ACM TO MOUNT ALL-STAR FIRESIDE TV SPECIAL

With the live business on extended hiatus, the ACM Awards pushed back to September and America behind closed doors (as Charlie Rich once put it), the Academy of Country Music is filling this huge void with a star-studded prime-time TV special.

ACM Presents: Our Country will feature at-home acoustic performances and conversations with top country artists, interspersed with highlights from throughout the 55-year history of the ACM Awards. Participating artists will be announced soon.

The announcement promises “a night filled with entertainment, hope and reflection, bringing the healing power of music to Americans at a time when they need it most.” The two-hour special will air Sunday, 5/5 at 8pm ET/PT on CBS.

Big ups to proactive ACM CEO Damon Whiteside in his first big move since taking the job in December. Whiteside had this to say about the motives of the principals in putting together this big, much-need TC event:

“Although the highly anticipated 55th ACM Awards show is unable to take place on April 5 due to the health crisis, we still wanted to deliver fans an entertaining ACM country music special as planned. We’re thrilled to announce ACM Presents: Our Country, an all-new special that allows fans to connect with their favorite country artists and to relive some of the greatest moments of the ACM Awards, all from the comfort and safety of their own homes.”