Dan + Shay are continuing their reign as the Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards. Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney have won the category two years in a row, but say it is especially meaningful to be honored in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Honestly, this means more to us now than ever,” Shay shared at a virtual press conference during the ACM Awards ceremony. “I think we haven’t had that experience of being able to go out and tour and to kind of feel that from fans … be able to go out there and really feel how our career is going. It’s kind of been a blank slate up to this point of not really knowing what’s going on. So getting to do something like this, and have recognition from our peers and from the Academy of Country Music, it means a lot.
“In those months that we were not doing a lot and kind of wondering what was going to happen, and just a lot of unknowns, right know more than ever, it just feels really great to be here, and be recognized,” he added. “It’s an incredible honor. It never gets old. Even being nominated, we’re just blown away every year, and thankful that we get to do this.”
After moving the ACM Awards from April to September, and from Las Vegas to Nashville, neither of the guys minded that there wasn’t a live audience, or any hanging out backstage.
“This whole thing, obviously the precautions that they’ve put in place — we’re very, very thankful for,” Shay said. “It all just looks very different. We’re used to being in Vegas. It’s nice to be back here and Nashville and have it, I think for the very first time, be a part of that history. It’s all a little bit crazy, and it feels very different than anyone’s used to.
“We’re just thankful to be here, and I think that everyone’s excited,” he continued. “We’re starting to work again, and actually be able to do things like this, and have this awards show. We’re very thankful for that. Even though it looks very different, we’re able to enjoy live music, and actually be able to see some of our friends, even if it is at a distance.”
Dan + Shay, who performed their new single, “I Should Probably Go to Bed,” were grateful to be part of the ACM Awards, although Dan admitted it did make him a bit nostalgic for previous years.
“It’s an interesting situation,” Dan said. “We’ve all been tested for COVID all week. Everybody’s been healthy….it’s been great. I think people are still taking a lot of precautions. They’re trying to keep people as separated as possible. Country music is such a family, as we all know. If somebody’s passing by in the hallway, it’s hard not to give them a hug. We’re being respectful of the precautions being taken. It’s the right thing to do, but it’s nice to see your friends across the way.”
See a list of all the ACM Awards winners here.