April 12, 2021 • 21 mins
On the heels of the upcoming ACM Awards, Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside drops in with Cody Alan for a sneak peek into what fans can expect to see on Sunday, April 18.
Stepping into his role as CEO only a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the world, Damon explains how his initial plan to join the company and “be a sponge” turned into joining the company and making fast decisions. Damon also dishes on how the ACMS plan to raise the bar yet again for this award show, what performances he is most excited for, and explains why the ACMS are known as, “Country Music’s Party of the Year!”
Plus, want to know how heavy that cowboy hat trophy really is? This is the podcast for you.
Tune in this weekend and watch Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton take their positions as hosts for this power-packed, performance-driven show.
Watch the 56th Annual ACM Awards broadcasting on Sunday, April 18 (8:00 PM -11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Podcasting from mt Welcome to Cody Allen's podcast. It's happening
this Sunday the a c M Awards Caddy of Country
Music Awards from Nashville. We we're gonna take it on
a little behind the scenes look at the show with
the man who knows it all about the show. CEO
of the a c M S Damon Whiteside. By the way,
(00:23):
watch on CBS Sunday night at eight p m. Seven Central. Hello, Cody,
it's Damon. How are you and I'm good. How you doing.
I'm okay, and I have to apologize for my froggy voice,
but I actually came down with some bron kitis this weekend.
Yes I don't sound so great, but um that I
(00:45):
can still. I hope my brain works a little bit. Well,
I'm only throwing softballs here, so but seriously, thanks for
coming on. Um, by the way, thanks for letting me
serve on the board. I was so honored to hold
the ce Bob Kingsley like legendary radio personality who passed away.
(01:06):
I mean, if you would have told me as a kid,
because I grew up listening to Bob Kingsley, but my
name might be mentioned next to his I would have
told you you're crazy. But that was so much fun
to be a part of the board which makes all
the big decisions. So let's talk about that. And by
the way, I had sympathy on you because you got
the job December twenty nineteen, took the job, you know,
(01:27):
took over January six, and then all of a sudden
America shut down in March. You had to make a
lot of big decisions about last year's show really fast.
And so walk me through that fourth second canceling last
year and what that was, like, what kind of weight
that was? Yeah, for sure. I mean nobody really anticipates
this much volatility in your first year on a job.
(01:49):
I mean it's hard. It's hard enough just to learn
all the people and learn how things work and everything.
So I was just, yeah, as you said, I was
starting in January, and I fled out to California because
they're offices um were out and in Los Angeles, you know,
and I flew out there, you know, first first day
of work and ready to go in and meet the people.
(02:10):
And we already had our show. I'll sold out in
Vegas in April, and April five was the show date.
And and so for me, I was just going in
just feeling like I'm gonna just kind of watch everybody
and learn, and I'm just gonna ask questions and just
kind of observe but let everybody do their job and
and make notes and then kind of figure out what
things would need to be tweaked for the following year.
(02:31):
So that was kind of my plan, was just to
be a sponge and go in and observe. But then ultimately,
you know, two months into a thing started to change. Um,
you know, once the pandemic hit and then you know,
slowly but surely, you know, things were closing down. But
at that point, and you'll remember, everybody was so hopeful
that now we're going to quarantine for two weeks and
(02:53):
then things are going to be better and you know,
we're gonna get back to work and all of that. So,
you know, we we waited as long as we could
to cancel the show in Vegas, but then ultimately, you know,
had ultimately the governor of Nevada ended up shedding the
state down, so we didn't have a choice anyway. But
we certainly weren't gonna put artists at risk, or fans
(03:17):
or any of that so um, so yeah, I mean
that that kind of started it. And then everything has
been literally like uh hold on tight, crazy ride ever
since then, and it is not slowed down one second. Obviously,
the show went on in September. Um from three sites again,
(03:38):
that'll be the case this time around. You'll have three
sites in Nashville, the Bluebird Cafe, the Riemann and the
Grand ol Opry State. So, um, what worked a well
last time? And what did you want to change? Yeah?
You know, um, first of all, that we were so
proud of the show in September, I mean, especially being
our first time in our history in Nashville. The Academy
(03:59):
has never held the awards show in Nashville. It has
always been it it started for for the first many
years of the show, it was based in Los Angeles
at many iconic venues throughout Los Angeles, and then it
moved to Las Vegas and so and then the only
other exception of that, of course, was when I went
to Dallas for our fiftieth anniversary. And but besides that,
(04:24):
it always had been in Vegas for many many years.
