A Heavenly Performance in Las Vegas
The 2026 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards witnessed one of the most transcendent moments in recent country music history when The Red Clay Strays took the stage. On Sunday night, at Las Vegas’ iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena, the Alabama-born ensemble delivered a soul-stirring, gospel-tinged rendition of their hit single, “Demons in Your Choir.” Backed by a full, roaring gospel choir, frontman Brandon Coleman unleashed his booming, signature voice—pitched with just the right amount of Southern twang—elevating the performance into ethereal dimensions. The powerhouse showcase served as a magnificent preview for their highly anticipated upcoming album, Grateful.
From Small Bars to Big Honors
The unforgettable performance was a fitting celebration for a band that has rapidly rewritten the rules of the industry. After winning the ACM Award for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year in 2025, The Red Clay Strays proved their staying power by capturing the prestigious Group of the Year title earlier that evening. Accepting the trophy, an emotional Brandon Coleman expressed his utter disbelief at the band’s meteoric rise from obscurity to country music royalty.
“Just at a loss… it doesn’t feel real, truly,” Coleman admitted to the star-studded crowd. “We’re just some rednecks from Mobile, Alabama, and when we started playing in bars, we never thought we’d go this far. We’re truly grateful and thankful for everybody.”
The Crossover Appeal of Americana
While they fit perfectly on the country music stage, the band’s unique sonic identity has always straddled the line between Southern rock, country, and alternative music. Their crossover appeal was solidified back in 2024 when they were selected to open for the legendary Rolling Stones.
The band previously demonstrated their chart-topping versatility in November during the CMA Awards, where they also secured Vocal Group of the Year honors while debuting another track from their new album, titled “People Hatin’.” That single went on to chart simultaneously across rock, country, and adult alternative airplay stations. Addressing their unique style, Coleman previously stated, “I don’t think we’re country. If anything, we’re Americana. It’s funny, because actual country music like Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers get lumped into Americana.”
A Star-Studded Night to Remember
Produced by Dick Clark Productions, the 2026 ACM Awards ceremony was masterfully hosted by country music icon Shania Twain. The evening was packed with heavy-hitting live acts, featuring performances from genre stalwarts like Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, and Miranda Lambert. Yet, even among a roster of global superstars, it was the raw, spiritual energy of those “rednecks from Mobile” and their heavenly choir that emerged as the definitive, must-watch headline of the night.
