Alan Jackson, Jon Pardi Team Up for ‘Chattahoochee’ at 53rd ACM Awards

In addition to honoring some of the biggest names in today’s country music, the 53rd ACM Awards is looking back on the most influential songs from 25 years ago. In the first series of flashback moments during the awards show, Alan Jackson and Jon Pardi teamed up for a memorable performance of Jackson’s 1993 chart topper, “Chattahoochee.”

“I’ve been singing his songs for so long and I’m so excited to sing this song with him tonight at the ACMs,” Pardi said as he took the stage. “Ladies and gentleman, the one and only Alan Jackson.”

Jackson and Pardi then joined each other center stage at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to collaborate on the hit song and there couldn’t be a more perfect pairing. The traditional country singers strummed their acoustic guitars in unison while trading verses seamlessly on the song.

Alan Jackson and Jon Pardi perform at the 53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS. Photo: Michele Crowe/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Jackson, dressed in a white button down shirt, cowboy hat and jeans, took the song’s first verse and then asked Pardi to join in. “Come on, Jon,” he said.

Pardi made the country legend proud as he belted the iconic song effortlessly. Meanwhile, several country artists gave their seal of approval including Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet and Kimberly Schlapman, and Luke Bryan, who were spotted singing along in the audience.

Pardi’s night at the ACM Awards is just beginning as the singer is nominated in the Album of the Year category for his 2016 sophomore release, California Sunrise.

In an interview with Sounds Like Nashville, Pardi gave credit to acts like Jackson for inspiring him, noting that he hopes his music will survive the test of time like his duet partner’s has.

“I want to be remembered for my music and to [be a person] who stands the test of time like an Alan Jackson, like a George Strait. Dwight Yoakam even. Some of the big influences. They have songs that matter in country music,” he concedes. “If I can have that, that would be something to be proud of.”

The 53rd Annual ACM Awards were hosted by Reba, and aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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