And um, so going to Nashville, you know, posed a
lot of exciting challenges but just you know, we wanted
to do it right, and we wanted to really honor
the city and honor these iconic venues, and you know,
but also you know, do it in a way that
(04:44):
was you know, really sensitive to the times, because in September,
I mean it was it was still a really really
scary time. And you know, for all intents and purposes,
it really it still is even right now. It is
just some scary times, although we have a lot more
you know, positivity on the horizon, but in September, it
just it was you know, very dark times, and people
(05:04):
were afraid to leave their homes and artists didn't want
to come out, and and so we had to you know,
and being the it was really the first UM sort
of live award show that was on television since COVID
and so ourselves and at the Academy and then UM
Dick Clark Productions, we had to really you know dig
in and figure out how to do this show safely
(05:27):
and worked closely with the city and with the venues
to just figure out what we could do and you know,
again how to keep the artists safe. And I mean
I think we went to the ultimate extreme on safety,
but I'm proud of that because the artists felt really comfortable.
They all had a get time. Many of them thanked usum,
including Carrie when she you know graciously when she did
(05:49):
her speech for winning Entertainer of the Year and talked
about how safe she felt. So that that was really
exciting for us. And so, you know, but we had
so many points at moments, and we just got such
great fan feedback from that show number and just the
industry loved it, and we i mean, the press reviews
were incredible around that. So we were so proud of it.
(06:12):
And so i'd say, you know, the main, the main
difference now going into this show in April is that
you know, while we'll be at the same venues again, UM,
we're gonna be UM live live at all three of
those venues. Whereas we had we were not live at
the Riemann in September, uh retaked all of that. So
(06:32):
this time we're gonna be live live at all three. Um.
But also, um, you know, where we know where people
are now, you know, sort of mentally and emotionally, and
people are ready for some fun and they want music
and they want the comfort of seeing their favorite artists
and they want they they want some positivity because you know,
(06:54):
things are are improving with the pandemic and you know,
the vaccines were becoming more widely available out people are
starting to feel like they you know, there's light at
the end of the tunnel and they may be able
to get back to normal life this year. So because
of that, the show this year is going to be
I think there'll be more fun elements to it. There's
gonna be more positivity, more optimism. They'll still be poignant
(07:17):
heartfelt moments too, um, But at the same time, it's
just really going to be a return to a really great, big,
fun country music show that's just packed with music. Well,
I can't wait. In April eighteen, you mentioned to Carry
obviously tying with Thomas Street for Entertainer of the Year.
I wondered when moments like that happen, and especially because
(07:39):
you're you're the top guy. So did you do you
know that what's gonna happen that way? Did you have
any inkling ahead of time that there would be a tie? Now?
Had had no idea? Um, you know it was. It
just really added on to the sort of craziness of
last year. It's like one of those things where I
just went, you know, you couldn't write a story any
(08:01):
better than that, a fictional story, but this is real life,
so um, so you know it. But I really at
first was just completely shocked, and then it was like,
you know, I wanted to find out has this ever
happened before? And it had turned out that it never
had happened before for any rewards. Um, So it was
just one of those crazy situations. But I mean, literally,
(08:25):
you know, we have um A an accounting firm that
you know counts all of that, and you know everything
is is guaranteed by them to be accurate, so I
know it's accurate. It's just one of those things that
literally they just each got the exact same number of votes,
and you know, based on our by laws at the Academy,
(08:47):
if there's a tie, then both artists win. It's not
a runoff or anything like that. It's both artists win.
So um, they both got trophies, and they're both al
Radian Entertainer of the Year, and they're both you know,
very much deserving of that. So well, Carrie's response was great,
which was I think, you know, what do you expect?
