Miranda Lambert Named Inaugural Merle Haggard Spirit Award Winner
The award recognizes uncompromising artists in the spirit of the late singer, while paying homage to a prominent figure in ACM history.
Miranda Lambert will be celebrated when she receives the first-ever Merle Haggard Spirit Award at tomorrow night’s 10th annual ACM Honors celebration. The award recognizes uncompromising artists in the spirit of the late singer, while paying homage to a prominent figure in ACM history.
Lambert has often credited Haggard with being a huge influence on her musical career. She has pushed boundaries while paying homage to the traditional since first hitting the country music scene in 2003 with her debut single, “Me and Charlie Talking.”
“Merle was an integral part of the Academy’s history, and it was important to us that we honor his legacy. We couldn’t imagine anyone better suited to receive the first ever ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award than Miranda,” said ACM EVP/Managing Director Tiffany Moon.
Performers confirmed for the 10th annual ACM Honors include Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Cam, Toby Keith, Maren Morris, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Keith Urban, Alicia Keys, Lambert, Chris Young, Dan + Shay and The Band Perry and hosts Lady Antebellum. Additionally, Mike Fisher, Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride and Thomas Rhett will present during the ceremony.
The evening is dedicated to recognizing special honorees and off-camera categories from the 51st Annual ACM Awards. The 10th Annual ACM Honors will be held at the famous Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, August 30 and will broadcast on CBS for the first time ever on Friday, September 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
