ACMs return to Las Vegas with a purpose beyond the party

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Six months after a mass shooting at a Las Vegas country music festival, the genre’s biggest stars are heading back to the city with a purpose and a message beyond just country music’s biggest night to party. “I think it will be a somber moment leading into a hopeful moment, leading into a party moment.” The show will feature top crossover collaborations between Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, whose hit duet “Meant to Be” has dominated the country airwaves, as well as Keith Urban and Julia Michaels’ new song, “Coming Home,” which is based on a Merle Haggard guitar riff. Another highly anticipated moment is Carrie Underwood’s debut of a new song called “Cry Pretty.” It will be her first television appearance after sustaining an injury to her face and wrist last year due to a fall at her home. 1 debut single of 1993, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” with Blake Shelton; and this year’s show host, Reba McEntire, will perform her Grammy-winning song “Does He Love You” with Kelly Clarkson. “I’ve had some really career defining-type moments: Winning my first award there in ’06 and winning entertainer of the year, male vocalist and all the stuff that I have ever done in Vegas,” said Aldean, who is nominated for entertainer of the year and male vocalist of the year.