Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett Kick off 57th Annual ACM Awards With Energetic Medley
ACM co-hosts Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett opened the 57th ACM Awards with an lively mash-up of Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and Faith Hill’s “Let’s Go To Vegas.”
After an introduction from Dolly Parton on the main stage of Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, Allen started off the performance from the promenade stage high above the crowd in front of the Las Vegas Raiders’ torch. Dressed in a rhinestone-clad red shirt, black cowboy hat and leather pants, the singer dove into “Viva Las Vegas” as the recognizable Las Vegas skyline appeared behind him.
Barrett then appeared onstage to keep the performance going, singing a few lines from Faith Hill’s upbeat, 1995 tune, “Let’s Go To Vegas.” The “I Hope” singer commanded the stage with her strong voice and all black attire as her husband, Cade Foehner, joined on guitar. Allen then joined Barrett as the two co-hosts wrapped up the performance together.
Two of the hottest new stars in country music, both Allen and Barrett are riding huge waves of success as they came into the night. Not only are they the reigning ACM New Male and New Female Artist of the Year, respectively, they have both been racking up hits and more. Allen’s “Freedom Was a Highway” (featuring Brad Paisley) just hit Number One, and he was a popular contestant on the latest season of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. Meanwhile, Barrett secured the most-played song of 2020 at country radio with her breakout hit, “I Hope,” and followed up with her chart topping “The Good Ones” in 2021. Allen came into the night nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, while Barrett was up for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Marking the first time a major country awards show aired exclusively as a live stream, the 57th annual ACM Awards took place on Monday (March 7) at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Co-hosted by Dolly Parton with Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett, the show featured more than 20 performances and was carried by Amazon Prime Video. Check out full coverage of the 2022 ACM Awards here, including a full list of winners.
