What Is 35th Academy of Country Music Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 35th Academy of Country Music Awards took place on May 9, 2000, at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, honoring achievements in country music for the year 1999. It was hosted by Reba McEntire and featured performances by major artists including Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Key Facts

The 35th ACM Awards were held on May 9, 2000, at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.
Reba McEntire hosted the ceremony, marking one of her multiple stints as ACM host.
Tim McGraw won Entertainer of the Year, the awards' highest honor.
Faith Hill received the Triple Crown Award for winning Top Female Vocalist, Single Record, and Song of the Year.
The event was broadcast on CBS, continuing the network's long-standing relationship with the ACMs.

Overview

The 35th Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated the best in country music for the eligibility year of 1999. Held on May 9, 2000, the ceremony took place at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, a recurring venue for the ACMs during that era. The event highlighted major achievements and performances from leading artists, songwriters, and industry professionals.

Hosted by country music icon Reba McEntire, the show combined glamour, heartfelt moments, and high-energy performances. It was televised live on CBS, reaching millions of viewers across the United States. The 35th ACMs also marked a pivotal moment in the careers of several artists who cemented their status as country music superstars.

May 9, 2000: The ceremony date, placing it firmly in the spring awards season, which the ACMs traditionally occupy.
Universal Amphitheatre: Located in Universal City, California, this 6,200-seat venue hosted the ACMs multiple times during the 1990s and 2000s.
Reba McEntire: A multi-time ACM host, she brought charisma and industry credibility to the 35th edition.
Tim McGraw: Won the night's top prize, Entertainer of the Year, recognizing his massive popularity and tour success in 1999.
Faith Hill: Achieved a rare Triple Crown by winning Top Female Vocalist, Single Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for "Breathe."

How It Works

The Academy of Country Music Awards operates through a nomination and voting process managed by ACM members, including artists, industry executives, and professionals. Categories are determined by genre, role, and achievement, with winners selected through a combination of peer voting and, in some cases, fan input.

Eligibility Period:January 1 to December 31, 1999 defined the timeframe for music releases and performances considered for the 35th ACMs.
Voting Members: The Academy of Country Music consists of over 4,000 members who vote in most major categories.
Nomination Process: A panel selects nominees in each category, after which members cast ballots to determine winners.
Entertainer of the Year: The most prestigious award, won in 2000 by Tim McGraw over nominees like George Strait and Shania Twain.
Triple Crown: A rare achievement when an artist sweeps Top Female Vocalist, Single Record, and Song of the Year, as Faith Hill did.
Network Broadcast:CBS aired the ceremony live, maintaining a decades-long partnership with the ACMs for national exposure.

Comparison at a Glance

Award categories and winners from the 35th ACMs compared to prior and subsequent years illustrate evolving industry trends and artist dominance.

Award Category	1998 Winner	1999 Winner (35th ACMs)	2000 Winner	Notable Change
Entertainer of the Year	George Strait	Tim McGraw	Tim McGraw	McGraw won back-to-back starting in 1999
Top Male Vocalist	George Strait	Tim McGraw	Tim McGraw	McGraw dominated male categories
Top Female Vocalist	Shania Twain	Faith Hill	Faith Hill	Hill emerged as a leading female voice
Single Record of the Year	"Just to See You Smile" – Tim McGraw	"Breathe" – Faith Hill	"Amazed" – Lonestar	"Breathe" marked a crossover hit
Album of the Year	Sevens – George Strait	Wide Open Spaces – Dixie Chicks	I Wanna Be Loved – Wynonna	Dixie Chicks' breakout success

The 35th ACMs reflected a shift in country music toward crossover appeal and pop-influenced production. Artists like Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks brought a new sound that resonated with broader audiences, signaling a departure from traditional country styles. This era also saw male artists like Tim McGraw dominate multiple categories, highlighting their commercial power.

Why It Matters

The 35th ACM Awards were a turning point in country music history, showcasing the genre's growing mainstream influence and the rise of artist-driven storytelling. The recognition of crossover hits and multi-award sweeps underscored a shift in audience preferences and industry dynamics.

Tim McGraw's dominance: Winning Entertainer of the Year solidified his position as a leading figure in late-1990s country music.
Faith Hill's Triple Crown: A rare feat, demonstrating her vocal and commercial impact with the hit "Breathe."
Dixie Chicks breakthrough: Their Album of the Year win for Wide Open Spaces marked a new era of female-led bands.
Crossover appeal: Songs like "Breathe" and "Amazed" blurred genre lines, helping country reach pop audiences.
Industry recognition: The ACMs helped shape artist legacies and influenced record sales and tour bookings.
Historical context: The 2000 ceremony captured country music on the brink of a new millennium, blending tradition with modern production.

The 35th Academy of Country Music Awards remain a significant milestone, reflecting both the artistic achievements of its time and the evolving landscape of American music culture.