Hosting, Performing, Three Nominations--Dierks Looks To Have A Big Night at Next Week's ACM Awards

Only one week remains to plan your Black-themed party (or at the very least set your DVR)—the Academy of Country Music Awards are Sunday, April 2. And it’s going to be a BIG night for Dierks Bentley.

Next weekend, Dierks returns to host the 52^nd annual ACM Awards with Luke Bryan.

“It’s a great opportunity and a lot of fun,” Dierks said of hosting the ACMs. “Being in Las Vegas gives it a party atmosphere. I had a great time working on the show [last year], from the jokes and the opening monologue to being creative in a different way. And I love Luke!”

In addition to hosting, Dierks is scheduled to perform live at the show (he hinted at performing “Black” in a recent interview!) PLUS he’s nominated for three (deserved—can we say that?!) awards:

• Male Vocalist of the Year
• Album of the Year, Black
• Vocal Event of the Year, Different for Girls, featuring Elle King

The Black album, a risk for Dierks, has earned numerous accolades, including nine nominations between the ACM, CMA and Grammy awards. It received a GOLD certification in February; it’s the only album in the ACM “Album of the Year” category to have reached this mark.

“Different For Girls” was named the CMA Musical Event of the Year at the 2016 awards show. The song Dierks “lost sleep about” has reached people on a relatable level. He believes having Elle as the female vocal lead helped with that success.

“She took a song that was a great song and made it a Grammy-worthy song!”

While, according to Dierks, hosting the show makes performing at it easier, running the show has its own stressors. On the heels of the Oscars flub earlier this year, Dierks had a realization about hosting this year's ACM Awards.

“The [Oscars] taught us that no matter how prepared we are or how great we do up there, as long as there’s a huge screw up at the end, that’s all they’re going to talk about."

So, they came up with a plan to prevent mishaps.

If something goes wrong, they decided Luke will have a wardrobe malfunction.

“At least that way everyone talks about that and not the show,” Dierks joked.

With a night full of fun, talent and recognition, next Sunday is guaranteed to be a memorable night (for Dierks, especially) as country music takes over Las Vegas.

The ACM Awards are Sunday, April 2, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on CBS.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

New Dierks Song Released on Movie Soundtrack

Since Dierks Bentley’s first album, where he soon defined his place in country music, and through each album release since, fans have been craving new music. We can’t get enough.

Well, Congress, a musical snack was unveiled to whet your appetite as we eagerly await another album.

“Days of Dark” was just released on the original motion picture soundtrack “The Shack.” The movie, which hit theaters this weekend, tells the story of an unfathomable family tragedy and how they were transformed in a powerful way.

Number nine on the soundtrack, Dierks’ “Days of Dark” has been defined as a personal anthem for anyone who has lost hope. When facing struggles or wanting to give up, all you have to do is turn on this propelling, "emotionally uplifting" song. Laden with metaphors, the lyrics define personal darkness then morph into a story of light.

With his iconic “smoked gravel” voice carrying the song through, and an opportunity to open up his vocal range, it’s clear this song is classic Dierks. Through each brilliant verse, chorus and bridge, the Dierks we’ve loved over the last eight albums rings through. As would be needed with a story as powerful as this song tells, the music itself is strong enough to carry the positive message through, starting from the first note.

Dierks recently sat down to discuss the writing of "Days of Dark" and the honor he feels in being part of this movie:



The soundtrack is available through iTunes, Amazon music, pretty much anywhere music is sold. You can hear the song here:

“Days of Dark” was written by Dierks Bentley, Josh Osborne, and Ryan Tyndell.

Others featured on the soundtrack include country artists such as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, and Brett Eldredge.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Dierks Bentley and Jon Pardi get "Strait" to classic country on the "What The Hell" Tour

Whether you were born wearing cowgirl boots or just donned your first pair at a recent "What The Hell" Tour concert, there are some country classics with which everyone can sing along. 

So when Dierks Bentley and Jon Pardi decided to have some extra fun on tour, honoring one of their biggest heroes was just too good to pass up.

Man, did they do it justice.

During a recent “What the Hell” Tour concert, Dierks and Jon, after a time of banter and joking with the crowd, led the band (and entire audience!) in the George Strait 1987 hit “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.”

