Carly Pearce Delivers Haunting “Whiskey Lullaby” At ACM Honors
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Carly Pearce‘s performance of “Whiskey Lullaby” at the 2026 ACM Honors paid tribute to the legendary Bill Anderson.
On August 19th, country music stars and pillars in the industry gathered at the Pinnacle venue in Nashville, Tennessee, to celebrate the 2026 ACM Honors. Separate from the ACM Awards, the ACM Honors is “dedicated to celebrating special award honorees, off-camera category winners, and ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards.”
Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum served as hosts for the ceremony, and the stacked lineup of performers included Megan Moroney, Dierks Bentley, Trisha Yearwood, Sheryl Crow, Avery Anna, Zach John King, and more.
Bill Anderson Receives The ACM Icon Award
Timeless country artist “Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson was honored with the ACM Icon Award. The distinction celebrates “a Country Music artist, duo/group, or industry leader whose multifaceted contributions across songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, and philanthropic efforts have positively impacted the Country Music genre and community.”
Bill rose to fame in the late 1950s and became one of Country Music’s most successful songwriters and artists. He was the first recipient of the prestigious ACM Poet’s Award in 2008. Additionally, the South Carolina native is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry’s longest-serving member.
Past recipients of the ACM Icon Award include Brooks & Dunn, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, George Jones, and more.
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Watch Carly Pearce Perform “Whiskey Lullaby”
To celebrate the milestone accomplishment, Carly Pearce took the ACM Honors stage to perform one of Bill Anderson’s most successful songs, “Whiskey Lullaby.”
“Whiskey Lullaby” was written by Bill Anderson and Jon Randall. It was recorded as a duet by Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss, and released on Brad’s 2004 album, Mud on the Tires.
The heartbreaking ballad tells the story of a couple who have a painful separation, leading them both to drink themselves to death. It won the CMA Award for Song of the Year in 2005 and was later certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.
Watch Carly Pearce perform “Whiskey Lullaby” at the 2026 ACM Honors below!