It was a crazy year. UM. This year, Keith Urban
(09:08):
and Mickey Guyton will be co hosting the show. UM
talk about why they were the right ones for the job,
and particularly adding Mickey to the to the show. Yeah,
we're so excited about it, UM. I mean, honestly, the
idea came to us after we watched Mickey's performance that
Keith backed her up on piano in September UM, and
it was so moving, and that was one of my
(09:30):
favorite moments of the show. And we were sitting myself
and fellow executive producers were all sitting you know, of course, UM,
kind of near each other, UM watching the show. And
after we saw that, we literally started talking after the
show going. You know, Mickey's got just such a presence
(09:50):
about her on stage, and you know, when we're a
c M is always leaning in supporting new artists, and
and just after seeing that performance with Keith and Mickey
and knowing that they had kind of that that spark
in that connection, we just we started talking about, wouldn't
be great if, you know, Mickey could join Keith and
could co host for April. So we started the discussions
(10:13):
way back then in September, and it just fortunately it
all came together and and Keith welcomed the opportunity as
did Mickey, and and obviously I think you probably saw
the really fun of when Keith surprised Mickey and she
couldn't believe it, and so it was it was really
really fun. But now we just think there's such a
good pairing and since we're going to be a multiple
(10:35):
venues that you know, it also helps Keith a little
bit too, because he's got a host you know, when
we're you know, going to all these different venues. So um,
so Mickey will be at at one venue, Keith will
be at the other venue and they'll just kind of
share hosting duties and um, it's gonna be you know,
just really I think it's gonna just be really great
chemistry for the show. And couldn't be more excited than having,
(10:57):
you know, one of our brightest new stars in Mickey
being part of it. You can't have favorites when you
are doing the job you're doing. But I'm looking at
the line up which you've just released. It it's an
incredible lineup of performances. If you were to get personal
just for a moment and just like, which of these
performances are you most looking forward to singing. Oh wow,
(11:18):
I know it's a question, it's part it's a tough
question for sure. I mean, they're all gonna be so good,
and I'll tell you when we when the show is
getting booked. I mean, that's what's so difficult, is you think,
you know, it's a three hour show, there's plenty of
room for everybody, but not everybody can fit. And it's
like this, it's this really difficult puzzle that gets put
together of just kind of trying to celebrate all of
(11:41):
the nominees, but also we want to bring back some
of our favorite legends and iconic artists and so and
we want to have new artists and so it's this
this really difficult balance. So I think we did a
you know, really awesome job this year of just making
sure we got that balance. But you know, I would say,
I'm always excited to see the new artists winners perform,
(12:04):
which we haven't named who those winners are yet, so
they'll both get a slot and that's always exciting because
a lot of times it's their first time ever appearing
or performing on an award show. So that's always exciting
to see um. But then also you know I mentioned
on the other side of the coin, we have our
iconic superstars, and so this year with Alan Jackson, we're
(12:25):
thrilled to have him. He'll be um doing a classic
hit which will be seen along with a new song
from his upcoming album. UM So, just having somebody like
his stature in the show, it's just not only is
it exciting to showcase his legacy, but also it's sort
of a brings comfort to the fans, I think to
(12:46):
have someone like his presence in the show. Um, We've
got a really exciting, um I think poignant performance that
Kenny Chesney's gonna do, and he hasn't been in the
show in a few years, so that will be really exciting. UM.
Of course, um Carry will be performing and she's always
a highlight because UM she's going to be, you know,
(13:07):
celebrating her new gospel album in the show, and that's
gonna be really really um I think breathtaking seeing that.
Um So I'm really excited about that. UM. Eric Church
will be back, and of course he did one of
my favorite performances in the September show was stick That
in your Country song. Um partnered up with the with
(13:28):
the Johnny Cash um Ragged Old Flag poem, which was amazing.
So excited to see him come back. And I don't know,
you know, brothers Osborne had such a year. Excited to
see them. Dirk Spentley is back and he's gonna do
an amazing, amazing performance that will be announcing soon and
(13:49):
it kind of just goes on on, but it's it's
also but then seem to like Carly Pierce, you know,
she was nominated for her first time in the female
category Female of the Year, so it'll be excite itating
to see, you know, somebody um in that role kind
of for the first time getting this big standout performance
on the award show. So it's it's just gonna be everything.
(14:11):
It's going to be this roller coaster of emotions, I think,
because there's gonna be a lot of poignancy and we
want to celebrate Nashville after the hard year it's had,
but also we just want to have fun and it's
going to be wall to wall music and that's what
the fans want. They just want to see their favorite
artists perform really great songs, and that's what it's gonna
be about. Artists Thirty Songs April eighteenth, you'll be on
(14:33):
CBS A p M. Eastern seventh Central. Real quick, there's
a lot of complaints about female representation, and particularly in
the Entertainer of the Year category. Is anything being done
to remedy that or is that solution going to come
more naturally as the industry realizes learns from the past
(14:54):
and gross Sure, Well, fortunately, I think we've seen that. UM.
You know, in general, female presence has dramatically increased. A
lot of the various UM country industry partners have really
shined the light on on female artists over the last
few years, and I think we're really starting to reap
the benefits of that, UM, I mean as evidenced. I mean,
(15:15):
what we like to point to is, UM the fact
that all five of our Single of the Year nominee
our female songs, female driven songs, and that's like, that's
never happened in our whole history. UM. So it was
remarkable when those when I saw the nominations come out,
and then to have the five Single of the Year
noms be women represented, I get a first, I mean
(15:37):
that was huge. And then also just kind of looking
over all of the composition of nominees, UM, we've got
we're I mean we're close to two fifty fifty in
terms of the nomination's female to male. So that's something
that hasn't happened for us in a lot of years either.
So I think we're really making headway. Um, you know,
in terms of Entertainer of the Year. I get asked
(15:58):
that question a lot, and it's difficult. We have a
lot of artists that had really great years, you know,
despite the pandemic, they were still out there really working it.
And you know, unfortunately this year, the females didn't make
it into that top five. I think there were some
that deserved it for sure, but ultimately it comes down
to the voters, and you know, I think all five
(16:18):
males that are in there deserve it as well. So
I'm just you know, really excited and gratified to see
that at least over all, the nominees were good, you know,
close to fifty balance between the two. We even had
our first ever female Engineer of the Year nominee. That's
never happened in our history, so it's been pretty cool
to see that. And then also just see the diversity,
(16:40):
you know, rights to the top because we've had more
black artist nominees in a year than we've ever had too,
So that's exciting to see that continue. Anything about the
trophy that would surprise fans, like, for example, is how
heavy is it? Where it plans to change it? Because
it has evolved over the years as well? Is it?
Or do you like the design it has evolved over
(17:01):
the years. You know, we really like it because it's
very iconic. You know, we call it the Hat Trophy.
It's obviously a cowboy hat kind of at the top
of it, but it's like a really um impressionistic kind
of representation of it. Um. But now I think, I
think it's great. I personally really like it, and I said,
(17:21):
I don't want to change it when that topic gets
brought up, because I think it really plays to our
to our heritage and what the Academy is about. And
you know, I really like it and embrace it. And
I'll tell you it's incredibly heavy. H lucky enough that
I won one personally a few years ago, so I
have one right here on my desk and it is
(17:43):
very very heavy. Um wait, what did what did you
win yours for? That's awesomely one. Mine is an executive
producer um on Forever Country, which was the big anniversary
song and music video for the c m AS fiftieth anniversary.
So remember that. Yeah, ironically, my my A c M
(18:03):
Award s CEO of the A c M is for
is for c m A. I love it. Well, you
did work for the c m A for like I said,
And by the way, fans may be interested in knowing
what's the difference. I mean, it's a little bit confusing
if your country music fan. Maybe it means, you know,
maybe they're both kind of the same too to a
normal fan. But what would you say is the difference?
(18:25):
There are different differences, and then there's a lot of
similarities to I mean, we're both membership organizations, and our
members include, um those that that our country music industry,
professionals that make their living in country music. Um, you know,
I see that. Probably the key difference is that really
our roots have been in the southern California market. Um,
(18:47):
that's where we were formed, and you know, that's where
you know our offices you know currently, and so we've
always had much more of a of an l A
leaning in terms of you know, really kind of being
a bridge to the l A entertainment market. With country music,
and it really kind of formed from supporting all of
the Bakersfield artists and all of the California country artists
(19:11):
back in the day when there was sort of some
competition between California and Nashville. So, um, we're kind of
known as the renegade organization that formed out there in
California to support all those artists and and um, you know,
we still definitely like to kind of keep some of
that renegade spirit, which is why our award show is
branded as Country Music's Party of the Year. Um, because
(19:32):
it's you know, it's kind of been known as taking
more risks, being a little more progressive, a little more
you know, kind of challenging, challenging the norm, if you will,
and taking some chances on on performers in the show
and just making it a little bit more fun and
out of the box. And I think we've kind of
tended to be a little bit more um, you know,
(19:54):
progressive in terms of like artists um tend to have
their their first awards an A C. M Award. Um,
we do a lot to really lean into to recognizing
new artists. So I think that that's kind of a
differentiator as well, but all in I mean, we're friends
with the c m A and um, you know, I
love Sarah Trey Hearn. She's one of my best friends
(20:15):
and mentors who runs the c m A. And so
you know, there's a lot of similarities, a lot of
similar bumbers and members, but you know, we try to
we try to differentiate ourselves and and do different things.
And our our nonprofit organizations us with Lifting Lives and
then with the c m A Foundation do very different
things as well. So I think we we really coexist.
(20:37):
I think the the fact that your West Coast based
is most obvious because the show usually would be in Vegas,
which you've got to be thinking about next year getting
back there. I suppose, right well, we're gonna be somewhere.
We haven't confirmed yet, believe it or not, where we're
going to be next year. Vegas is one that's in
the running, but we're hoping to announce that very very soon.
(20:59):
But as of now, ow um, it's still tb D.
It's like the Olympics. Where is it going to be
next time? We want to guessing exactly, Ladies and gentle
it's de Moines this year. Hey, Damon, thanks for the time.
