Jason Aldean Honors Luke Bryan With a Heartfelt Speech and Cover of “Someone Else Calling You Baby” at ACM Honors

Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan have far more similarities other than their music. They are both from Georgia, came up in the same class of country musicians, and share strong values of Southern hospitality. In light of these similarities, the two very well could have become heated competitors. Instead, the two have become friends and contemporaries sharing both the stage and fans.

The relationship between Aldean and Bryan came to light once again at the 17th annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Bryan was there due to his nomination and reception of the ACM Lifting Lives Award, and Aldean, who is a former ACM winner, was merely there to pay tribute to his good buddy, Luke Bryan. And he did so with a song and a speech.

Jason Aldean’s Cover of “Someone Else Calling You Baby”

In order to fully honor Bryan, Aldean went deep into Bryan’s catalog by performing his second No. 1 hit, “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” After taking the stage at the Ryman, Aldean gave an impassioned performance in an attempt to shed light not only on Bryan’s illustrious career but also on his songwriting talent.

Aldean clearly articulated the words of Bryan’s hit by shouting the chorus at the top of his lungs. Both the crowd and Bryan were amused and entertained by Aldean’s performance, as it offered them a fresh rendition of the song and an affirmation of the power of friendship.

The Speech

Even though Aldean’s cover of Bryan’s No.1 song seemingly got the job done. It was the speech that shared the true feelings between the two country music giants. In his speech, Aldean stated, “Luke and I both came up in this town together and we totally could have been enemies, rivals, but instead we became best friends.”

Aldean closed out his speech by saying, “I can’t think of anyone more fitting to receive the ACM Lifting Lives Award tonight than my buddy Luke Bryan. Congratulations.” Subsequently, Bryan received his award and shouted in his speech, “I can always count on [Jason.]” A wholesome finish to a wholesome night for a wholesome award. Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean were the highlight of the 2024 ACM honors without a doubt.

Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for ACM

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