Superstar country artists played a key role in the success of the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards™, ACM Honors and other ACM events in 2016, resulting in a stellar year for the Academy – including reaching 11.7 million viewers with special country music moments during primetime in September alone -- and the highest-ever annual donation to ACM Lifting Lives - $1.5 million.
In April, the 51st ACM Awards telecast returned to MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with hosts Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, which reached 11.2 million viewers on CBS. And for the first time ever this fall, ACM Honors became a televised special reaching more than 4 million viewers. In addition, the ACM-constructed one-of-a-kind musical collaboration featuring Keith Urban with Dierks Bentley and Little Big Town in the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) telecast reached nearly 8 million viewers. Both specials aired on Friday, September 9, 2016, with SU2C preceding ACM Honors on the CBS Television Network, for a combined viewership of 11.7 million. Ticket proceeds from several 2016 ACM events went to the ACM Lifting Lives donation, among other Academy contributions.
To date the Academy has given over $8 million to ACM Lifting Lives, resulting in more than 100 grants, 75 emergency grants to music industry professionals in need, and partnerships with Music Health Alliance, Seacrest Foundation, St. Jude, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, among many, many others.
“The important work ACM Lifting Lives does in improving lives through the power of music is only possible because of the incredible artists and industry friends who donate their time and talent to ACM events, period,” said Tiffany Moon, ACM EVP/Managing Director. “We will continue to make every charitable dollar we spend stretch to reach those who need it most. It’s a process we all feel privileged to be a part of, and we’re grateful to the ACM and Lifting Lives Boards for their support.”
PHOTO: [Left to right] Academy of Country Music Officers and ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors: Paul Moore (Parliamentarian), Carmen Romano (Treasurer), Duane Clark (Vice President), Tommy Moore (Secretary), Ken Tucker (Chairman), Lori Badgett (Past ACM Lifting Lives Chairman), Ed Warm (ACM LL Chairman), Ben Vaughn (President), and Tiffany Moon (ACM EVP, Managing Director).
About the Academy of Country Music
Founded in Southern California in 1964, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) is a fan-focused artist and industry-driven organization, providing the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of ACM LIFTING LIVES, the charitable arm of the Academy which works to improve lives through the power of music. The Academy has a rich history in the entertainment industry, having been founded when Southern California was a hotbed of emerging country music and when Westerns were a staple of television programing and film production. Comprised of more than 4,900 professional members nationwide, the ACM is headquartered in Encino, Calif. For more information, log onto www.ACMcountry.com or www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
Founded in Southern California in 1964, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) is a fan-focused artist and industry-driven organization, providing the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of ACM LIFTING LIVES, the charitable arm of the Academy which works to improve lives through the power of music. The Academy has a rich history in the entertainment industry, having been founded when Southern California was a hotbed of emerging country music and when Westerns were a staple of television programing and film production. Comprised of more than 4,900 professional members nationwide, the ACM is headquartered in Encino, Calif. For more information, log onto www.ACMcountry.com or www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
About ACM Lifting Lives
ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through partnerships with artists and strong ties in the music industry, ACM Lifting Lives develops and funds music-related therapy and education programs, and serves members of the community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Generous donations and the support of artists and fans ensure ACM Lifting Lives is able to fund everything from disaster relief and helping communities in need, to music education in schools and music camps for those with disabilities, to supporting programs that use music therapy as a means to help our veterans and wounded warriors, while providing grants to help them ease back into life. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through partnerships with artists and strong ties in the music industry, ACM Lifting Lives develops and funds music-related therapy and education programs, and serves members of the community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Generous donations and the support of artists and fans ensure ACM Lifting Lives is able to fund everything from disaster relief and helping communities in need, to music education in schools and music camps for those with disabilities, to supporting programs that use music therapy as a means to help our veterans and wounded warriors, while providing grants to help them ease back into life. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
