Co-hosting this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards wasn’t part of the plan when Luke Bryan took nearly every top honor last year except Female Singer of the Year. He had his sights set on his first extended headlining dates, which became his current Dirt Road Diaries Tour, and knew he’d be back in Panama City Beach earlier this month for his annual Spring Break shows. Sharing the stage with Blake Shelton at the ACM Awards is a natural for the troubadour of “Tailgates and Tanlines.” Matt Kelemen recently spoke with the country star.
Q: What kind of chemistry do you foresee with Blake during the show?
A: Well, I hope I can fill Reba’s shoes adequately. Blake and I are really good buddies. For years we’ve had people tell us we’re “hick brothers of another mother,” that old bit. We’re excited to be part of it, and I think it’s just going to be a fun night. There will be a lot scripted and there will be a lot he and I can run with. I think keeping it spontaneous and keeping the mood up so everybody has a good time is what makes it fun.
Q: Is this the first time you’ve hosted an event this big?
A: I hosted CMA Fest’s Night to Rock last year, but as far as live TV or anything of that scale, yes. … Am I excited and anxious? Yeah, but at the end of the day the main thing is to enjoy these moments and not get too worked up about it.
Q: You cleaned up at the ACM Awards last year, or at least “I Don’t Want This Night to End” did. Do you have much self-awareness about your status in the music industry?
A: Where I’m at as far as an artist, every dream I’ve ever wanted to come true has, and I’m in the spot that I’ve always dreamed of being. I’m in the upper echelon of performers and singers and writers. If someone comes up to me and says, “You’re the No. 1 cat right now,” that’s very flattering, but I’m just happy to be where I’m at right now.
Q: How is your first headlining tour going so far?
A: Man, it has exceeded every dream I’ve had. Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line are just great touring mates and we’re having an unbelievable time out here on the road.
Q: It looks like there are a couple of unreleased tracks on your forthcoming compilation Spring Break … Here to Party.
A: We put two new ones on there, and then combined all the other Spring Break albums, kind of the best songs on those, and made one physical album, and we’re putting it out. We’re excited about it. It’s gonna be good!
