Townes, Green capture ACM honors

Both received a surprise video call from Capitol's Keith Urban with the news. The winners will perform during the show, airing live from Nashville Sept. 16 on CBS.

or the first time in the show's history, the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards will take place in Nashville broadcasting from the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe.

"When we had to come off the road back in March, I wasn't sure what the rest of 2020 would look like," said Green. "So much has happened in the world since then and I'm really excited to have a moment to play music again. My grandfathers' love for Country Music is what led me to this moment and I have to dedicate this award to them. Thank you to everyone who believes in my music enough to let this boy from Alabama get to share his songs like this."

"I'll always remember this feeling, standing here as a new artist," said Townes. "I feel so honored and incredibly grateful just to be a part of this Country Music community that inspires me. Receiving this ACM Award feels like belief from that community, and that means so much to me."