In a memorable night at the Academy of Country Music Awards, the absence of Morgan Wallen was a topic of light-hearted banter and serious reflection among fellow country stars. Country stars éclairent l’arrestation de Morgan Wallen à Nashville lors des ACM Awards de 2024.
The 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards were marked by a blend of humor and heartfelt tributes as the industry gathered to celebrate and remember.
McBryde and Reid’s Playful Tribute to Wallen
Although Morgan Wallen wasn’t present at the awards show, his name was on everyone’s mind. During their introduction for Single of the Year, Ashley McBryde and Noah Reid, star of “Outer Banks”, took a moment to address Wallen’s recent arrest with a playful twist.
Reid sang a modified version of Wallen’s hit “Last Night,” changing the lyrics to:
“Last night after some alcohol, [that] chair right over there really started to piss me off. It told me that I threw it at somebody I never met, and my publicist keeps telling me this ain’t over yet.”
McBryde added with a laugh, “You should smile in the mug shot,” eliciting chuckles from the audience.
Wallen, 31, faced three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct after an incident on April 7, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Post Malone’s Warm Reception
In a heartwarming moment, Post Malone was warmly welcomed into the country music community during the awards. Reba McEntire, who formed a friendship with Malone at the Super Bowl earlier this year, took the stage to perform a duet with him.
Affectionately calling him “Posty,” McEntire invited Malone to
sing a few verses of “Ramblin’ Man” in tribute to the late Dickey Betts, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band.
Honoring Dickey Betts
The night also included a poignant tribute to Dickey Betts, who passed away in April at the age of 80. Betts was celebrated for his extraordinary guitar playing, which, alongside guitarist Duane Allman, created the unique dual guitar sound that became the signature of Southern Rock.
In a statement, the Allman Brothers Band remembered Betts as passionate in everything he did, whether it was music, songwriting, fishing, hunting, boating, golf, karate, or boxing. “Dickey was all in on and excelled at anything that caught his attention,” they said.
Reflecting on the Evening
The 2024 ACM Awards successfully blended humor and homage, reflecting on the complexities of the country music world. The playful nods to Morgan Wallen’s arrest and the heartfelt tribute to Dickey Betts showcased the community’s ability to address serious issues while celebrating their shared love for music.