I just want to start by saying this whole experience had been extremely surreal! From the very beginning when I first received an email, out of the blue, from ACM Executive Producer RA Clark all the way through today. I never really wanted to get my hopes too high just in case. But here we are, the day of the show…Country Music’s Party of the Year! It’s history making in many ways…it’s the first time ever that it will be steamed exclusively on Prime Video. This year, also welcome the oldest and youngest hosts in history, Dolly Parton and Gabby Barrett, although let’s admit it, Dolly is ageless. Jimmie Allen is also on board as host this year.
For me it’s history making because, well, I’ve never been a voice announcer at the ACMs before, lol. Also, it’s a big deal for a female in country music!!
Tonight some of the biggest stars in country music will take the stage, to perform and to win, and humbly I have a small part in that, well my voice. If I said that I didn’t get a little teary eyed during practices, hearing my voice announce people like Dolly Parton and Jason Aldean, I’d be lying.
I guess I should back up and explain how it all started. (Facepalm emoji here). After an article went out in “Country Aircheck Magazine,” about my APD Kyle Matthews (who is also morning show producer) and I swapping dayparts, (I was previously midday and he was afternoons) I received an email from the Executive Producer of the Academy of Country Music awards asking me to reach out to him. When I did he asked if I would be willing to submit a demo to be the Voice Over Announcer at the ACMs. Who would say no to that??! At the same time I wondered if someone was pranking me. I immediately looked him up online to verify he was the real deal. He was!! The very next day I scrambled and put together a demo tape and sent it off. Then I waited… I didn’t hear anything for a few weeks, so I figured “Oh well guess I didn’t make the cut!” Then I received an email telling me I was still in the running. About two weeks after that, another email that said I was a finalist. And then, it happened! I will never forget it! The day that Dolly Parton was announced as the host of the ACM Awards, I received a call from the EP telling me that I had gotten the job!!! My jaw fell to the ground. I couldn’t catch my breathe, haha!!! I still didn’t quite get how big it was. I asked “Okay so how many segments?” “All of them! You are the official Voice Over Announver!” Did I almost pass out? Yes, yes I did, haha.
That moment led to this one! Here at the show, waiting for it to begin , I just wanted share my journey and tell you how unbelievably grateful I am to be here. I hope you will watch the show, not just for me, although selfishly Of course I want you to hear me, lol, but because this show is going to be HUGE!! You won’t want to miss a moment!!!
