We now have more details about how the Academy of Country Music will host the 2020 ACM Awards. The ceremony, which moved from its original date of April 5 to September 16, and changed the location from Las Vegas to Nashville, will also be the first time in the history of the awards show that the trophies will be handed out without an audience. The news was first announced on social media.

“We’re less than a month away from the 55th ACM Awards!” the Academy of Country Music announced. ‘A Night of Heart and Hits’ will be coming to you live from Nashville with host Keith Urban Wednesday, September 16th at 8/7c on CBS. This year’s show will be making history as it will be held for the first time from Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium & The Bluebird Cafe. It will also be the first-ever totally virtual #ACMAwards show!”

 

The Academy further clarified in the comments that guests would not be allowed to watch any of the ceremony at either of the three locations.

“Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, and for the safety of our artists and crew, the 55th ACM Awards in Nashville will not have a live audience,” the ACM stated. “But you’ll have the best seat in the house, in your living room! ACM is cooking up the most entertaining show yet—you won’t want to miss it on CBS!”

Tenille Townes and Riley Green have already been declared winners of the New Female and New Male Artist of the Year, respectively. Both rising stars were given the good news in a surprise Zoom call by Keith Urban.

“I just still don’t really know what to say,” Tenille later reflected, after processing the news. “Being the recipient of an ACM Award is something I put in a far away dream in my mind for a someday. This moment to me feels like a seat has been pulled up at the country music table, and I’m freaking out to get to be sitting here. What a table. I’m in awe of and so inspired by this community. I used to beg my parents to let me stay up as a really little kid late enough to watch the ACMs and watch my heroes sing on the show. This is all so surreal.

“Thank you guys for all being so encouraging and celebrating this beside me,” she continued. “For all your comments and kind words. For coming up to the merch stand after shows and telling me your stories. For letting these songs be a part of your lives. I’m so grateful for the people I get to work with on this adventure, and celebrate this with. Hanging on cloud 11 today and can’t stop smiling…. what a day. Thanks for all your love.”