Current:Home > ContactJason Aldean honors Toby Keith with moving performance at ACM Awards -Wealth Legacy Solutions
Jason Aldean honors Toby Keith with moving performance at ACM Awards
TradeEdge View
Date:2025-03-11 06:27:26
Jason Aldean stole the show Thursday night when he took to the Academy of Country Music stage to honor his friend, the late Toby Keith, with a moving rendition of Keith's hit "Should've Been a Cowboy."
Playing an acoustic guitar on a small round stage backed by a string section, Aldean was highlighted by photos of Keith throughout the years. Aldean paid tribute with a simple, heartfelt song that at times was only overshadowed by vocals emanating from the crowd.
Blake Shelton introduced the tribute by calling Keith a friend, a fan and a fellow Okie.
2024 Academy of Country Music Awards:The complete winners list
"I feel heartbroken and yet honored to stand here tonight to remember a man who was one of the biggest country stars of all time, the late great Toby Keith," Shelton said. "Toby was a big star in every way. He sold more than 44 million albums, he had 33 No. 1 hits and 14 ACM awards. But he was more than that. He was a loving husband and a proud father and we're so honored to have all of them here tonight."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Aldean told reporter Marcus K. Dowling from The Nashville Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, before the show that he was honored to be invited to be a part of honoring one of his heroes.
Toby Keithdies after stomach cancer battle: Stephen Colbert recalls 'improbable' friendship
"I am glad to do something for Toby and honor him with a song I've played pretty much my whole career from the time I started playing clubs to even now," Aldean said. "Toby was a big influence for a lot of us in the business, so it was an honor for them to call me and ask me to be a part of it and honor him."
In addition to Aldean's tribute, the ACM Awards saw Chris Stapleton perform, with a surprise appearance from Dua Lipa.
Stapleton, who won the night's artist of the year and album award, pulled off the surprise of the night with his performance alongside wife Morgane and Lipa. The trio combined voices for a soulful rendition of "Think I'm in Love With You" that showcased Stapleton's trademark voice but also showed a new side of Lipa's vocal abilities.
veryGood! (63723)
Related
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- A burglary is reported at a Trump campaign office in Virginia
- Jurors deliberating in case of Colorado clerk Tina Peters in election computer system breach
- Arizona county canvass starts recount process in tight Democratic primary in US House race
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Los Angeles earthquake follows cluster of California temblors: 'Almost don't believe it'
- Federal officials investigating natural gas explosion in Maryland that killed 2
- Black bear mauls 3-year-old girl in tent at Montana campground
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Prince William Debuts New Beard Alongside Kate Middleton in Olympics Video
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Texas’ overcrowded and understaffed jails send people awaiting trial to other counties and states
- An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 has struck the Los Angeles area, the USGS says
- Plan approved by North Carolina panel to meet prisoner reentry goals
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Confrontational. Defensive. Unnecessary. Deion Sanders' act is wearing thin.
- Pokémon Voice Actor Rachael Lillis Dead at 46
- Jordan Chiles medal inquiry: USA Gymnastics says arbitration panel won’t reconsider decision
Recommendation
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Michigan Wolverines are defending national champions ... who ran outlaw program | Oller
Truth Social reports $16M in Q2 losses, less than $1M in revenue; DJT stock falls 7%
An ex-Kansas police chief who led a raid on a newspaper is charged with obstruction of justice
Travis Hunter, the 2
Judge says Maine can forbid discrimination by religious schools that take state tuition money
I’m an Expert SKIMS Shopper and I Predict These Styles Will Sell out This Month
Young Thug racketeering and gang trial resumes with new judge presiding