acm-awards-2021-hit-record-low-ratings

ACM Awards 2021 Hit Record-Low Ratings

Last night the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards saw a record-low in viewer ratings. But why were the ACM Awards so low?

For the 56th annual ACM Awards, the show was one for the record books, but not in a good way. 

ACM Awards on the Decline

According to Deadline, The hybrid ceremony “drew a 0.8 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic and 6.08 million viewers in early Nielsen Live+Same Day numbers, marking the lowest-rated and least-watched ACM Awards to date but still topping all of broadcast in the demo and drew larger audience than its network competitors combined.” 

Last year, the ACM’s reportedly raked in 6.60 million viewers. Furthermore, that number was down six-tenths in the demo from 2019. 

The show itself did not have a live audience, and many of the performances were pre-recorded at notable locations around Nashville. Some of these places include the Ryman Auditorium, the Bluebird Cafe, and the Grand Ole Opry. 

The ACM Awards also ran into a string of technical difficulties throughout the show that has fans pretty fired up online. 

Last Night’s Leader Board

Last night, CBS finished number one in ratings with the help of the most viewed program of the night, which was 60 Minutes at 7 p.m. The ACM Awards also helped the station significantly, driving in the most demos and viewers. 

ABC finished second last night due to the two-hour American Idol episode, which featured Luke Bryan’s comeback as judge after overcoming COVID. The singing competition boasted 4.64 million viewers. 

Last night Luke Bryan also won the title of Entertainer of the Year at the ACM Awards. 

Finally, NBC came in at number three due to its hour-long special on the COVID vaccine. The Roll Up Your Sleeve program was hosted by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, music artist Ciara. It also featured President Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, as well as other Hollywood celebrities. NBC clocked in 1.37 million viewers off the special. 

The Winners Circle

In addition to Luke Bryan’s significant win at the ACM Awards, Thomas Rhett took home the trophy for Male Artist of the Year. Maren Morris won Female Artist of the Year while also winning the Song of the Year for her hit “The Bones.” Carley Pearce and Lee Brice claimed the win for Single of the Year for their song, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” 

See the fun list of nominees and winners on the ACM Awards website, or just click here.