ACMOurCountry. Living for these raw & stripped performances," said another fan.
"Carrie virtually cheer-sing me gave me the energy for the week ahead," tweeted one fan, and others showered Kelsea Ballerini with love saying "homecoming queen never fails to bring tears to my eyes, that was so beautiful!" Many shared clips of the singer's stunningly emotional performance, adding "Absolutely LOVING! @KelseaBallerini performing #HomecomingQueen on #ACMOurCountry." Another viewer tweeted, "@DierksBentley helping us all to hold on together... my faith your love our freedom @ACMawards #MusicIsMedicine #ACMOurCountry."
As everyone struggles through the isolation, singer-songwriter Eric Church had a positive message to share, tweeting "After some thought and a lot of prayer, here’s what I know: I have hope and you should have hope because since the beginning of time people have gathered... And we will gather again. #ACMOurCountry #InThisTogether."
The night ended with Lionel Richie tributing a dear friend. ".@LionelRichie getting the last word on #ACMOurCountry as he honors his buddy @_KennyRogers with their 2012 performance of "Lady"," tweeted Nash Country Daily.