(AUDIO) THOMAS RHETT SCORES EXTRA SPECIAL THIRD ACM MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD  WITH TWO SPECIAL AUDIENCES WATCHING (multiple ACM Awards bites)

NEW SINGLE: “Country Again”

Thomas Rhett received his third ACM Award for Male Artist of the Year at Sunday night’s awards, and while it might seem like old hat to him at this point, Thomas said winning this year in particular was special.  “Tonight hit a little bit different,” Thomas said backstage at the ACM Awards after winning. “I think with the year that we had last year, there were so many unknowns and a lot of sittin’ in your basement writin’ songs with other people, and you never know where you stand as a country music artist, and tonight just hit different, man.  This is one of the most special Male Artist of the Year awards I’ve ever received, and such good company, sittin’ there with Eric (Church) and Luke (Combs) tonight, and Dierks (Bentley).  It was just a very special moment.”

Due to Covid restrictions, most artists attended the ACM Awards either alone or with one other person, which means Thomas’ family couldn’t be with him.  Backstage he said, “I wish they’d been here so bad.  But usually during awards shows, you know, my kids, this is kinda the first night of the year that they get to stay up past 7:30.”

Thomas didn’t tell his kids what was happening Sunday night.  He said, “I remember leaving the house, and I kissed them all on the head, and I said, ‘Y’all watch daddy on TV tonight.’  And they were just like, ‘Where are you goin’?’  And I was just like, ‘I’m goin’ somewhere else, but ya’ll just make sure you watch daddy on TV tonight.’  So, this is very cool to get to shout them out, and what a special award to get to win tonight.”

There were some other very special people who got to watch Thomas perform and accept his award for ACM Male Artist of the Year.  A select group of healthcare workers were invited to sit socially distanced in the balcony at the Opry House, where the main portion of the show was happening, and for Thomas, that was a pretty emotional experience.  “Just knowing that my wife graduated from Tennessee with a nursing degree, and knowing how much work she put into getting that degree, and then watching people there tonight, that were literally on the front lines, doing what my wife had trained to do for so long,” Thomas says, “It almost made me cry, honestly, lookin’ up into those stands and seein’ people that are puttin’ their health and their lives just on the line and gettin’ to give them live music for the first time in a long time was one of the most special things I’ve gotten to do in a minute.  So, tonight was extra special for that reason.”

Thomas just released the title track from his forthcoming album, “Country Again: Side A,” which is available for pre-order now, and will be released on April 30th.

Thomas Rhett – third Male Artist win  :22

Tonight hit a little bit different.  You know, I think with the year that we had last year, there were so many unknowns and a lot of sittin’ in your basement writin’ songs with other people, and you never know where you stand as a country music artist, and tonight just hit different, man.  This is one of the most special Male Artist of the Year awards I’ve ever received, and such good company, sittin’ there with Eric and Luke tonight, and Dierks.  It was just a very special moment.”

Thomas Rhett – kids watching awards  :21

“I wish they’d been here so bad.  But usually during awards shows, you know, my kids, this is kinda the first night of the year that they get to stay up past 7:30.  And I remember leaving the house, and I kissed them all on the head, and I said, ‘Y’all watch daddy on TV tonight.’  And they were just like, ‘Where are you goin’?’  And I was just like, ‘I’m goin’ somewhere else, but ya’ll just make sure you watch daddy on TV tonight.’  So, this is very cool to get to shout them out, and what a special award to get to win tonight.”

Thomas Rhett – healthcare workers at ACMs  :26

“Just knowing that my wife graduated from Tennessee with a nursing degree, and knowing how much work she put into getting that degree, and then watching people there tonight, that were literally on the front lines, doing what my wife had trained to do for so long.  It almost made me cry, honestly, lookin’ up into those stands and seein’ people that are puttin’ their health and their lives just on the line and gettin’ to give them live music for the first time in a long time was one of the most special things I’ve gotten to do in a minute.  So, tonight was extra special for that reason.”

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