Country singer Jimmie Allen made history at the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards after nabbing the new male artist of the year gong.
As the first Black artist to win in the category, the Best Shot crooner explained why he hopes his historic win will help inspire others to pursue a career as country music artists.
Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, the 34-year-old singer-songwriter stated: ‘The impact of my success is always something I think about. Because whether I choose to acknowledge it or not, there are a lot of aspiring country artists that look like me in a format where artists that look like us are very few.
‘So, it’s always in my mind to move forward, to work hard, to try to be successful not only for me but for others trying to find a home in country music when they might not always feel welcome.’
Jimmie famously fell in love with country music thanks to his late father’s admiration for the music genre, and he explained why the recognition he landed at this year’s ceremony was so special.
The Good Times Roll singer said: ‘To me, [this win] means that the music I’m making and everything I’m doing in my career – people across the industry and music lovers are appreciating what I do.’
Reflecting on winning the award after the tough year we’ve all just faced, he continued: ‘No matter if/when I would’ve received the award, it would’ve been special.
‘But it was great to be able to give people music in a time where everyone was trying to figure life out, and how to move forward in the current state of reality.’
The hitmaker found out about his week well before Sunday night’s ceremony, meaning he didn’t have to worry about that when taking the stage live from the Bluebird Cafe.
Jimmie was joined by Brad Paisley for a rendition of their track Freedom Way A Highway and he explained why he was still feeling the nerves on the night.
He explained: ‘Winning before the ceremony was great. It gave me confidence going into my performance; I could focus on performing and not on whether I won or not.
‘I was definitely nervous about performing, but at least I only had to be nervous about one thing.’
As for where the singer will be keeping his shiny new gong, he admitted: ‘I’m not sure yet, but I’m definitely going to carry it with me wherever I go for at least a month. I worked hard for this thing so I’m not putting it down anywhere, anytime soon!’
ACM Awards 2021 winners list
Entertainer of the year
Luke Bryan
Female artist of the year
Maren Morris
Male artist of the year
Thomas Rhett
Duo of the year
Dan + Shay
Group of the year
Old Dominion
New female artist of the year
Gabby Barrett
New male artist of the year
Jimmie Allen
Album of the year
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
Single of the year
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
Song of the year
The Bones – Maren Morris
Music event of the year
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
Music video of the year
Worldwide Beautiful – Kane Brown
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