Rascal Flatts Recall Their First ACM Awards Win

Rascal Flatts have won numerous ACM Awards since their eponymous freshman album was released in 2000. But while they've graced the awards show's stage numerous times, their fondest memory is still the first time they took home the coveted trophy.

"I think my first one is my favorite memory. They were still in Los Angeles at the time," Jay DeMarcus told The Boot and other reporters at a recent media event. "I remember standing on the curb outside the theater, and the first person I called was my mom, and I didn't even have the words. I just burst into tears. I couldn't believe it. I'm crying, and I'm so emotional, and I've got my mom on the phone."

The moment was special, for sure -- but it was also rather humorous, thanks to another country act.

"Brooks & Dunn had just won for Duo of the Year," DeMarcus continues. "Kix Brooks walked over to me and patted me on the back and said, 'Congratulations pal! You got yourself a bowling trophy too, didn't you?'

"I was like, 'Well, that moment's gone,'" he adds. "I never will forget that. The first one is, I think, the one that stays with you the most."

The trio, which also includes Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney, also fondly recalls the year that they were given not one but two performance slots during the ACM Awards live broadcast.

"What I remember is, we did "Me and My Gang" out in Vegas. We were outside shooting it, and we actually came inside the building," Rooney recalls. "We got to sing two songs that year, "Me and My Gang" and "What Hurts the Most," and Kelly Clarkson came out and sang with us. It was pretty cool. It was an amazing year, obviously. The ACMs hold a really dear spot in our hearts."

The Flatts are nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at the 2015 ACMs ceremony, their first nomination since 2012. They will also perform two songs with Christina Aguilera.

The 2015 ACM Awards will air live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on April 19 at 8PM ET on CBS.

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