Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood & More: Watch The Highlights From Last Night’s ACM Awards

The Academy of Country Music Awards aired last night after months of pushing back the show due to the pandemic. With performances and acceptances scattered across different Nashville venues, 2020’s ACM Awards were filled with surprising moments that made up for the long wait. Here are a few highlights from the show.

Taylor Swift

Making her return to the ACM stage after seven years, Swift performed “betty” from her new album folklore live for the first time. Swift played the song from the Grand Old Opry with a stripped-down set and low-key stage presence. She previously won the ACM Award for Entertainer of the Year twice.

Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett

This year’s Entertainer of the Year award went to not one, but two country musicians. For the first time in ACM history, the award was a tie between Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett to the dismay of many fans. Underwood has won the award twice before, and the two songwriters seemed happy to share a win.

Mickey Guyton

Singer/songwriter Mickey Guyton delivered an incredible performance of her song “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” Guyton was backed by the show’s host Keith Urban on the piano while she addressed themes of injustice in the world. She was the first Black woman to perform on the ACM stage.

Still in disbelief this just happened. Performing “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” at the @opry for the @acmawards was so incredibly special. Something I will remember forever. Thank you @keithurban for joining me. #ACMAwardspic.twitter.com/3CCUe96ZUj

— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) September 17, 2020

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani also made an appearance during the show. The crossover couple played “Happy Anywhere” in a green-screened version of Bluebird Cafe. Shelton and Stefani were actually in Los Angeles, but thanks some creativity, they were still able to record a live performance. Shelton won the Single of the Year award for his song “God’s Country.”

“Happy Anywhere” with @gwenstefani on the @ACMawards. Head to @CBS and @CBSAllAccess to make sure y’all don’t miss any of the performances! #ACMawards – Team BS pic.twitter.com/r8ep6Patyi

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) September 17, 2020

Miranda Lambert

Performing at the real Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Miranda Lambert delivered a live rendition of her song “Bluebird.” The song was Lambert’s first number one hit on Billboard’s country chart in eight years. She won her 35th ACM Award last night for Vocal Event of the Year.

@MirandaLambert, Natalie Hemby, and @lukedick performing “Blue Bird” from the iconic @BluebirdCafeTN at the #ACMawards was one to remember. Tune-in to @CBS right now and don’t miss any more! pic.twitter.com/HgrviO61i8

— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) September 17, 2020

Maren Morris

Last but not least, Maren Morris won the award for Female Artist of the Year and performed her song “To Hell & Back” last night. Morris, singing from the Ryman Auditorium, made one of her first live performances since having her first child. She also encouraged viewers to vote during her acceptance speech, the only ACM performer of the night to do so.