Ahead of Country music's big night this Sunday, Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town spoke with Audacy's Kelly Ford today to discuss what to expect at this year's ceremony.
One person was obviously missing from the chat, Phillip Sweet, whose harmonies will be seriously missed at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards on April 18 where LBT is nominated for Group of the Year, and are also scheduled to perform.
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"Well, Philly's not feeling good," Jimi said as he informed Kelly about Sweet's diagnosis. "We might as well break the news, he's got the COVID," Karen adds. "He seems to be holding off the really bad stuff, just a little not feeling great," Jimi confirmed. Karen also relayed the good news that Sweet is hoping he will be "over the hump" today.
Obviously shocked by the diagnosis, Kelly wondered if she was the first person to realize that Sweet was missing from an interview. Laughing, Kimberly admitted that in fact Kelly was the first to notice. "We've only done one other interview," Karen says. "Either they were uncomfortable and didn't want to ask... Unfortunately, he's so sad missing out on this whole ACM week, but he'll be back with us soon."
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Known for their impeccable four-part harmonies, will LBT be bringing anyone in to sub for Phillip while he’s recovering? “We auditioned about 50 people,” Jimi says. “And um, it’s a trio!”
"What's the gazillionaire's name, though? That looks like him," Kimberly asked. "Yeah, we got Richard Branson coming in," Jimi joked, but obviously they're all wishing him the speediest of recoveries.
WATCH MORE: Who's up for a trophy at the 56th annual ACM Awards
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