One fan* posted a video of this talented performance, which you can watch here (song begins at 1:57):

George Strait holds a special place in Dierks’ heart. Early in his career, Dierks had the privilege of opening for George on tour. At one of those concerts, Dierks met up with his childhood sweetheart, Cassidy, again (who would later become his wife!). On that same tour, when in Dierks’ hometown of Phoenix, Ariz., George played “I Just Want to Dance With You” because he knew it was Dierks’ mom’s favorite song.

From growing up listening to George through his parents, to opening for George on tour, to now headlining his own show and paying homage to his hero, Dierks certainly has a connection with King George.

As Dierks said in a recent interview, “He is tied into my family in many, many ways.”

One more unforgettable way was just added to those memories. It was worth every mile.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe


*Thank you to YouTube user "shyloh durocher" for the video.

Dierks' Music Gets 'All The Way' To Those Who Listen

Ten years down the road, is this going to be something we look back on and say, ‘We should have done that’?”

 

Yes, those words came out of my mouth when presenting the Jet Black VIP Experience opportunity to my husband. 

 

And it worked.

 

See, he’s been a dedicated supporter of our president (Dierks Bentley) since, “What Was I Thinkin’” so this was an easy sell. What was most surprising to him was I was the one doing the asking.

 

The biggest reason? Just two weeks before, I didn’t listen to country music. At all.

 

I sealed my fate when I got him bleacher seat concert tickets to see Dierks in Puyallup, Wash., last September. For some reason, I couldn’t wait to go, despite my lack of knowing really any of the songs. My anticipation was not misplaced. 

 

Since you’re reading this, you know what happens next.

 

I fell in love right then and there. The music, the lyrics, the passion, the personality. It’s life’s soundtrack heard through a band full of talent and a voice full of whiskey honey!

 

My album collection grew by eight that night and I cannot stop listening. 

 

When the Vancouver, BC, concert was announced, we couldn’t miss reliving the experience from the front. So I joined the Congress, got our VIP tickets, put my name in for the Meet & Greet lottery, booked the trip and set a countdown timer. Four. Long. Months.

 

Every Mile a Memory

We are at Roger Arena early. We’re in a different country, unfamiliar territory, and have no clue what to expect. Apparently we’re there too early because we’re the first in line. This is the right gate, right?

 

 

When the doors finally open, we’re greeted with excitement and our “runway” VIP gift. First in the room, we grab our whiskeys and stand front and center, awaiting the private concert with 100 other VIPs.

 

In one of those “Is this really happening right now?” moments, Dierks and the band walk in the room and land two feet in front of us. This moment I’ve been dreaming about is real.

 

With nods to the little white tank tops around the room, and excitement about how the concert will be if this is how the pre-show is, Dierks casually asks, “What do you want to hear?”

 

People ask for the classics such as “Free and Easy” and “I Hold On” and new hits “Pick Up” and “All The Way To Me.” One woman in the back even raised her hand to be called upon, causing a dumbfounded laugh from Dierks, saying, “I don’t believe anyone has ever raised their hand at one of these!”

 

Thirty unforgettable minutes later, it’s time to go to the big show. That’s 30 minutes that were worth every minute of waiting and every penny to get in the door.

 

A mass exodus ensues as VIP ticket holders swarm the standing-only pit to get the best vantage point possible. My husband gets a spot touching the stage. 

He’s on his own for that one, though, because just six days before, my email arrived. I have been selected for the Meet and Greet experience!

 

Standing in line with 30 Congress lottery and radio contest winners, it’s our turn to shake hands with the man himself.

 

I don’t want this opportunity in a stereotypical fan girl fashion. I want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. Thank you for taking time to meet with those in the Congress. Thank you for changing lives with music that gets all the way to those who listen.

 

In that moment, I, in the chaos of people and 100 decibels, know without a doubt I have Dierks’ complete attention and appreciation. That’s just like him, though, isn’t it? He cares about his fans and appreciates our support. After 14 years in the industry, he hasn’t gotten too big for his Levis.

 

 Reaching out to the fans, walking into the audience, fist-bumping the crowd, Dierks and the band connect with every concert-goer in the arena. The talent and entertainment value are unprecedented. No matter where you sit, you’re in for a memorable show. 

 

I know because four months before I watched from the back row. I do have to say, though, front row certainly does have its advantages. 

 

There are just some things that can’t be replaced.

 

Jessica Borrelli

DB Congress Rep, WA

@AllTheWayToMe