One of country music’s most established names and one of its newest will collaborate to host the Academy of Country Music Awards next month.
Keith Urban, a 15-time ACM Award winner, and New Female Artist of the Year nominee Mickey Guyton will co-host the show, CBS announced Thursday.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be co-hosting with my friend Mickey,” Urban, who will host for the second consecutive year, said in a statement. “I love that finally everyone will get to see her infectious energy and uber creative spirit in full light.”
Guyton, meanwhile, is still finding her spotlight after her performance of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” at last year’s show, which featured Urban as a surprise guest on piano.
“Last year I had the opportunity to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards with someone I long admired, Keith Urban, and this year I am incredibly excited to share hosting duties with him,” Guyton said in a statement.
“As I’ve said before, ‘if you can see it, you can be it,’ and it’s such an honor to step onto the ACM stage as the first ever Black woman to host the show. Over the years, the Academy of Country Music has always been a home for me through opportunities both onstage and throughout their work on diversity and inclusion. This is a moment of great significance for me and I am so thrilled to share it with all the fans.”
Country music has faced a racial reckoning recently, particularly in light of rising country star Morgan Wallen’s use of the N-word last month. But artists like Guyton, Lil Nas X and Kane Brown have helped diversify the traditionally white industry.
Guyton also recently made history as the first Black female solo artist to earn a Grammy nomination in a country category for her single “Black Like Me.”
The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards will air live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET on April 18 from the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe.
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