It’s almost here! The 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards are less than a week away and we are losing sleep thinking about who will walk away with the prestigious Entertainer of the Year (EOTY) award. Will it be another tie? Will it be a repeat winner? We’re dying to know!
While the actual winner is voted on by ACM professional membership, we’re here to give our two cents and share why we think each nominee deserves the prize.
While some may say Luke Bryan’s dance moves alone earn him the prize, it turns out he has a lot more under his belt to help secure the title than his booty-shaking.
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Already a winner in 2013 and 2015, it would be win number three for the lovable Georgia native who’s been winning over the hearts of Country fans everywhere since the release of his first single, “All My Friends Say,” in 2007. Fast forward to 2021, and Bryan is commemorating his 26th #1 song, “Down To One,” the fourth consecutive single off his Born Here Live Here Die Here album to hit #1.
While he is currently celebrating the release of Born Here Live Here Die Here (Deluxe Edition), featuring six new songs in addition to the original 10, Bryan’s success goes far beyond his music.
With American’s relying on television for entertainment more than ever over the last year, Luke was there serving up constructive criticism and comedic relief for contestants on ABC’s American Idol. The show recently started a new season after wrapping Season 18 in May 2020. Bryan can be seen alongside fellow judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
Television consumption wasn’t the only thing that grew during the pandemic, alcohol sales were through the roof and once again, Bryan was there to give the people what they want. He recently relaunched his Two Lane American Golden Lager and Two Lane Hard Seltzer via Constellation Brands premium wine beer and spirits company.
Big fun isn’t the only thing Bryan brings to the table, he also recognizes the importance of helping those in need. He was recently awarded the Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) 2021 Artist Humanitarian Award in recognition of his donations of time and effort to organizations including CMA Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Nashville's Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Shriner's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, TJ Martell foundation and many more. Additionally, he and his wife, Caroline, started the Brett Boyer Foundation, also known as Brett's Barn, to raise awareness for congenital heart disease, which they lost their niece, Sadie Brett Boyer to at seven months old.
While the last year has looked very different for Bryan, along with all other artists with live music at a stand still and the world shut down, his commitment to his fans remained prevalent, helping them through tough circumstances with entertainment, humanitarian work and of course, some good laughs along the way.
The 56th annual ACM Awards will take place Sunday, April 18 across various Nashville music venues; the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe.
WATCH MORE: Who's up for a trophy at the 56th annual ACM Awards
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