SOURCE Academy of Country Music
Winners have been announced for the 50th ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded ceremony broadcast LIVE tonight on the CBS Television Network from AT&T Stadium, Home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, TX. The Awards show moved to Texas for the first time ever in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Fans named Luke Bryan as Entertainer of the Year, the evening’s biggest honor and his second win in this category. The 50th ACM Awards broke the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Highest Attendance at an Awards Show Broadcast with a total of 70,252 fans in attendance.
Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Reba, George Strait, Taylor Swift, and Brooks & Dunnwere honored with the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award and presented with an exclusive trophy designed by America’s premier jewelry and timepiece designer, David Yurman. Like the jewelry designs of David Yurman, this ACM trophy is a timeless piece of craftsmanship that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Jason Aldean won Male Vocalist of the Year for the third consecutive year. Aldean has won an overall total of eight ACM Awards.
Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year for the sixth consecutive year, setting a new record for the most consecutive wins in that category. Lambert also won Album of the Year for Platinum, and Song of the Year for “Automatic” as artist and songwriter, that made her the leading winner of the night with a total of four awards.
Little Big Town won Vocal Group of the Year award for the second time, making this their fourth overall ACM win.
Florida Georgia Line won Vocal Duo of the Year, marking their second win of the night after previously accepting the award for Vocal Event of the Year. They have won an overall total of five ACM Awards since 2012.
Cole Swindell won New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s Department Stores, a fan-voted category. This award marks his first-ever ACM Award win.
Prior to the show, Florida Georgia Line won Vocal Event of the Year for “This Is How We Roll” featuring Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley won Video of the Year for “Drunk on a Plane.” The artists were surprised with the award on the red carpet during the LIVE ACM pre-show.
Additionally, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ made several surprise presentations throughout the evening.Alabama has set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Most Consecutive Wins as ACM Entertainer of the Year. Alabama was honored with the Academy’s most prestigious honor five years in a row between 1981 and 1985. Brooks & Dunn set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles for the Most Wins for ACM Vocal Duo of the Year, which they won 16 times, and Most Consecutive Wins for ACM Vocal Duo of the Year which they won eight times. Rascal Flatts has set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles for the Most Consecutive Wins for ACM Vocal Group of the Year and Most Wins for Vocal Group of the Year. The band won the award for both of these categories seven times in a row from 2002-2008.
Next year’s ACM Party for a Cause® Festival® will be bigger than ever. Extended to a three-night musical event on April 1st-3rd, the festival will take place in the heart of Las Vegas at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds and feature two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood, two-time ACM award winner Dierks Bentley, and four-time ACM Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney. For more information go to ACMPartyforaCause.com. Tickets go on sale on April 27th on Ticketmaster.com.
Following is the list of winners in the 11 categories voted on by the membership (excluding the Entertainer of the Year and New Artist categories, which were voted on by a combination of professional ACM members and fans):
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Bryan
Male Vocalist of the year
Jason Aldean
Female Vocalist of the year
Miranda Lambert
Vocal Duo of the year
Florida Georgia Line
Vocal Group OF THE YEAR
Little Big Town
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Cole Swindell
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Platinum – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville
Single Record of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice
Producer: Lee Brice
Record Label: Curb Records
Song of the Year [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
Automatic – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), Wruckestrike (BMI)
Video of the Year [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)
Drunk On A Plane – Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Clarke Gallivan
Vocal Event of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]*(Off Camera Award)
This Is How We Roll – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Luke Bryan
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Republic Nashville
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Dragon Ball Daima – A Fresh, Nostalgic Adventure for Dragon Ball Fans
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dragon Ball Daima has landed on Crunchyroll, and it’s a wild, unexpected, yet nostalgic ride that blends the classic energy of Dragon Ball with some bold new twists. This latest addition to the Dragon Ball universe doesn’t just revive the beloved characters and world – it reimagines them, serving up fan-favorite elements while introducing some surprises that make it feel fresh.
