Allen, Barrett win ACM honors

Thursday, April 8, 2021 – Jimmie Allen won The Academy of Country Music New Male Artist of the Year and Gabby Barrett the New Female Artist of the Year for the 56th Academy of Country Award in presentations made today.

The full awards show will be held April 18 at 8 p.m. eastern on CBS.

ACM Awards Host Keith Urban recorded a personalized video card to surprise both Allen and Barrett with the news.

"We are thrilled to present Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett with their first ACM Award wins. Jimmie and Gabby have experienced tremendous success at both country radio and streaming already, and we are proud to recognize them for such an extraordinary start to their careers," said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. "A huge congratulations to each of them for this well-deserved win, and to all of our nominees for being recognized for their incredible contributions to Country Music. We look forward to welcoming Jimmie and Gabby to the ACM Awards stage on April 18."

Allen and Barrett will join more than 25 artists who will perform 30-plus songs from three country venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. Previously announced performers include Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton, Ryan Hurd, Jack Ingram, Alan Jackson, Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, Jon Randall, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, The War and Treaty, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, CeCe Winans, and Chris Young.