An Inside View of the ACM Awards Show with CEO and Executive Producer

One of the most anticipated shows of the year is happening tonight in Frisco, Texas at the Ford Center at The Star.  If you aren't one of the elite who get to attend, you can watch the show live via the free stream on Prime Video.  

No membership is required to stream the show.  The Academy of Country Music and Prime Video say, "Everyone is invited to the Party of the Year."

Having hosted 16 times prior, Reba McEntire will be the star of the show.  McEntire is a 16-time ACM Award-winning entertainer who will also take the stage for a special performance of brand new music, that promises to be "show stopping".  

Men's Journal had the opportunity to sit down with Damon Whiteside, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of the ACM, to give you an exclusive insider take of the show.

Before the show even begins, the festivities are abundant.  Whiteside shared.

"The Country Kickoff is two days of free shows outside of the venue and I was lucky enough to be able to kick that off with the Mayor of Frisco.  There are all kinds of ACM Awards Nominees performing for the crowd. 

Then we are doing a charity event at Top Golf with multiple artists and that is going to be amazing."

When speaking about the main event, Whiteside said, "I think this will be one of the best, biggest, most unique shows with a lot of powerful musical moments."

Known as Country Music's 'Party of the Year', fans can expect to have a lot of fun, starting with the legendary host.

McEntire has her own sense of humor and serving as the "ringleader" so-to-speak, the ACM is honored to have her back as the host.

"We are so excited and honored to have Reba back as the host.  She is an icon in the industry and we are thrilled to have her at the helm. She is such a professional and has a vision for the vibe she wants the show to have.  I believe it will feel like 'Reba's show' this year," Whiteside said.

Lainey Wilson, the reigning Female Artist of the Year and current Entertainer of the Year nominee, will kick off the show with an upbeat performance of her new song.

Whiteside along with fans are also looking forward to some of the "new" faces to country music being on site and even performing.

Jelly Roll, now one of the biggest country artists, is going to be doing a powerful performance of his new song.  Coming from a history of rap and hip-hop, Jelly Roll has certainly found his home in Country Music.  

Adding to the party, Post Malone will make his debut on the legendary ACM Awards stage.  Whiteside added, "People are so excited about him being on stage. He just put out his new single and it is breaking all records.  He will be performing Thursday night and it will be exciting."

While Whiteside is excited to bring fans the solo performances, a few of the collaborations are also intriguing to him.  Kelsea Ballerini, Female Artist and Album of the Year nominee, will pair up with Noah Khan to perform one of the songs from the nominated Album.

Nate Smith who is nominated for New Male Artist of the Year will be joining Avril Lavigne to perform his new song "Bulletproof".

Being at the helm of the show during such a pivotal time was also worth addressing with Whiteside. Country Music has taken over some of the mainstream charts and has also attracted artists who people really don't consider "Country".

"This has obviously been a few exciting years as Country Music continues to expand.  There is plenty of room in this genre for all types of artist.  It has been great to see our industry diversify. 

"Post Malone is a great example of "out of genre" artist that have joined Country Music.  He's a big Country Music fan and his new album is a genuine, organic project for him.  You can see how much he loves the industry and the artist.

"Of course, you can't talk about crossover with mentioning Beyonce. Everyone is talking about that and how successful she has been in Country Music.  She grew up in Texas and was influenced and touched by Country Music and is now celebrating it by joining the genre and putting out a Country album. We would welcome her to the stage any time. It's an exciting time."

As a wrap up, Whiteside said, "The show is going to be a really great mix.  We tried really hard to curate the show so that anybody watching, no matter what style of country or artist you love, even how old you are, or whether you are into classic or current country music, we have something that will appeal to everyone.  It will show the breadth of the genre and how exciting and vibrant it is right now."