I'll tip my hat to the producers of the ACM Awards as there are far more live performances than there are awards given and that makes for a cool night in front of the television.

I'd like to make a list of about eight performances that stick out in my mind because the night's entertainment was that good, but I'll save you and instead, give you a list of my three favorites and a few "honorable mentions" for those stand out performances that didn't make the list.

If I could open up to a fifth favorite favorite it'd have to go to Dierks Bentley for 'I Hold On' featuring Sheryl Crow. Without a doubt one of the best written songs of the year and a favorite of mine since I first heard it. Crow was a welcome addition to the song live as she brought a new sound and depth to the songwriting.

I'd also like to mention that Darius Rucker's 'Wagon Wheel' with Lady Antebellum, George Strait's 'I Got A Car', Miranda's 'Automatic' and the Lady Antebellum/Stevie Nicks collaboration were all spectacular performances and a reason I stayed glued to the TV set most of Sunday night.

But it comes down to the three performances that I think trumped all others.

1. Lee Brice 'I Drive Your Truck'

Lee sold this song emotionally like no other Sunday night. The fact he appeared to be on the verge of tears the entire song had me being completely drawn in and emotionally attached to the performance.


2. Blake Shelton with Gwen Sebastian 'My Eyes'

Who doesn't love Blake Shelton? Who can resist the sultry whisper of Gwen Sebastian? I like, if not love, everything about this song. The performance, laid back and sexy, was flawless in production and artist delivery!


3. Eric Church 'Give Me Back My Hometown'

We've come to expect Eric Church to take the award show stage with all the swagger and ferocity of a rock star but Sunday night we saw a more relaxed performance. Let me rephrase, relaxed but still with hints of that tried and true rock n' roll attitude!

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