All of the biggest moments from the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards

Pretty sure Eric Church broke some sort of record as he sang a medley including 17 songs from across his career and we were loving every second of it. From “Springsteen,” to “Drink In My Hand,” and “Creepin’” to “Desperate Man,” it was a performance that literally covered all bases. To top it all off, he welcomed fellow Country singer, Ashley McBryde to rock out to “Heart on Fire” to close it all out. Rock on!

Walker Hayes got the crowd on their feet singing his new song, “AA,” as well as the beloved and viral hit, “Fancy Like.” Walker had everyone dancing and singing along with a smile on their face including including Midland, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Morgan Evans and Kane Brown. He ended the performance with a big hug for his wife, Lainey. So sweet!

Chris Stapleton gave a powerful performance honoring the Country fans who lost their lives during the mass shooting at Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas in 2017. Bringing viewers together with emotion, masterful musicianship and a gospel choir, Chris’ performance of "Watch You Burn,” is one that will not soon be forgotten.

Dolly Paton welcomed Kelsea Ballerini to the stage to sing her new song, “Big Dreams & Faded Jeans,” that goes along with the release of her first mystery novel, Run, Rose, Run, co-written with author James Patterson.

Morgan Wallen was awarded the ACM Award for Album of The Year for Dangerous The Double Album. Morgan was on site to accept the award as he made his first public appearance at an award show since he was caught on camera using a racial slur in February 2021 and banned from receiving nominations and attending last year’s ACM Awards.

Kelly Clarkson took the stage to tribute Country Queen, Dolly Parton, and blew everyone away with her rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” Dolly came out from backstage to thank Kelly for the tribute saying, “That was so great, Kelly! I know that Whitney [Houston] is smiling down on us tonight — I was backstage trying not to cry my fake eyelashes off and slobber’ snot everywhere.”

Miranda Lambert was presented the biggest award of the night, Entertainer of the Year, by Dolly Parton. While Miranda was not able to accept her award in person due to being overseas, she was able to join live via video to share her gratitude and dedicate her award to the women putting “blood sweat and tears” into their music.