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The Academy of Country Music is gearing up for another highly-anticipated awards show, and it’s prepping by reliving a couple of surprising moments from last year. Co-hosts Gabby Barrett and Jimmie Allen are the reigning New Female and New Male Artists of the Year. Because the academy loves “a good (throwback) surprise,” fans got to re-watch the moments that Barrett and Allen learned the news. They each got a video message from country giant Keith Urban.
“Gabby, it’s Keith Urban here with some mighty fine news,” the “Wild Hearts” singer said in his recorded message. “I’m here to let you know that, Gabby Barrett, you are the winner of the ACM Best New Female Artist of the Year.” Barrett’s jaw dropped and she couldn’t contain an excited squeal after watching the video.
Allen got the news in a recording studio, when Urban said: “Jimmie, it’s Keith here. I hope you’re feeling good — you’re about to feel a whole lot better. Because, Jimmie Allen, I’m here to let you know that you are the winner of the ACM Best New Male Artist of the Year.”
“Stop playin’, bro! Stop playin’!” Allen exclaimed, jumping up from his chair. He and Barrett are set to co-host the upcoming 57th ACM Awards alongside the legendary Dolly Parton. The two-hour “concert event of the year,” hosted at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is set to livestream commercial-free on Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. EST on Monday, March 7. The star-studded list of performers includes Kelsea Ballerini, Walker Hayes, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton and more. See the list of nominees here.
Watch Barrett and Allen react to their award wins here: