Maren Morris Fires Back at Criticism of ACMs' Route 91 Tribute

By Dustin Stout

April 17, 2018

Maren Morris thinks faulting the ACM Awards for its tribute to the victims of the Route 91 tragedy is “so unnecessary.”

The country star, who participated in the ACMs’ 80-second cold open acknowledging the shooting and the “healing power of music,” tweeted in response to a Rolling Stone editorial with the headline, “How the ACM Awards Dropped the Ball on Recognizing Route 91 Tragedy.”

“Artists who want to talk about Vegas HAVE talked about it and everyone just wants to exhale,” she writes. “How about you ask one of the country music fans who survived that night if they felt the ‘ball was dropped.’ Or Jason. I think the ACMs WERE respectful.”

In addition to the opening tribute, the ACM Awards also aired a package about its charity work in the wake of the massacre.

“I get that everyone has an opinion,” Morris adds subsequently, “but if you weren’t there and they aren’t YOUR fans who were taken, maybe don’t judge a show that’s trying to help everyone move on.”

In remembrance of lives lost and those injured during Route 91, artists wore tribute pins on their lapels, launching a “#FansFirst” initiative. 

We are thankful to get to be a part of country music. We are thankful we get to live in a country where our voices can be heard. We are hopeful that together we can create a better world for our children. To the many still living with injuries and trauma from that night in Las Vegas, we want to do everything we can to continue to support you-and today we honor you by wearing the number 851. To the fans, road families and family members of those who lost someone-we wear this number today-58-to let you know one thing: we have not forgotten you. We have not forgotten your names. Carrie, Nicol, Steve, Andrea, Denise, Sandy, Chris, so many lost, and so many loved ones still mourning. You are with us not only tonight in Las Vegas as we come together, but every single night in every single town. We love you all, Thomas Rhett and Lauren #fansfirst #vegasstrong

A post shared by ThomasRhettAkins (@thomasrhettakins) on

Photo: Getty Images

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