Introduction
The Oak Ridge Boys Present the Group of the Year Award at the 60th ACM Awards
The atmosphere inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas was electric on the night of the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. It was a celebration of the genre’s brightest stars, timeless legends, and the songs that had shaped an entire year in country music. Among the evening’s most anticipated appearances was that of The Oak Ridge Boys — the legendary quartet whose harmonies had been a cornerstone of the genre for decades.
When the lights dimmed and the announcer’s voice rang out, the crowd erupted as Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban took the stage. Dressed sharp in classic country style — Golden’s trademark flowing beard and cowboy hat catching the spotlight — the group moved with the ease and confidence of men who had performed on countless stages over their storied career.
“Good evening, friends,” Bonsall began, his voice warm and welcoming. “We’ve had the honor of being part of this great country music family for a long time, and tonight, it’s our privilege to celebrate the incredible talent we’ve seen this year.”
As they stood before the audience, the camaraderie between the four men was clear. They shared quick glances and smiles, perhaps remembering the many times they had been on the other side of such moments — nominees hoping to hear their own names called.
Allen spoke next, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the artists nominated for Group of the Year. “These groups don’t just make great music,” he said, “they live it — night after night, on the road, in the studio, and in the hearts of their fans.”
Sterban, with his signature deep bass voice, added the final lead-up. “The nominees for Group of the Year are…” His rich tone gave the announcement the weight of tradition, as images and clips of the nominees played across the massive screens behind them.
When the moment came, Bonsall opened the envelope with a flourish. “And the ACM Award for Group of the Year goes to…” The crowd leaned in, and cheers erupted as the winning group’s name echoed through the hall. The camera cut to the victors — beaming, hugging one another, and making their way to the stage to accept the award from the hands of country music royalty.
Before leaving the stage, The Oak Ridge Boys received a standing ovation from the audience — not just for their role as presenters, but for their decades of contributions to country music. In a night dedicated to honoring excellence, their presence was a reminder of the genre’s rich history and the legends who continue to inspire the next generation.
As the show moved on to the next performance, one thing was clear: moments like these — where the past meets the present — are what make the ACM Awards a true celebration of country music’s enduring spirit.