Gabby Barett is set to host the 2022 ACM Awards alongside Jimmie Allen and Dolly Parton. If you would have told her a few years ago that she’d be hosting, she’d probably call you crazy.
LISTEN NOW: Gabby Barrett joins Audacy live from the 2022 ACM Awards
Barrett joined Audacy’s Josh, Rachael, and Grunwald at the 2022 ACM Awards and spoke about the road that led to her hosting this year’s awards show.
“It’s honestly hard to believe everything that’s gone on the past couple of years,” Barrett said. “It’s crazy to believe about hosting because I never thought I’d get into hosting. I thought I’d stay in my lane with, you know, I know I’m good in the singing areas so stay there. But I tried out the hosting thing and it’s pretty cool.”
Her first hosting gig came at a CMA Country Christmas show. She hosted it with her “good friend” Carly Pearce, an experience she says “broke the ice.”
When she got offered the chance to host the ACMs, Barrett said, “You cannot pass up something like this. Who am I to pass that up? I can’t!”
Listen to music from the nominees on this year’s show on Audacy’s ACM Nomination Station
One of the perks that comes with co-hosting the show alongside Dolly Parton is the chance to speak with the legend ahead of the ACMs. Barrett got an opportunity to do a Zoom call with Dolly ahead of time, an experience she took full advantage of.
“I got to ask her some questions that I’ve been dying to ask,” Barrett said. What exactly did that entail? “Just kind of business side questions and advice on marriage and how she’s been married for so long.”
“She’s an incredible person,” Barrett added. “I’m hoping to get more advice when I meet her.”
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign up and follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram