Watch Miranda Lambert surprise ACM Awards' new female and male artists of the year
Just days before the show, more details about the 2022 ACM Awards rolled out on Friday, including the first winners.
Lainey Wilson and Parker McCollum have been named new female artist of the year and new male artist of the year.
The Academy of Country Music enlisted superstar Miranda Lambert to surprise them both over video chat.
Wilson was visibly emotional as she reacted to the news, and thanked Lambert for being a musical mentor.
"I love you. I just want to say thank you for paving the damn way, for me to be able to have an opportunity like this," she told Lambert.
Meanwhile, McCollum was stunned into silence after Lambert dropped the news of his win. "Are you serious? I’m like, getting blurry vision right now," he said.
As it started to sink in, Lambert joked that he was representing their shared home state of Texas -- during their video chat, McCollum was at home in Fort Worth, at his mom’s house. "This one’s for Texas no doubt. Wow," he agreed.
Other big news about the ACMs also arrived on Friday; Lady A has been added to the performers’ lineup. Tenille Townes is also performing during a special red carpet show before the ceremony.
The 2022 ACMs are taking place in Las Vegas on March 7. Dolly Parton is co-hosting with Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett.
Both Allen and Barrett shared details about what they’ll be performing this week. Allen is debuting his new single, "Down Home," while Barrett will offer her rendition of "I Hope You Dance."
