Welcome to day one of a very exciting weekend in Las Vegas for the Academy of Country Music Awards. My name is Chase Snider and I’ll be your eyes and ears over the next 72 hours as we experience the latest from some of country music’s biggest stars.
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Here’s what’s on tap for Friday….
This morning
After an early flight I’m setting up shop in Vegas and you’ll see more stories start to flow in our ACM coverage section.
Scripps will also be attending a press event with Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, this year’s co-hosts, where we will hear their thoughts on Sunday night’s broadcast as well as throw out a few questions. Be on the look out for live tweets from that event on Twitter (@ChaseSnider) as well as a wrap-up by early afternoon on this site.
This afternoon
The ACM Party For A Cause returns to Las Vegas this year.
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The entire ACM weekend packed up and celebrated their 50th event last year in Dallas at Cowboy Stadium. As part of the ACM Party for A Cause organizers opted for a engagement called “ACM Presents: Superstar Duets” which paired some of today’s chart topping artists like Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert with country music legends such as Alan Jackson and Reba.
The event was tapped for later broadcast and took some heavy criticism on social media. A tornado warning in the region that night as well as some technical errors meant that many portions of the outdoor performance, which was held at Arlington's Global Life Park (home of the Texas Rangers), had to be filmed several times.
This year’s three-day charity event should be a polar opposite as the forecast is 80 degrees and sunny in Las Vegas today. The event also moves to the new Las Vegas Festival Grounds where it will have room for an optimal layout and plenty of potential for expansion in the years to come.
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Dubbed a night to celebrate the women of country music, Carrie Underwood will headline tonight. Noteworthy performances earlier in the day include Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie and Tae, as well as Martina McBride. Find the full set list here.
Also on tap this afternoon, Scripps has lined up access to an interview with country duo Florida Georgia Line. They pair are nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year and currently celebrating the success of their “Anything Goes” album.
Be on the lookout for more from that event in the next few days.
For the latest updates from the ACM Awards in Las Vegas follow our correspondent on the Strip, Chase Snider, on Twitter (@ChaseSnider).