Really great having you on the show again, happening on Sunday,
April eight, eight seven Central on CBS David Whiteside. We
(21:21):
appreciate that, Cody. Thanks thanks for listening to Cody Cast.
Follow Cody right now at Cody Allen on Twitter, Instagram
and Facebook. Care Cody on hundreds of radio stations every day,
and watch Cody on twenty this weekend Saturday and Sunday
at n a m. Eight Central on CMT. Bye for now,
Podcasting from mt Welcome to Cody Allen's podcast. It's happening
this Sunday the a c M Awards Caddy of Country
Music Awards from Nashville. We we're gonna take it on
a little behind the scenes look at the show with
the man who knows it all about the show. CEO
of the a c M S Damon Whiteside. By the way,
(00:23):
watch on CBS Sunday night at eight p m. Seven Central. Hello, Cody,
it's Damon. How are you and I'm good. How you doing.
I'm okay, and I have to apologize for my froggy voice,
but I actually came down with some bron kitis this weekend.
Yes I don't sound so great, but um that I
(00:45):
can still. I hope my brain works a little bit. Well,
I'm only throwing softballs here, so but seriously, thanks for
coming on. Um, by the way, thanks for letting me
serve on the board. I was so honored to hold
the ce Bob Kingsley like legendary radio personality who passed away.
(01:06):
I mean, if you would have told me as a kid,
because I grew up listening to Bob Kingsley, but my
name might be mentioned next to his I would have
told you you're crazy. But that was so much fun
to be a part of the board which makes all
the big decisions. So let's talk about that. And by
the way, I had sympathy on you because you got
the job December twenty nineteen, took the job, you know,
(01:27):
took over January six, and then all of a sudden
America shut down in March. You had to make a
lot of big decisions about last year's show really fast.
And so walk me through that fourth second canceling last
year and what that was, like, what kind of weight
that was? Yeah, for sure. I mean nobody really anticipates
this much volatility in your first year on a job.
(01:49):
I mean it's hard. It's hard enough just to learn
all the people and learn how things work and everything.
So I was just, yeah, as you said, I was
starting in January, and I fled out to California because
they're offices um were out and in Los Angeles, you know,
and I flew out there, you know, first first day
of work and ready to go in and meet the people.
(02:10):
And we already had our show. I'll sold out in
Vegas in April, and April five was the show date.
And and so for me, I was just going in
just feeling like I'm gonna just kind of watch everybody
and learn, and I'm just gonna ask questions and just
kind of observe but let everybody do their job and
and make notes and then kind of figure out what
things would need to be tweaked for the following year.
(02:31):
So that was kind of my plan, was just to
be a sponge and go in and observe. But then ultimately,
you know, two months into a thing started to change. Um,
you know, once the pandemic hit and then you know,
slowly but surely, you know, things were closing down. But
at that point, and you'll remember, everybody was so hopeful
that now we're going to quarantine for two weeks and
(02:53):
then things are going to be better and you know,
we're gonna get back to work and all of that. So,
you know, we we waited as long as we could
to cancel the show in Vegas, but then ultimately, you know,
had ultimately the governor of Nevada ended up shedding the
state down, so we didn't have a choice anyway. But
we certainly weren't gonna put artists at risk, or fans
(03:17):
or any of that so um, so yeah, I mean
that that kind of started it. And then everything has
been literally like uh hold on tight, crazy ride ever
since then, and it is not slowed down one second. Obviously,
the show went on in September. Um from three sites again,
(03:38):
that'll be the case this time around. You'll have three
sites in Nashville, the Bluebird Cafe, the Riemann and the
Grand ol Opry State. So, um, what worked a well
last time? And what did you want to change? Yeah?
You know, um, first of all, that we were so
proud of the show in September, I mean, especially being
our first time in our history in Nashville. The Academy
(03:59):
has never held the awards show in Nashville. It has
always been it it started for for the first many
years of the show, it was based in Los Angeles
at many iconic venues throughout Los Angeles, and then it
moved to Las Vegas and so and then the only
other exception of that, of course, was when I went
to Dallas for our fiftieth anniversary. And but besides that,
(04:24):
it always had been in Vegas for many many years.
And um, so going to Nashville, you know, posed a
lot of exciting challenges but just you know, we wanted
to do it right, and we wanted to really honor
the city and honor these iconic venues, and you know,
but also you know, do it in a way that
(04:44):
was you know, really sensitive to the times, because in September,
I mean it was it was still a really really
scary time. And you know, for all intents and purposes,
it really it still is even right now. It is
just some scary times, although we have a lot more
you know, positivity on the horizon, but in September, it
just it was you know, very dark times, and people
(05:04):
were afraid to leave their homes and artists didn't want
to come out, and and so we had to you know,
and being the it was really the first UM sort
of live award show that was on television since COVID
and so ourselves and at the Academy and then UM
Dick Clark Productions, we had to really you know dig
in and figure out how to do this show safely
(05:27):
and worked closely with the city and with the venues
to just figure out what we could do and you know,
again how to keep the artists safe. And I mean
I think we went to the ultimate extreme on safety,
but I'm proud of that because the artists felt really comfortable.
