Here’s Why Thomas Rhett Almost Cried at the 56th ACM Awards

He won his third Male Artist of the Year trophy, but that wasn't it.

Written by Chris Parton
Here’s Why Thomas Rhett Almost Cried at the 56th ACM Awards
Thomas Rhett performs for the 56TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™. Hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton, the 56TH ACM AWARDS™ will be broadcast Sunday, April 18 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount +. Photo: Brent Harrington/CBS ©2021 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Thomas Rhett took home the award for Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards last weekend (April 18), winning the coveted trophy for the third time. But it’s still not getting old.

Chatting with reporters in a backstage press room after the show, the superstar explained that he was “over the moon” about this win, and said that under the circumstances, it might be the most special-feeling award he’s ever received.

“Tonight hit a little bit different,” said TR, who shared the ACM for Entertainer of the Year with Carrie Underwood last year. “I think with the year we had last year, there were so many unknowns and a lot of sitting in your basement writing songs with other people, and you never know where you stand as a country artist. Tonight just hit different.”

That sentiment was easy to see from Thomas Rhett onstage, too. While performing a double-shot of new tunes — the acoustic “Country Again” and full-band “What’s Your Country Song” — the says he was almost overcome with emotion. Looking up into the balcony of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opryhouse, he was able to see one of his first live audiences in about a year … and they were all (socially distanced) healthcare workers.

“Just knowing that my wife graduated from Tennessee with a nursing degree, and knowing how much work she put in to getting that degree, and then watching people there tonight that were literally on the front lines doing what my wife had trained to do for so long, it almost made me cry,” he admitted. “Honestly, looking up into those stands and seeing people that are putting their health and their lives on the line, getting to give them live music for the first time in a long time, was one of the most special things I’ve gotten to do in a minute. Tonight was extra special for that reason.”

The 56th annual ACM Awards aired live on CBS April 18, taking place in Nashville for a second year due to COVID-19 concerns. TR was named the Male Artist of the Year, while Luke Bryan was crowned Entertainer of the Year and Maren Morris took home Female Artist of the Year honors. Check out complete coverage here, including a full winners list and videos of the night’s spectacular performances.