Phillip Sweet Tests Positive for COVID-19, Will Not Join Little Big Town at ACM Awards

Feel better soon, Phillip!

Written by Lauren Laffer
Phillip Sweet Tests Positive for COVID-19, Will Not Join Little Big Town at ACM Awards
Little Big Town; Photo credit: Reid Long and Becky Fluke

Phillip Sweet will miss out on performing at the 2021 ACM Awards with his Little Big Town bandmates after testing positive with COVID-19. His bandmates broke the news during an interview with Audacy’s Kelly Ford on Thursday (4/15).

“Well, Philly’s not feeling good,” Jimi Westbrook told the host. Added his bandmate (and wife) Karen Fairchild, “We might as well break the news, he’s got the COVID.”

“He seems to be holding off the really bad stuff, just a little not feeling great,” said Westbrook.

Ford asked if the group would be inviting another artist in to perform with them, as they are best known for their four-part harmonies.

“We auditioned about 50 people,” Westbrook joked. “And um, it’s a trio!” Kimberly Schlapman joined in, asking “What’s the gazillionaire’s name, though? That looks like him.” “Yeah, we got Richard Branson coming in,” said Westbrook.

The band did wish their best to their missing bandmate, but is looking forward to their performance on Sunday night. They are also currently nominated for Group of the Year.

Sweet is the latest country star to back out of the telecast as Luke Bryan also recently tested positive for COVID-19. A rep for the singer confirmed to Sounds Like Nashville that he would not be pre-recording his performance as scheduled. He also had to back out of of Monday night’s live American Idol show, but had Paula Abdul set in to fill his place.

The 2021 ACM Awards will broadcast live from Nashville, TN on Sunday, April 18 at 8/7c on CBS.