MICKEY GUYTON INSPIRES DURING ACM LIFTING LIVES PERFORMANCE OF “HOLD ON” AT THE 2021 ACM AWARDS

It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Mickey Guyton, but she continues to show her strength as the singer created a poignant moment during her ACM Lifting Lives performance of “Hold On” at the 2021 ACM Awards.

Guyton represented the charitable branch of ACM with her singing of the 2019 track, which was featured on the soundtrack for the film, Breakthrough. Prior to singing the song, Guyton, wearing a long, flowing blue dress, shared, “I wrote this song as a prayer. . . I hope it inspires you to hold on.” She then launched into the performance, singing the powerful song while fog billowed at her feet. Blue and white lights illuminated Guyton as her voice shone through and a small string orchestra provided additional instrumentation. Her impactful vocals during the performance showed great devotion to the song’s meaning, as well as the dedication that the organization strives toward giving all of its recipients.

Halfway through the performance, Guyton turned away from the stage, revealing singers in the seats behind her at the Grand Ole Opry house. When she turned back toward the seats, the singers joined her onstage for a harmonious and triumphant finish.

The 56th Annual ACM Awards marks an unprecedented moment in the show’s history, as well as an important one for Guyton. She is the first Black woman to ever host the accolades after receiving the invite from Keith Urban over the phone.

“Last year I had the opportunity to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards with someone I long admired, Keith Urban, and this year I am incredibly excited to share hosting duties with him,” Guyton previously said about the honor. “As I’ve said before ‘If you can see it, you can be it,’ and it’s such an honor to step onto the ACM stage as the first ever Black woman to host the show. Over the years, the Academy of Country Music has always been a home for me through opportunities both onstage and throughout their work on diversity and inclusion. This is a moment of great significance for me and I am so thrilled to share it with all the fans.”

ACM Lifting Lives is a philanthropic part of the Academy of Country Music, with a mission of helping those in need through the gift of music. The organization has funded music therapy programs for several facilities that aid those dealing with physical and mental adversity.

The 2021 ACM Awards, hosted by Urban and Guyton, broadcast live on Sunday, April 18 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

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