2019 ACM Awards: Amanda Shires Joins Luke Combs for Performance

Luke Combs had a familiar sonic presence with him during his 2019 ACM Awards performance. Singer-songwriter and fiddle player Amanda Shires performed "Beautiful Crazy" with the country star.

Shires wasn't actually onstage with Combs, but was situated off to his left on a platform located down a few stairs as she performed. On the opposite side from her was an acoustic guitarist strumming out sparse chords.

The sparse arrangement put Combs' vocals at the forefront, and he delivered with a powerful, passionate performance that emphasized the emotional nature of the love song.

In fact, the audience in the arena waved their cellphones (and arms) in the air, as they were so moved by Combs' singing.

Well known in the Americana realm, Shires spent time in Bob Wills' Texas Playboys at the age of 15. In 2005, she released her first solo album; her sixth solo project, To the Sunset, was released in 2018. Also in 2018, she was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the Americana Music Awards.

Earlier this year, Shires revealed her role in the all-female supergroup, the Highwomen. The project, which also involves Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby, will also involve a rotating cast of guests and is being produced by Dave Cobb. Their name is a play on the Highwaymen, the supergroup comprised of Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, and isn't a pot reference, but rather a nod to their goal of lifting women up.

In addition to her solo work and role in the Highwomen, Shires is part of Jason Isbell's band, the 400 Unit. The two have been married since 2013 and have one child, a daughter named Mercy, who was born in 2015.

Combs was announced as the New Male Artist of the Year ahead of the 2019 ACM Awards, in late March. He is also up for Male Artist of the Year at the awards ceremony, which is taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

2019 ACM Awards: Amanda Shires Joins Luke Combs for ‘Beautiful Crazy’ Performance