FCHS grad performing as backup singer at Wednesday’s Academy of Country Music Awards – State-Journal.com
Grayson Thurman
What does 2019 Franklin County High School graduate Grayson Thurman have in common with country singer Kane Brown?
They will be sharing the Grand Ole Opry House stage during the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards on Wednesday evening. The show, which will be hosted by current ACM Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban, will air on CBS (Frankfort Plant Board channels 6 and 506) and CBS All Access at 8 p.m.
“I’m honored to be asked to perform with Kane Brown alongside my fellow Belmont (University) students on the Grand Ole Opry House stage,” Thurman told The State Journal.
No stranger to the bright lights, Thurman, who won the Pigeon Forge Path to Fame talent competition in 2019, will perform as a backup singer to Brown during the awards show. The performance of the song “Worldwide Beautiful” was taped Monday at the iconic Nashville venue.
From left are Path To Fame judge John Alexander, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism Executive Director Leon Downey, Path To Fame judge Michael Headla, 2019 Path To Fame grand champion Grayson Thurman, a Frankfort resident, Path To Fame judge Kyle Grainger and Jeff Taylor. (Photo courtesy of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism)
“I’ve had some great opportunities since winning Pigeon Forge’s Path to Fame talent competition last year, but this one is really exciting,” he added.
A Frankfort native, Thurman is a sophomore majoring in commercial music/vocal music with an emphasis on music business at Belmont University in Nashville, where the ACM Awards are being broadcast for the first time.
The original April date in Las Vegas was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Another difference this year is that musicians’ performances will be broadcast from three iconic Music City stages — Ryman Auditorium, the Bluebird Café and the Grand Ole Opry House.
“While the ACM show looks different this year, and so does the Path To Fame Talent competition, it’s wonderful to see live music coming back and being celebrated even if it’s virtual,” Thurman stated.
The ACM Awards will feature performances from a variety of musicians.
The five nominees for ACM Entertainer of the Year — Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood —will kick off the show with a medley of their greatest hits.
After a seven-year hiatus, Taylor Swift will return to the ACM stage. Urban and pop artist P!NK will also premiere their song “One Too Many.”
In addition to Brown, other artists performing include Trisha Yearwood; Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani; Kelsea Ballerini; Gabby Barrett; Maren Morris; Old Dominion; Jon Pardi; Jimmie Allen; Miranda Lambert; Natalie Hemby; Luke Dick; Tim McGraw; Eric Church; Dan + Shay; Florida Georgia Line; Mickey Guyton; and Morgan Wallen.
Thurman said he is grateful for the support of the Frankfort community — especially his family, friends and fellow church members at Forks of the Elkhorn Baptist.