OK, it’s all big news.
Taylor Swift is returning to her country roots in a HUGE way. She’s going to perform on the Academy of Country Music Awards live from Nashville THIS WEDNESDAY September 16th.
She’s singing “Betty,” the maybe-lesbian song from “Folklore,” and the best song on the album, I think.
This ACM is historic because for the first time in the show’s history, the awards will take place in Nashville, broadcasting from three iconic Country Music venues: Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, and The Bluebird Cafe.
It’s unclear from which of these famous places Taylor will sing. My guess is the Grand Ole Opry House.
“Folklore” has sold 1.5 million copies and is the album of the year, frankly. This appearance should push it over the top, bringing Taylor back to the very fervent country music crowd. This will also be good for CBS.
Other performers on the show include Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Old Dominion and Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi, Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani, Tenille Townes, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Trisha Yearwood.
Now follow this: the ACM Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which also produces the pop American Music Awards in November. Last year, Taylor got a Lifetime Achievement Award from the AMAs and sang a medley of old hits. She held the new songs from “Lover” for the Grammys, but was snubbed by them and didn’t make an appearance. Also, her “Cats” Oscar aspirations went up in smoke. So now “Folklore” is a monster and there will be a lot of jockeying for her. Get ready for some fun negotiating!
Meantime: here’s “Betty,” which will be a single, and be Taylor’s biggest hit yet.
