2019 ACMs: Jason Aldean Named Dick Clark Artist of the Decade

Jason Aldean received one of the Academy of Country Music's highest honors at Sunday night's (April 7) 2019 ACM Awards. The country superstar and three-time (and reigning) ACM Entertainer of the Year is the newly crowned Dick Clark Artist of the Decade.

Prior winner George Strait introduced Aldean as one of the few constants in a swiftly changing business. "One thing that has stayed the same is Jason Aldean's ability to connect with his fans and light a fire with his music," Strait said.

Aldean followed a brief live rendition of 2016's "Lights Come On" with a twangy take on 2010's "Don't You Wanna Stay" that reunited him with duet partner Kelly Clarkson. Afterwards, Aldean spit rhymes from one of his signature tunes, 2010's "Dirt Road Anthem."

During his acceptance speech, Aldean thanked his team and country radio after putting over the prosperous decades of other stars in attendance, including Kenny Chesney and fellow Georgia native Luke Bryan.

Over the course of his long and prolific career, Aldean has sold 18 million albums and garnered 22 chart-topping hits, including his most recent single, "Girl Like You," as well as selling out stadiums and thrilling crowds everywhere during his current 2019 Ride All Night Tour.

Only five other artists have received the Artist of the Decade Award: Marty Robbins in 1969, Loretta Lynn in 1979, Alabama in 1988, Garth Brooks in 1998 and George Strait in 2008. The award was officially renamed to honor Dick Clark's tenure as an ACM Awards early host and longtime producer after his death in 2012.

In addition to his Artist of the Decade honor, Aldean is once again nominated for Entertainer of the Year at the 2019 ACM Awards. He was also up for Music Event of the Year.

2019 ACM Awards: Jason Aldean Celebrates Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award With Kelly Clarkson