The country stars were surprised with the honors ahead of the April 18 show, receiving video messages from the ceremony’s co-hostKeith Urban.
“Stop playin'!” Allen, 34, exclaimedafter he watched the videofrom Urban, 53, jumping up from his seat in the studio and pacing excitedly with a giant smile on his face before sitting down to watch the video again in an effort to soak it all in.
“Do I give my acceptance speech now?” joked the “Best Shot” hitmaker, who beat outTravis Denning,HARDY,Cody Johnsonand Parker McCollum for new male artist of the year.
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Jimmie Allen.Academy of Country Music
“I don’t really know what to say — this is unbelievable,” continued theAmerican Idolalum. “Thank you so much; this is such an honor. Ever since I came into the country-music community, everybody’s been absolutely wonderful to me.”
“[The award is] more than I deserve,” said Barrett, who took home new female artist of the year overIngrid Andress,Tenille Arts,Mickey GuytonandCaylee Hammack. “This made the whole year for me!”
RELATED VIDEO:Kelsea Ballerini,Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett,Luke Bryanand More to Perform at 2021 ACM Awards
Allen and Barrett are set to perform during the show that will see an extensive star-studded lineup includingKelsea Ballerini,Dierks Bentley,Lee Brice,Brothers Osborne,Kane Brown,Luke BryanKenny Chesney,Maren Morrisand Urban’s co-host Guyton, 37.
Leading the nominations at this year’s awards are Morris, 30, andChris Stapleton, with six nominations each. Trailing closely behind isMiranda Lambertwith five nominations andAshley McBrydeand Thomas Rhett, 31, with four nods each.
The 2021 ACM Awards areset to air livefrom the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe on Sunday, April 18, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
source: people.com
