The recent ACM Awards witnessed Jason Aldean paying tribute to the late country icon Toby Keith. While the homage during Thursday’s event has sparked significant conversation, public response varies widely.
47-year-old Aldean was chosen to give a heartfelt tribute to Keith, who passed away in February after a battle with stomach cancer at 62. His departure has been deeply felt within the country music community, where his contribution is both storied and celebrated.
The Academy of Country Music commemorated Keith at the awards night with Aldean performing in his honor. Prior to Aldean’s appearance, Blake Shelton made an emotional speech about his friend, acknowledging Keith’s impact on both a personal and professional level.
“Toby was not just a brilliant artist, he was a wonderful father and husband, and his bravado stayed true till the end,” Shelton said. Introducing Aldean to perform one of Keith’s hits, the stage was set for a poignant moment.
Aldean’s emotionally charged rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” was accompanied by a touching visual montage of Keith’s life. Cameras capturing the audience showed many tearfully moved by the tribute.
Following the performance, Aldean, to applause, expressed love for the departed Keith.
Jason Aldean’s tribute to Toby Keith has stirred emotions at the #ACMawards. The rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a heartwarming memory of Keith’s legacy. May 17, 2024
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 17, 2024
Reba McEntire, the evening’s host, praised the tribute. Online sentiment largely echoed her admiration, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their approval.
Praise on social media aside, Aldean’s role in the tribute was not without its critics. Previously mired in controversy over his wife Brittany Aldean‘s comments and his own song “Try That in A Small Town,” Aldean’s selection sparked debate.
Despite some reservations about his participation, Aldean’s performance largely won over the audience and viewers alike, with many on social media hailing it as the highlight of the night.
To see more from the event, be sure to check out the best of the 2024 ACM Awards Red Carpet Fashions.
FAQs
- Why was Jason Aldean chosen to perform the tribute to Toby Keith?
- Jason Aldean, a prominent figure in country music, was selected by the Academy of Country Music to honor the late Toby Keith at the ACM Awards night.
- What song did Jason Aldean perform in the tribute?
- Aldean performed a special rendition of Toby Keith’s hit song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”
- What were the controversies surrounding Jason Aldean prior to the performance?
- Aldean had faced criticism due to his wife Brittany Aldean’s contentious remarks about transgender youth and for his own song “Try That in A Small Town” which was interpreted by some as having racist connotations.
- How did the audience and fans react to the tribute?
- The audience and many fans online praised Aldean’s performance, considering it a respectful and moving homage to Toby Keith, with some describing it as the best moment of the night.
Conclusion
Jason Aldean’s performance at the ACM Awards, a tribute to Toby Keith, had a profound impact on those in attendance and viewers from home. Despite the initial mixed sentiments and previous controversies associated with Aldean, the country music community embraced the respectful recollection and celebration of Keith’s legacy. Aldean’s emotional connection communicated through Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” proved a fitting homage and a notable highlight of the evening.