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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Eric Church pays tribute to David Bowie, Glen Frey at ACM Awards

Luke Bryan, left, and Caroline Boyer arrive at the 51st annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 3, 2016, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Luke Bryan, left, and Caroline Boyer arrive at the 51st annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 3, 2016, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

At the Academy of Country Music Awards, Eric Church paid tribute to rock icons like David Bowie, The Eagles’ Glen Frey and other late stars during his performance.

Church intertwined songs from the singers during his performance Sunday, as well as songs from late performers Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead and former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Host Luke Bryan introduced Church and said the performer was a big fan of vinyl records and was set to pay tribute to “four of his musical heroes.” Church performed the track, “Record Year.”

Tim McGraw’s performance was also a highlight: As he sang “Humble & Kind,” a diverse group of people joined him onstage, from children to adults of every race. Some even dressed in clothes representing their backgrounds, and others wore clothes representing their occupation.

Other performers include Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town with Trombone Shorty, Kelsea Ballerini, who singer with pop singer Nick Jonas. Later in the show, airing on CBS, Katy Perry will sing with Dolly Parton.