What Is 22nd Academy of Country Music Awards

Overview

The 22nd Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated the best in country music for 1986, recognizing artists, songs, and albums that defined the genre during that year. Held on May 11, 1987, the ceremony highlighted a transitional era in country music, bridging traditional sounds with emerging crossover styles.

Hosted by country music icons Reba McEntire and Roy Clark, the event took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, continuing the ACMs' tradition of showcasing country talent on a major West Coast stage. The night featured performances, tributes, and competitive categories that reflected the genre's evolving landscape.

• May 11, 1987 marks the official date of the 22nd Academy of Country Music Awards, a Monday night event broadcast nationally.
• Reba McEntire, already a rising star, co-hosted for the first time, marking the beginning of her long association with the ACMs.
• Roy Clark, a veteran entertainer and former ACM host, brought seasoned charm and musical credibility to the evening.
• The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles has hosted numerous ACM Awards, providing a grand, historic venue for country music’s West Coast celebration.
• This ceremony occurred during a pivotal year when new traditionalist artists like Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam were revitalizing country music’s core sound.

How It Works

The Academy of Country Music Awards operates through a nomination and voting process managed by ACM members, including industry professionals and artists. Categories are determined by genre-specific achievements over the eligibility period, typically covering the previous calendar year.

• Eligibility Period: For the 22nd ACM Awards, recordings and performances from January 1 to December 31, 1986 were considered for honors.
• Voting Members: Only paid members of the Academy of Country Music, including artists, producers, and executives, are eligible to vote in most categories.
• Nomination Process: A screening committee reviews submissions and compiles a list of finalists, typically five nominees per category, though some have more.
• Winner Selection: Winners are determined by a majority vote among ACM members, with ballots submitted electronically or by mail.
• Host Selection: Hosts are chosen based on popularity, stage presence, and past involvement with the ACMs, such as Reba McEntire’s growing fame in the late 1980s.
• Award Categories: The 22nd ACMs included major awards like Entertainer of the Year, Top Male/Female Vocalist, and Top New Artist, reflecting key industry roles.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top winners and nominees at the 22nd ACM Awards versus the previous year’s 21st ceremony.

This comparison shows a shift in momentum toward neotraditional country artists. Randy Travis dominated multiple categories, signaling a return to traditional country roots after the genre’s pop-influenced 1970s and early 1980s era. George Strait’s dual win in Entertainer and Top Male Vocalist solidified his status as a leading figure in country music.

Why It Matters

The 22nd ACM Awards marked a turning point in country music history, as artists like Randy Travis and George Strait helped redefine the genre’s sound and direction. The event reflected broader industry trends and set the stage for country’s mainstream resurgence in the late 1980s and 1990s.

• Randy Travis’s success at the 22nd ACMs signaled the industry’s embrace of traditional country over pop crossovers.
• George Strait’s Entertainer of the Year win established him as a dominant force in live performance and recording.
• The recognition of neotraditionalist artists helped shift radio playlists and record label investments toward authentic country sounds.
• Reba McEntire’s dual role as host and winner highlighted the growing influence of women in country music leadership.
• The ceremony’s Los Angeles location emphasized the ACMs’ identity as country music’s West Coast counterpart to Nashville’s CMA Awards.
• This year’s awards helped legitimize country music as a commercially viable and artistically credible genre during a period of transformation.

Ultimately, the 22nd Academy of Country Music Awards not only honored past achievements but also foreshadowed the genre’s future direction. Its legacy endures in the careers of its winners and the lasting impact of the music celebrated that night.