Riley Green Leads ACM’s Lifting Lives 20th Anniversary Concert with Lauren Alaina, Randy Houser, and More: 5 Highlights
On the evening of May 15, the country music community united at TopGolf in Las Vegas for a concert titled Country on the Green, headlined by Riley Green. This event celebrated the 20th anniversary of Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music (ACM). Since its inception in 2006, Lifting Lives has contributed over $12 million to more than 150 charitable causes.
A Night of Celebration and Support
The concert featured a lineup of notable artists, including Avery Anna, the newly crowned female artist of the year, Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins, and Randy Houser. This gathering occurred just two nights before the ACM Awards, showcasing a blend of established and emerging talent. Each supporting act performed a fast-paced set of four songs, while Green concluded the night with a nine-song performance.
Lifting Lives focuses on providing emergency relief to individuals in the country music industry, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Damon Whiteside, CEO of ACM, highlighted the positive impact of Lifting Lives, stating that it has made a significant difference in people’s lives, helping them maintain their careers in Nashville.
Highlights from the Performances
Avery Anna
Avery Anna opened the evening with a set that showcased her rock-influenced style. She began with a cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears,” followed by her powerful song “Man Downstairs,” which addresses themes of abuse. Her emotional ballad “Indigo” and the viral hit “Blood Runs Thicker,” dedicated to her father, rounded out her performance. Anna’s set demonstrated her ability to tackle serious subjects, setting a compelling tone for the night.
Rodney Atkins
Rodney Atkins faced some initial sound issues during his opener, “Take a Backroad,” but quickly regained momentum with “Farmer’s Daughter.” He shared a personal anecdote about his son, who had gotten in trouble for singing one of his songs. This led into his closing number, “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows),” which resonated with the audience.
Lauren Alaina
Lauren Alaina’s four-song set featured collaborations that have defined her career. She performed “One Beer,” a hit with HARDY, and “What Ifs,” her collaboration with Kane Brown. Alaina delivered a passionate speech about her experiences on American Idol, emphasizing her protective instincts as a mother. She concluded with her first No. 1 hit, “Road Less Traveled,” which encourages self-acceptance and resilience.
Randy Houser
Randy Houser, known for his powerful vocals, opened with “How Country Feels.” He transitioned to his recent release, “Back in the Bottle,” which reflects on regret and nostalgia. His set included the ballad “Like a Cowboy” and concluded with the upbeat “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight,” showcasing his range and connection with the audience.
Riley Green
Riley Green closed the concert with a high-energy set that included his hit “Different ‘Round Here.” His breakthrough song, “There Was This Girl,” prompted fans to capture the moment on their phones. Green performed “You Look Like You Love Me” solo, adding a unique touch to the evening. He also collaborated with Avery Anna on “Don’t Mind If I Do” and concluded with a medley honoring Toby Keith, featuring “Should Have Been a Cowboy” and “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue.”
Lifting Lives’ Ongoing Mission
Lifting Lives not only aids individuals in the country music industry but also supports initiatives like a music camp for those with Williams Syndrome. The organization continues to play a vital role in the community, providing assistance during times of need.
The 61st ACM Awards are set to stream live on Amazon’s Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET.
As reported by www.billboard.com.
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Published on 2026-05-16 18:43:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk