ACM Awards Summary on Country Music News 9 17

And the Award goes to…..

The ACM Awards for Entertainer of the Year ended in a tie, and unlike in sports and politics, there's no way to break it. Maybe Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood could have a karaoke contest — or they could arm wrestle? Of course, that would break CDC social distancing guidelines.  They’re going into overtime…..It’s the first shoot out at the ACM Awards.

If you missed it, ACM Awards host Keith Urban read two names. First, the chuckling show leader named Rhett, who took the stage for a few remarks about winning and the peculiar circumstances. As if holding an awards show in an empty venue wasn't strange enough, right?

Underwood was called to the stage second, after Urban held the room for a few extra beats. Eric Church, Luke Combs and Luke Bryan were no doubt leaning in during that breathless moment, as were their fans — but it was not to be on this night. Fortunately for Combs and Church, there's another chance in two months at the CMA Awards.

So, how does a tie happen?

The first thing to know is that the ACM Awards allow for it. Check out the ACM Awards Criteria and Policy for yourself and skip ahead to page 14 to read: "In the case of a tie, all winners will receive an award." The second thing to know is that nothing was moved around over the last six months to make sure as many people as possible went home with warm and fuzzies. There were no participation trophies, because the group in charge of protecting the results has a lot to lose by allowing a scandal.