Underwood, Rhett tie for ACM prize
In a surprise twist that fit an unexpected year of firsts, Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett tied for entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, the first time the top prize has been split between two artists.
Underwood and Rhett seemed equally taken aback after host Keith Urban announced the tie at the awards show held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday.
“Keith, what is happening right now?” Rhett asked, astounded, before thanking his family. Underwood appeared right after him remarking, “2020, man?” before adding, “I am more than happy to share this with Thomas Rhett.”
Underwood’s win is her third total in that category and Rhett’s first win.
Luke Combs picked up album of the year and male artist of the year. “This is a lot to process right now, I just can’t believe this,” Combs said.
Old Dominion won song of the year and group of the year. Maren Morris, who was a leading nominee, won two awards, including female artist of the year. Blake Shelton won single of the year for his song “God’s Country.” Rhett also won music video of the year, while Tenille Townes won new female artist of the year. Riley Green won new male artist. Duo Dan + Shay won vocal duo of the year.
Taylor Swift, making her first appearance at the ACMs in seven years, delivered a simple acoustic performance of “betty” from her new album, “Folklore,” on a darkened Opry House stage.
Elton John to release collection: Elton John is opening up his vault and releasing an expansive collection of rarely heard and unreleased tracks. John announced Thursday that the eight-CD collection, “Elton: Jewel Box,” will be released on Nov. 13.
The collection includes 148 songs, 60 of them unreleased, that span recordings from 1965 to 2019 and his early collaborations with songwriter Bernie Taupin. Two of the CDs include songs specially chosen by John, along with narration about them by the six-time Grammy winner.
Carrey to play Biden on ‘SNL’:
“Saturday Night Live” has recruited Jim Carrey to play former Vice President Joe Biden this season, having the actor go head-to-head with Alec
Baldwin’s Donald Trump.
The “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask” star, bestselling author and Golden Globe Award winner has hosted the show multiple times since 1996.
The Biden role was previously filled by “SNL” alum Jason Sudeikis during the Obama administration. Comedian John Mulaney and actor Woody Harrelson have also appeared as the Democratic presidential hopeful.
‘The Batman’ resumes production:
The U.K. production of “The Batman” starring Robert Pattinson is starting up again after being shut down earlier this month when an individual tested positive for COVID-19. A spokesperson for Warner Bros. said Thursday that filming had resumed. The studio has not identified the person who had the virus.
Sept. 18 birthdays: Actor Robert Blake is 87. Singer Frankie Avalon is 80. Actor Holly Robinson Peete is 56. Actor Aisha Tyler is 50. Actor Jada Pinkett Smith is 49. Actor James Marsden is 47. Comedian Jason Sudeikis is 45. TV personality Sara Haines is 43. Actor Billy Eichner is 42. Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger is 27.