ACM Co-Host Jimmie Allen Hits Number One With Brad Paisley
"Freedom Was a Highway" (with Brad Paisley) is just a drop in the bucket of recent wins.
2022 ACM Awards co-host Jimmie Allen continues to build a case as one of the hottest stars in country music, adding a new Number One to his long list of recent highlights.
Marking the singer-songwriter’s third chart topper, Allen is sharing the week’s most-played song with duet partner Brad Paisley on “Freedom Was a Highway.” Here’s what else he’s been up to.
Featuring an open road feel and lyrics wrapped up in the spontaneous thrill seeking of youth, Allen and Paisley’s track sits on top of both the Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts for the week of February 14. But with all Allen’s got going on, he may hardly even notice.
Earlier this month the rising star was announced as co-host of the 57th annual ACM Awards, and will now take the stage March 7 alongside Gabby Barrett and the legendary Dolly Parton. Allen and Barrett are the reigning New Male and Female Artists of the Year, and on top of the co-hosting honor, Allen has moved up to score a nod for Male Artist of the Year.
Meanwhile, the “Best Shot” hit maker is also up for a Grammy in the coveted all genre Best New Artist category, and has likewise received a nomination for Outstanding New Artist at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards. Plus, Allen can now find himself in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (part of the upcoming American Currents: State of the Music exhibit), and he’s hitting the basketball court as part of the NBA All-Star celebrity game tomorrow (February 18).
It all stems from a massive year of leveling up, which included the release of his Bettie James Gold Edition, a collab with Elton John and a weeks-long run on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, among other things — not to mention the growth of his happy family, with the birth of a daughter named Zara.
To his credit, Allen seems to be taking it all in humble stride, and he’s got a good mentor to lead the way. “Freedom Was a Highway” is only Allen’s third Number One, but it’s Paisley’s 25th.
“This song is super special to me. I wrote it about the streets I grew up driving on in Milton and Lewes, Delaware. It has been amazing to see the song connect with so many people,” Allen told Billboard. “A huge thank you to my friends at country radio and my Stoney Creek team.
“Working with Brad was great. I have been a fan of him since his career started and have always wanted to work with him,” Allen continued. “I’m honored to call him a collaborator and friend. Also, he crushed that guitar solo and then vocals!”
“Couldn’t be prouder to ride shotgun on this record with Jimmie,” said Paisley. “I’ll be the Sally Fields to his Burt Reynolds anytime.”
