Luke Bryan Gets Nostalgic About ACM Honor

Last year, Luke Bryan was named the Top New Artist at the Academy of Country Music Awards. His reign is nearly over as he prepares to hand over the mantle to either his label mate Eric Church or to the Band Perry in less than two weeks.

"Being the ACM Top New Artist, it's been fun saying it all year and having the chance to thank the fans for making it happen," Luke tells The Boot. "It was an amazing night for me that night. Heck, just the whole Capitol after-party where everybody's getting thrown in the pool and stuff like that. We just had a big time, and it was big for my family and everyone involved in my world and my camp. It's kind of sad that the crown will be handed over to Eric Church or the Band Perry."

Luke is also appreciative that the Academy has chosen to give fans the power to decide on the winner. "I think the fans got it right on the money with who they have in that slot to win," says the singer. "It's a really important award, and it springboards your career a little bit. It got this whole No. 1s thing kind of happening for me. It was a big night, and it'll be fun handing it over. Now I've got to get me another."

Before heading to Las Vegas for the ACM Awards, Luke will hit the stage in Wheeling, W.Va. on Friday (March 25). The ACM Awards air live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3 at 8:00 PM ET on CBS.

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