First-Time ACM Awards Winners Lanco Perform 'Rival'

Already 2019 ACM Awards winners headed into Sunday night's (April 7) ceremony, Lanco also earned a performance slot during the country music awards show. The New Group of the Year winners performed their newest single, "Rival."

Lauren Alaina introduced the five-piece group, who played on a circle in the middle of the crowd. The award winners had the audience clapping. The irresistible tune created a foot-stomping energy in the room, lead singer Brandon Lancaster belting out "whoas."

"Rival" is a song with personal meaning, and writing it, the band says, was similar to a therapy session. According to lead singer Brandon Lancaster, the writing process began one night over a conversation about what was going on in their changing lives at this point in the band's career.

"{We realized] it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you’re doing in life, everyone has a moment where they feel like their back is against the wall, where maybe people aren't rooting for them," Lancaster says. "It’s important to tell people that you matter, you’re important, and be proud of who you are, be proud of where you come from, and go do what you want in life.

"If there is anyone that wants to stand in your way, that’s all right," he adds. "That’s just reality, and chalk them up as a rival and use them as motivation."

Lanco, short for Lancaster and Company, features Lancaster, bassist Chandler Baldwin, keyboardist Jared Hampton, drummer Tripp Howell and guitarist Eric Steedly. The group formed in 2016 and quickly caught the attention of Arista Nashville. Their debut album, 2018's Hallelujah Nights, gained traction off the back of the popular single "Greatest Love Story."

First-Time ACM Awards Winners Lanco Perform ‘Rival’