Third time’s a charm!
Dan + Shay— comprisingDan SmyersandShay Mooney— just earned theACM Awardfor duo of the year for the third consecutive year Sunday night.
“This is absolutely incredible to be standing on stage here at the Bluebird,” said Smyers, 33, as he accepted the award from actorLeslie Jordan. “I remember visiting this place over 10 years ago before I moved to Nashville with dreams of being a songwriter in this town. I’m still just as excited every single day getting to wake up and write country music.”
Then Mooney, 29, gave his thanks. “This is so special. I want to thank God for this guy. Thank you for doing this [with me],” he said. “My wife Hannah, my two little boys, Ames and Asher and country radio, country fans, thank you for being here with us, we love you guys.”
Dan + Shay.Terry Wyatt/ACMA2021/Getty
Check out PEOPLE’s fullACM Awards coverageto get the latest news on one of country music’s biggest nights.
The duo — who won the same award for the third year in a row — hit the stage earlier tonight to perform their track “Glad You Exist.”
Last year, the duo earned nominations for their track withJustin Bieber, “10,000 Hours,” and spoke to PEOPLE after earning the first award of the night.
“Means more to us now more than ever. Not being able to feel the love from fans right now so getting to do something like this, it means a lot,” Mooney told PEOPLE. “Right now more than ever it’s such an honor to be recognized. It never gets old.”
“Now more than ever every touring artist feels that thankfulness,” he continued. “We know it can be taken away just like that. And so to have things like this is great. We’re feeling thankful especially at this time.”
Also nominated in the duo of the year category with Dan + Shay wereBrooks & Dunn,Brothers Osborne,Florida Georgia LineandMaddie & Tae.
The 2021 ACM Awards are airing live from Nashville Sunday from 8-11 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+
source: people.com
