ACM Honors

The 10th Annual ACM Honors, aired on CBS in 2016, is a star-studded spectacular evening that honors and celebrates the luminaries and trailblazers in the world of country music who have made significant contributions to the genre beyond the regular remits of music performance and songwriting. Taped at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and hosted by country music's multi-faceted singer, songwriter and actress, Martina McBride, the special event shone a spotlight on special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards.

The ACM Honors does more than just recognize the best in the country music industry; through this event, the Academy of Country Music elevates artists who have shaped the genre, influenced new generations, and advanced the popularity of country music around the world. The award ceremonies honor artists not just in terms of their hits, but also their heart – the passion and commitment these artists have shown to the industry and the fans throughout their careers.

The 2016 edition showcased an array of musical tributes and performances from a wealth of talent in the country music sphere. The audience were treated to moving moments as well as unexpected collaborations which formed an inimitable part of the night. Complementing this, were the special awards that manifest the essence of the ACM Honors.

The Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, Mae Boren Axton Award, Poet's Award, Tex Ritter Film Award, and the Jim Reeves International Award, alongside the career achievement awards, sought to access the breadth and depth of contributions to the country music genre. Integral to the spirit of this ceremony was the recognition bestowed upon the industry's behind-the-scenes stars including songwriters, producers, and engineers, illuminating the vast tapestry that makes up the country music industry.

The 2016 ceremony was a night of star-power with an array of country music’s hottest stars gracing the event. The lineup featured an abundance of talent, with established country music superstars rubbing shoulders with the genre's rising stars and icons, each bringing an electrifying energy to the historic Ryman Auditorium.

In keeping with the tradition of the ACM Honors, the 2016 edition also exalted the Studio Recording Awards which bestow recognition and applause upon the behind-the-scenes studio recording musicians who have exhibited excellence in their field. These immensely talented individuals are the unsung heroes of many hit songs, and this award seeks to bring them into the limelight.

Moreover, 2016’s soiree marked a milestone; for the first time, the ACM Honors were broadcast on television, enabling country music fans far and wide to be a part of this celebration of artists and their music. The CBS broadcast brought larger visibility to the event, allowing viewers to revel in the star-studded performances, impromptu collaborations, and heartwarming tributes that define the ACM Honors.

The 10th annual ACM Honors epitomized a vibrant celebration of music, acceptance speeches that resonated with truth and wisdom, and performances that echoed with the passion and soul of country music. Coupled with an intimate venue like the Ryman Auditorium, the show truly served a night of unforgettable memories for country music lovers.

To witness the intensifying charisma of country music and the incredible talent that fuels it, the 10th annual ACM Honors delivered a unique insider’s view. Showcasing emotional tributes, celebrating unrecognized heroes, and providing an incredible night of stellar performances, the ACM Honors truly paid homage to the past, present, and future of country music. Indeed, it was not just a night of recognitions and accolades, but a true testament to the timelessness and vast expanse of country music. Ultimately, the 10th Annual ACM Honors, aired on CBS in 2016, affirmed its mission to honor and preserve the rich legacy of country music while pushing the boundaries of its future.