George Strait Stuns ACM Awards With Classy ‘God and Country Music’

All hail the king!

Written by Chris Parton
George Strait Stuns ACM Awards With Classy ‘God and Country Music’
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 07: George Strait performs onstage during the 54th Academy Of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 07, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

George Strait reminded everyone why he’s the King of Country Music with a solo performance at the 54th ACM Awards. Bringing a welcome dose of classy sophistication to a night of bombastic spectacle, his rendition of “God and Country Music” was an instant classic.

Standing tall alone at the front of the stage – just like the cowboy he is – Strait delivered a tribute to two things he figures are worth saving, no matter how much the world changes. Strumming his gleaming black guitar and dressed in his usual collared shirt and black cowboy hat, Strait refocused the MGM Grand Garden Arena’s attention on to the eternal things in life, while a simple video montage of horses and sweeping Western vistas played behind him.

“It’s a dance between the sin and the salvation / Come hell or high water / There’s two things still worth saving / God and country music,” goes the chorus.

“God and Country Music” appears on Strait’s just-released Honky Tonk Time Machine – his 30th studio album. The track features his young grandson Harvey on album.

The 2019 ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, are airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tonight on CBS.

We’re updating the winners all night long so keep up with the action right here!