New York Daily News

Urban and Guyton on ACM stage

- BY KATE FELDMAN

One of country music’s most establishe­d names and one of its rising stars will collaborat­e to host the Academy of Country Music Awards next month.

Keith Urban, a 15-time ACM Award winner, and Mickey Guyton, the first Black woman to serve as emcee, will co-host the show, CBS announced Thursday.

“I’m beyond thrilled to be co-hosting with my friend Mickey,” Urban (photo), who will host for the second consecutiv­e year, said in a statement. “I love that finally everyone will get to see her infectious energy and uber-creative spirit in full light.”

Guyton, is a nominee for new female artist of the year, and gained prominence at last year’s show with her performanc­e of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” — which featured Urban as a surprise guest on piano.

“Last year I had the opportunit­y to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards with someone I long admired, Keith Urban, and this year I am incredibly excited to share hosting duties with him,” Guyton said in a statement.

“As I’ve said before, ‘if you can see it, you can be it,’ and it’s such an honor to step onto the ACM stage as the first ever Black woman to host the show. Over the years, the Academy of Country Music has always been a home for me through opportunit­ies both onstage and throughout their work on diversity and inclusion. This is a moment of great significan­ce for me and I am so thrilled to share it with all the fans.”

Country music has faced a racial reckoning recently, particular­ly in light of rising country star Morgan Wallen’s use of the N-word last month. But artists such as Guyton, Lil Nas X and Kane Brown have helped diversify the traditiona­lly white industry.

Guyton also recently made history as the first Black female solo artist to earn a Grammy nomination in a country category for her single “Black Like Me.”

The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards will air on CBS on April 18.

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