They all had a get time. Many of them thanked usum,
including Carrie when she you know graciously when she did
(05:49):
her speech for winning Entertainer of the Year and talked
about how safe she felt. So that that was really
exciting for us. And so, you know, but we had
so many points at moments, and we just got such
great fan feedback from that show number and just the
industry loved it, and we i mean, the press reviews
were incredible around that. So we were so proud of it.
(06:12):
And so i'd say, you know, the main, the main
difference now going into this show in April is that
you know, while we'll be at the same venues again, UM,
we're gonna be UM live live at all three of
those venues. Whereas we had we were not live at
the Riemann in September, uh retaked all of that. So
(06:32):
this time we're gonna be live live at all three. Um.
But also, um, you know, where we know where people
are now, you know, sort of mentally and emotionally, and
people are ready for some fun and they want music
and they want the comfort of seeing their favorite artists
and they want they they want some positivity because you know,
(06:54):
things are are improving with the pandemic and you know,
the vaccines were becoming more widely available out people are
starting to feel like they you know, there's light at
the end of the tunnel and they may be able
to get back to normal life this year. So because
of that, the show this year is going to be
I think there'll be more fun elements to it. There's
gonna be more positivity, more optimism. They'll still be poignant
(07:17):
heartfelt moments too, um, But at the same time, it's
just really going to be a return to a really great, big,
fun country music show that's just packed with music. Well,
I can't wait. In April eighteen, you mentioned to Carry
obviously tying with Thomas Street for Entertainer of the Year.
I wondered when moments like that happen, and especially because
(07:39):
you're you're the top guy. So did you do you
know that what's gonna happen that way? Did you have
any inkling ahead of time that there would be a tie? Now?
Had had no idea? Um, you know it was. It
just really added on to the sort of craziness of
last year. It's like one of those things where I
just went, you know, you couldn't write a story any
(08:01):
better than that, a fictional story, but this is real life,
so um, so you know it. But I really at
first was just completely shocked, and then it was like,
you know, I wanted to find out has this ever
happened before? And it had turned out that it never
had happened before for any rewards. Um, So it was
just one of those crazy situations. But I mean, literally,
(08:25):
you know, we have um A an accounting firm that
you know counts all of that, and you know everything
is is guaranteed by them to be accurate, so I
know it's accurate. It's just one of those things that
literally they just each got the exact same number of votes,
and you know, based on our by laws at the Academy,
(08:47):
if there's a tie, then both artists win. It's not
a runoff or anything like that. It's both artists win.
So um, they both got trophies, and they're both al
Radian Entertainer of the Year, and they're both you know,
very much deserving of that. So well, Carrie's response was great,
which was I think, you know, what do you expect?
It was a crazy year. UM. This year, Keith Urban
(09:08):
and Mickey Guyton will be co hosting the show. UM
talk about why they were the right ones for the job,
and particularly adding Mickey to the to the show. Yeah,
we're so excited about it, UM. I mean, honestly, the
idea came to us after we watched Mickey's performance that
Keith backed her up on piano in September UM, and
it was so moving, and that was one of my
(09:30):
favorite moments of the show. And we were sitting myself
and fellow executive producers were all sitting you know, of course, UM,
kind of near each other, UM watching the show. And
after we saw that, we literally started talking after the
show going. You know, Mickey's got just such a presence
(09:50):
about her on stage, and you know, when we're a
c M is always leaning in supporting new artists, and
and just after seeing that performance with Keith and Mickey
and knowing that they had kind of that that spark
in that connection, we just we started talking about, wouldn't
be great if, you know, Mickey could join Keith and
could co host for April. So we started the discussions
(10:13):
way back then in September, and it just fortunately it
all came together and and Keith welcomed the opportunity as
did Mickey, and and obviously I think you probably saw
the really fun of when Keith surprised Mickey and she
couldn't believe it, and so it was it was really
really fun. But now we just think there's such a
good pairing and since we're going to be a multiple
(10:35):
venues that you know, it also helps Keith a little
bit too, because he's got a host you know, when
we're you know, going to all these different venues. So um,
so Mickey will be at at one venue, Keith will
be at the other venue and they'll just kind of
share hosting duties and um, it's gonna be you know,
just really I think it's gonna just be really great
chemistry for the show. And couldn't be more excited than having,
(10:57):