In Dragon Ball Daima, the story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious magic spell transforms Goku, Vegeta, and others into children. This reversion back to childlike forms brings a fun, youthful energy to the series that harks back to Dragon Ball GT. Yet, unlike GT, which was often divisive among fans, Daima leverages the “de-aging” twist to delve into new adventures with an old-school vibe. As the characters face familiar threats with newfound challenges in their younger bodies, the plot offers a balance of high-stakes action and a humorous, nostalgic tone that longtime fans will love.
Toei Animation outdid themselves with Dragon Ball Daima. The colors are vibrant, the action sequences are fluid, and the character designs blend the retro look of Dragon Ball Z with a modern twist. The reimagined character designs – especially seeing iconic fighters like Vegeta and Goku as kids again – add a fresh visual layer that makes the series feel lighthearted yet intense, capturing the unique spirit of Dragon Ball.
One of the best aspects of Daima is how it allows fans to reconnect with the characters in a fun new context. Goku’s mischievous personality shines in his younger form, and seeing Vegeta adjusting to being small again is a constant source of amusement. Their dynamic is still strong, yet with new challenges in the mix. The voice acting is top-notch, with Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta) bringing the characters to life in ways that feel familiar yet fresh.
Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t hold back on the action, delivering the classic fast-paced, energy-charged battles that fans love, albeit with some interesting limitations due to the characters’ transformed states. The action scenes are a perfect blend of old and new, with each battle sequence bringing out the strategic side of the characters as they work around their changed abilities. The pacing is also well-balanced, keeping the story engaging without feeling rushed or dragging on.
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Anime Review: Tower of God
Rating: 8.5/10
Tower of God is a unique anime that dives deep into a mysterious world filled with peril, ambition, and complex character motivations. Based on the popular South Korean webtoon by SIU, the series combines fantasy, action, and psychological drama in a way that keeps viewers engaged with every episode.
The story follows Bam, a boy who’s spent his entire life in a dark cave until he meets Rachel, his only friend. When Rachel disappears to climb the mysterious Tower in search of something greater, Bam sets out to find her, stepping into a world full of strange creatures, powerful individuals, and unyielding rules. The Tower promises anything to those who reach the top, from wealth to power, and even the realization of one’s deepest desires. However, each level is a deadly challenge, and Bam soon discovers that the Tower’s residents—both friends and foes—have their own motives and secrets.
The art style is unique, slightly rough but incredibly fitting for the otherworldly setting of the Tower. While some of the animation might feel less polished compared to high-budget series, Tower of God’s style has an authentic, almost raw feel that captures the danger and mystery of each level. The color palette shifts from dark tones to striking colors, setting the mood for each scene and making the intense battles and emotional moments stand out.
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its cast. Bam, the protagonist, is intriguing as he starts naive and innocent but quickly grows more complex as he learns the reality of climbing the Tower. Khun, a strategic and cunning character, becomes a fan favorite due to his loyalty and calculated mindset. Then there’s Rak, a battle-hungry giant with a hilarious personality, bringing some much-needed humor. The character dynamics are strong, and each character’s backstory adds depth, making them feel real and memorable.
Tower of God explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. It also delves into how power and desire shape individuals and relationships. The Tower itself serves as a metaphor for the hurdles people face in pursuit of what they want most, and it challenges the characters’ morals and values along the way.
Soundtrack: The soundtrack, composed by Kevin Penkin, is exceptional and elevates the anime to another level. The music captures the mystery and tension of the Tower while bringing an almost haunting beauty to the series. Tracks like “Against the Sky” are intense and epic, fitting the show’s dramatic tone.
Tower of God is a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy and psychological thrillers. It combines a complex storyline with unpredictable twists, layered characters, and thought-provoking themes. However, it does leave some questions unanswered and ends on a cliffhanger, so it may feel incomplete without a continuation. Overall, Tower of God offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre and a deep, rewarding journey up the Tower for anyone willing to follow Bam’s quest.
