On Wednesday night at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, Carly Pearce got to fulfill another lifelong dream: helming a major awards show.
"I am so excited," the new Opry member and two-time ACM Award winner said before the ACM Honors. "Hosting is something that I really take seriously and want to tap into as an artist."
"It's always been a goal of mine to take that as part of, just, my brand and who I am," she confessed. "So I'm so thankful that the ACMs felt like I could handle it."
MORE: Carly Pearce steps into Opry membership with her heroes and friends, Trisha Yearwood and Jeannie SeelyTypically the home for the Academy of Country Music's non-televised awards, it'll air this year as a special on Circle TV.
Ashley McBryde got the chance to sing for Luke Combs and honor him with the Gene Weed Milestone Award.
"I'm performing 'She Got The Best of Me'... one of my favorite Luke Combs songs," she revealed prior to the show. "I've been touring with Luke for ... seems like two or three years now. So he's a great guy."
"He's done a lot as far as teaching me how to treat people," McBryde continued, "and helping us learn how to put on a bigger and bigger show."
MORE: Luke Combs releases new 'Cold As You' video with plenty of Easter eggsChris Janson bemoaned missing the chance to connect with legendary writers like honoree Curly Putman before the momentous task of performing what's widely considered country's greatest composition at the Mother Church.
"Full circle, here we are in 2021, and here I am with this awesome, blessed career," Janson reflected. "And I'm getting to repay that hopefully in song, and I hope I do it justice tonight."
"It's a big step to sing 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' in a honky tonk," he added. "It's also a big step to sing it in front of your country music ... family."
Some other artists honored at the event included Dan + Shay, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Lady A, Loretta Lynn and more.
Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Lady A, Trace Adkins and others performed.
Bring down the HOUSE, @BrittNicx! 🙌 #ACMHonors #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/WjmctSRk13
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) August 26, 2021
The night's host also took the stage for a special performance of her new song, "Dear Miss Loretta."
.@carlypearce just kicked off the night with a stunning performance of her new song "Dear Miss Loretta"—live from @theryman stage! 😍 #ACMHonors pic.twitter.com/zcdxmte66S
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) August 26, 2021
Watch the complete ACM Honors Nov. 23 on Circle.