you know, one of our brightest new stars in Mickey
being part of it. You can't have favorites when you
are doing the job you're doing. But I'm looking at
the line up which you've just released. It it's an
incredible lineup of performances. If you were to get personal
just for a moment and just like, which of these
performances are you most looking forward to singing. Oh wow,
(11:18):
I know it's a question, it's part it's a tough
question for sure. I mean, they're all gonna be so good,
and I'll tell you when we when the show is
getting booked. I mean, that's what's so difficult, is you think,
you know, it's a three hour show, there's plenty of
room for everybody, but not everybody can fit. And it's
like this, it's this really difficult puzzle that gets put
together of just kind of trying to celebrate all of
(11:41):
the nominees, but also we want to bring back some
of our favorite legends and iconic artists and so and
we want to have new artists and so it's this
this really difficult balance. So I think we did a
you know, really awesome job this year of just making
sure we got that balance. But you know, I would say,
I'm always excited to see the new artists winners perform,
(12:04):
which we haven't named who those winners are yet, so
they'll both get a slot and that's always exciting because
a lot of times it's their first time ever appearing
or performing on an award show. So that's always exciting
to see um. But then also you know I mentioned
on the other side of the coin, we have our
iconic superstars, and so this year with Alan Jackson, we're
(12:25):
thrilled to have him. He'll be um doing a classic
hit which will be seen along with a new song
from his upcoming album. UM So, just having somebody like
his stature in the show, it's just not only is
it exciting to showcase his legacy, but also it's sort
of a brings comfort to the fans, I think to
(12:46):
have someone like his presence in the show. Um, We've
got a really exciting, um I think poignant performance that
Kenny Chesney's gonna do, and he hasn't been in the
show in a few years, so that will be really exciting. UM.
Of course, um Carry will be performing and she's always
a highlight because UM she's going to be, you know,
(13:07):
celebrating her new gospel album in the show, and that's
gonna be really really um I think breathtaking seeing that.
Um So I'm really excited about that. UM. Eric Church
will be back, and of course he did one of
my favorite performances in the September show was stick That
in your Country song. Um partnered up with the with
(13:28):
the Johnny Cash um Ragged Old Flag poem, which was amazing.
So excited to see him come back. And I don't know,
you know, brothers Osborne had such a year. Excited to
see them. Dirk Spentley is back and he's gonna do
an amazing, amazing performance that will be announcing soon and
(13:49):
it kind of just goes on on, but it's it's
also but then seem to like Carly Pierce, you know,
she was nominated for her first time in the female
category Female of the Year, so it'll be excite itating
to see, you know, somebody um in that role kind
of for the first time getting this big standout performance
on the award show. So it's it's just gonna be everything.
(14:11):
It's going to be this roller coaster of emotions, I think,
because there's gonna be a lot of poignancy and we
want to celebrate Nashville after the hard year it's had,
but also we just want to have fun and it's
going to be wall to wall music and that's what
the fans want. They just want to see their favorite
artists perform really great songs, and that's what it's gonna
be about. Artists Thirty Songs April eighteenth, you'll be on
(14:33):
CBS A p M. Eastern seventh Central. Real quick, there's
a lot of complaints about female representation, and particularly in
the Entertainer of the Year category. Is anything being done
to remedy that or is that solution going to come
more naturally as the industry realizes learns from the past
(14:54):
and gross Sure, Well, fortunately, I think we've seen that. UM.
You know, in general, female presence has dramatically increased. A
lot of the various UM country industry partners have really
shined the light on on female artists over the last
few years, and I think we're really starting to reap
the benefits of that, UM, I mean as evidenced. I mean,
(15:15):
what we like to point to is, UM the fact
that all five of our Single of the Year nominee
our female songs, female driven songs, and that's like, that's
never happened in our whole history. UM. So it was
remarkable when those when I saw the nominations come out,
and then to have the five Single of the Year
noms be women represented, I get a first, I mean
(15:37):
that was huge. And then also just kind of looking
over all of the composition of nominees, UM, we've got
we're I mean we're close to two fifty fifty in
terms of the nomination's female to male. So that's something
that hasn't happened for us in a lot of years either.
So I think we're really making headway. Um, you know,
in terms of Entertainer of the Year. I get asked
(15:58):
that question a lot, and it's difficult. We have a
lot of artists that had really great years, you know,
despite the pandemic, they were still out there really working it.