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Anime Review: A Certain Scientific Railgun
Rating: 9/10
A Certain Scientific Railgun is an electrifying anime that mixes superpowers with science fiction in a city brimming with secrets. It’s part of the Toaru (A Certain) franchise, which also includes A Certain Magical Index, but it stands out by focusing on the everyday lives, struggles, and mysteries surrounding some of Academy City’s most intriguing characters. Railgun captures the blend of friendship, science, and action, wrapped in a plot filled with suspense and heartfelt moments.
The story revolves around Mikoto Misaka, a powerful “Level 5” esper known as “Railgun” for her ability to shoot electricity like a railgun. Set in Academy City, a futuristic place dedicated to advancing human potential, the series follows Misaka and her friends—Kuroko Shirai, a teleporting “Judgment” officer; Ruiko Saten, a Level 0 with no esper abilities; and Kazari Uiharu, a cheerful tech enthusiast. The story flows between slice-of-life moments and intense action arcs, especially as Misaka digs deeper into Academy City’s dark side.
Each season introduces distinct plot arcs, like the “Level Upper” arc, where a mysterious device temporarily boosts students’ powers with dangerous side effects, and the “Sisters” arc, which reveals a shocking experiment involving Misaka’s DNA and a massive cloning project. The story is well-paced, taking viewers from lighter episodes that build relationships and humor to episodes packed with suspense and powerful emotional twists.
The animation by J.C. Staff is fantastic. Academy City feels vibrant and alive, with futuristic buildings, labs, and tech that set a high standard for a sci-fi city. The fight scenes are beautifully animated, especially when Misaka uses her electricity powers, creating brilliant sparks and electric blue streaks that are visually stunning. The art style balances the serious with a light, polished touch, keeping the show visually appealing across action-packed and everyday scenes alike.
The heart of Railgun is its cast. Mikoto Misaka is a strong, complex protagonist who’s both a powerful esper and a kind, sometimes awkward teenager. Her determination to protect others, combined with her own vulnerability, makes her a compelling character. Kuroko adds humor and loyalty as her supportive friend and partner, often lightening tense moments. Saten and Uiharu, while less powerful, bring warmth and relatability, especially as they grapple with what it means to be “Level 0” in a society that values power.
One of the most memorable aspects of Railgun is how it balances power dynamics and character development. Unlike many shows focused solely on high-powered heroes, Railgun values its entire cast, showing how even ordinary people play vital roles in challenging corruption and protecting the city.
A Certain Scientific Railgun dives into themes of friendship, power, and ethics, especially the moral cost of scientific advancement. The series raises questions about the value of one’s abilities versus character, and how people handle failure or the absence of power. Misaka’s personal journey, especially in the Sisters arc, highlights the responsibilities that come with power, as she learns her DNA was used to create clones exploited for a deadly experiment. This arc adds emotional weight to the series, as Misaka battles guilt, anger, and a desire to right the wrongs done in her name.
The soundtrack in Railgun is energetic and fitting, enhancing the tone of every scene, whether it’s a high-stakes battle or a quiet moment among friends. The opening themes, especially “Only My Railgun” by fripSide, are iconic and perfectly capture Misaka’s fierce, independent spirit. The background music subtly enhances each scene, adding a layer of suspense, excitement, or warmth as needed.
Final Thoughts: A Certain Scientific Railgun is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and action anime with strong character development. It manages to deliver both powerful story arcs and entertaining slice-of-life moments, giving viewers a sense of attachment to Academy City and its residents. The storylines are not only thrilling but thought-provoking, making you question the impact of scientific progress on human lives.
While it helps to know a bit about the Toaru universe, Railgun stands on its own with an engaging story and cast that will appeal to newcomers and seasoned fans alike. With thrilling fights, heartwarming friendships, and an electrifying main character, A Certain Scientific Railgun is a standout in the genre. If you’re looking for a series that’s equal parts action, heart, and intrigue, this is it.