HARDY paid tribute to Eric Church with a cover of a ballad that appeared on the North Carolina-born country star’s 2011 record.

Church received the ACM Icon Award during the 18th annual ACM Honors, which was hosted at the new “cutting-edge” venue, The Pinnacle, last month in Nashville, Tennessee. It aired during a three-hour special episode of CMT Hot 20: ACM Honors Edition on Saturday (September 27). HARDY, who recently released his latest studio album, took the stage with “Homeboy,” which Church wrote with Casey Beathard. The song is one of 11 tracks that appears on Chief, Church’s third studio album, along with “Drink In My Hand,” “Springsteen” and more.

The ACM Icon Award honors “Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his Country Music career. This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts,” according to the Academy of Country Music.

“Eric Church, who has received seven ACM Awards, has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre, blending elements of blues, rock, and outlaw country while continuing to explore new, unique sounds and inviting the genre to follow,” the Academy of Country Music continued in a press release issued over the summer. “Known as a voice of rebellion defined by authenticity within mainstream Country Music, Church has continued a commitment to his sound while honoring the genre’s roots. As he approaches the two-decade mark of defining what Country Music can be, he continues to further expand his influence as a leader, serving as a North Star for rising artists while also using his platform for good. In addition to spearheading the Concert for Carolina alongside Luke Combs to raise more than $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts, Church’s October 2024 release, ‘Darkest Hour,’ saw the superstar signing over all of his publishing royalties to the people of North Carolina to provide immediate relief while also providing ongoing funds to support a more resilient future for his home state. His fearless approach to both his music and his career path has made him a lasting influence and a true icon of Country Music.”

Carly Pearce returned to host the ACM Honors for her fifth consecutive year. This time, she teamed up with first-time co-host Russell Dickerson. The pair hosted the televised special alongside CMT’s Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner. Pearce and Dickerson also performed during the ACM Honors, along with Luke Bryan, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Amy Grant and more. Honorees included Church, Cody Johnson, Lori Badgett, Luke Combs, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jelly Roll, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, “Twisters,” Ben Vaughn, and Lainey Wilson. Watch HARDY’s performance below.

Jess Jennings