Lee Brice Credits Carly Pearce for Double Shot of ACM Awards

He says duet partner deserves all the credit for "I Hope You're Happy Now."

Written by Chris Parton
Lee Brice Credits Carly Pearce for Double Shot of ACM Awards
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 18: In this image released on April 18, Lee Brice attends the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry on April 18, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/ACMA2021/Getty Images for ACM)

Lee Brice took home two awards at the 56th annual ACM Awards, winning both Music Event of the Year and Single of the Year for his part in the Carly Pearce duet, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The wins marked his fourth and fifth ACM wins overall, but the first for Pearce, and after the show, Brice was focused on his partner.

Speaking with reporters from the backstage pressroom, he said over and over that he was just grateful to be a part of the broken-hearted collab. It was actually the first duet of Brice’s career, and he gives all the credit for its success to Pearce.

“We talked about it right before the show, how with this song we’ve had to work hard right from the beginning — just to get the thing going,” he explained. “We wanted to do it and then hit hurdles, but that happens with any song. This one was even more satisfying after working so hard in so many different ways, and for her to have this moment, I’m so proud of her, just being such a big moment in her life and her story. I’m very honored just to be a part of it.”

The big moment Brice is talking about is no secret — the song arrived in a moment of personal turmoil for Pearce. She had just gotten divorced and wrote the song about a previous relationship, and after recording it, her producer and mentor busbee died following a shocking brain cancer diagnosis. Still, Brice says Pearce’s spirit never wavered.

“I love Carly… because she is so real and has been from the beginning,” Lee Brice said. “She loves country music and loves music in general, she puts a lot of work and passion in to doing what she does. Everything she’s got she puts into it, and I try to do the same, so I just connected with her on that level. But I’m honestly just so proud… I feel very lucky that I’m the dude she asked to sing it with her. She could have asked anybody.”

The big moments didn’t stop with the song’s victory, though. Shortly after winning, the pair also performed the traditionally-flavored track live, and Brice says that’s something he’ll never forget.

“We’ve only got to sing this song a handful of times together, so to be able to do it on that stage, and this place, was extra special — especially right after winning that award,” Lee Brice said. “There was a lot of adrenaline and joy going through our bodies, and it was a really cool moment that’ll be burned in my brain and my heart forever.

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