ACM Honors™

ACM HONORS is a live event held after the ACM Award Show, dedicated to celebrating special award honorees, off-camera category winners, and ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards. 

The 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors™, considered one of the industry’s favorite nights, was an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and winners from the 55th and 56th Academy of Country Music Awards™. The event took place on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and was livestreamed on Circle Network’s social channels – Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Circle Network will also air a television special around the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors on Tuesday November 23. 

The 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors was hosted by two-time ACM Award winner Carly Pearce. Special Awards recipients celebrated at 14th Annual ACM Honors included Ken Burns's Country Music, RAC Clark, Luke Combs, Ross Copperman, Dan + Shay, Rascal Flatts, Joe Galante, Toby Keith, Lady A, Loretta Lynn, Gretchen Peters, Curly Putman and Michael Strickland. Performing artists included Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Devin Dawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ronnie Dunn, Nicolle Galyon, HARDY, Caylee Hammack, Alan Jackson, Chris Janson, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, RaeLynn, Jordan Reynolds, Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Laura Veltz, Sam Williams and Lee Ann Womack. Additional special guest presenter was Sarah Trahern.  

The evening also recognized 55th ACM Awards Industry and Studio Recording Award winners along with newly announced winners of the Studio Recording Awards for the 56th ACM Awards, along with Songwriter of the Year Award winner, Hillary Lindsey. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Industry Awards were not given out during the 56th ACM Awards cycle. Chris Janson presented the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the evening.