And you know, unfortunately this year, the females didn't make
it into that top five. I think there were some
that deserved it for sure, but ultimately it comes down
to the voters, and you know, I think all five
(16:18):
males that are in there deserve it as well. So
I'm just you know, really excited and gratified to see
that at least over all, the nominees were good, you know,
close to fifty balance between the two. We even had
our first ever female Engineer of the Year nominee. That's
never happened in our history, so it's been pretty cool
to see that. And then also just see the diversity,
(16:40):
you know, rights to the top because we've had more
black artist nominees in a year than we've ever had too,
So that's exciting to see that continue. Anything about the
trophy that would surprise fans, like, for example, is how
heavy is it? Where it plans to change it? Because
it has evolved over the years as well? Is it?
Or do you like the design it has evolved over
(17:01):
the years. You know, we really like it because it's
very iconic. You know, we call it the Hat Trophy.
It's obviously a cowboy hat kind of at the top
of it, but it's like a really um impressionistic kind
of representation of it. Um. But now I think, I
think it's great. I personally really like it, and I said,
(17:21):
I don't want to change it when that topic gets
brought up, because I think it really plays to our
to our heritage and what the Academy is about. And
you know, I really like it and embrace it. And
I'll tell you it's incredibly heavy. H lucky enough that
I won one personally a few years ago, so I
have one right here on my desk and it is
(17:43):
very very heavy. Um wait, what did what did you
win yours for? That's awesomely one. Mine is an executive
producer um on Forever Country, which was the big anniversary
song and music video for the c m AS fiftieth anniversary.
So remember that. Yeah, ironically, my my A c M
(18:03):
Award s CEO of the A c M is for
is for c m A. I love it. Well, you
did work for the c m A for like I said,
And by the way, fans may be interested in knowing
what's the difference. I mean, it's a little bit confusing
if your country music fan. Maybe it means, you know,
maybe they're both kind of the same too to a
normal fan. But what would you say is the difference?
(18:25):
There are different differences, and then there's a lot of
similarities to I mean, we're both membership organizations, and our
members include, um those that that our country music industry,
professionals that make their living in country music. Um, you know,
I see that. Probably the key difference is that really
our roots have been in the southern California market. Um,
(18:47):
that's where we were formed, and you know, that's where
you know our offices you know currently, and so we've
always had much more of a of an l A
leaning in terms of you know, really kind of being
a bridge to the l A entertainment market. With country music,
and it really kind of formed from supporting all of
the Bakersfield artists and all of the California country artists
(19:11):
back in the day when there was sort of some
competition between California and Nashville. So, um, we're kind of
known as the renegade organization that formed out there in
California to support all those artists and and um, you know,
we still definitely like to kind of keep some of
that renegade spirit, which is why our award show is
branded as Country Music's Party of the Year. Um, because
(19:32):
it's you know, it's kind of been known as taking
more risks, being a little more progressive, a little more
you know, kind of challenging, challenging the norm, if you will,
and taking some chances on on performers in the show
and just making it a little bit more fun and
out of the box. And I think we've kind of
tended to be a little bit more um, you know,
(19:54):
progressive in terms of like artists um tend to have
their their first awards an A C. M Award. Um,
we do a lot to really lean into to recognizing
new artists. So I think that that's kind of a
differentiator as well, but all in I mean, we're friends
with the c m A and um, you know, I
love Sarah Trey Hearn. She's one of my best friends
(20:15):
and mentors who runs the c m A. And so
you know, there's a lot of similarities, a lot of
similar bumbers and members, but you know, we try to
we try to differentiate ourselves and and do different things.
And our our nonprofit organizations us with Lifting Lives and
then with the c m A Foundation do very different
things as well. So I think we we really coexist.
(20:37):
I think the the fact that your West Coast based
is most obvious because the show usually would be in Vegas,
which you've got to be thinking about next year getting
back there. I suppose, right well, we're gonna be somewhere.
We haven't confirmed yet, believe it or not, where we're
going to be next year. Vegas is one that's in
the running, but we're hoping to announce that very very soon.
(20:59):
But as of now, ow um, it's still tb D.
It's like the Olympics. Where is it going to be
next time? We want to guessing exactly, Ladies and gentle
it's de Moines this year. Hey, Damon, thanks for the time.
Really great having you on the show again, happening on Sunday,
April eight, eight seven Central on CBS David Whiteside. We
(21:21):
appreciate that, Cody. Thanks thanks for listening to Cody Cast.
Follow Cody right now at Cody Allen on Twitter, Instagram
and Facebook. Care Cody on hundreds of radio stations every day,
and watch Cody on twenty this weekend Saturday and Sunday
at n a m. Eight Central on CMT. Bye for now,
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