The Academy of Country Music has officially announced a partnership with Aflac for an incredible new award.
The charitable arm of the academy, ACM Lifting Lives, is teaming up with the voluntary insurance company to present the first-ever Aflac ACM Lifting Lives Honor. The award will go to someone for his or her “remarkable and selfless dedication to bringing the healing power of music to those who are in need,” according to a statement released by the charity.
Chris Young, who scored a nomination for male vocalist of the year at this year’s ACM Awards, will present the honor at WME’s Bash at the Beach at Mandalay Bay Beach in Las Vegas on Friday (April 13).
“Music is a powerful thing,” Young said in a statement. “As a singer and someone who gets to experience the power of music every day, I’m honored to join Aflac and ACM Lifting Lives to recognize an outstanding music therapist who has helped bring the healing power of music to so many.”
Aflac Senior Vice President Catherine Hernandez-Blades shared the sentiment, stating, “We are excited about establishing this honor because Aflac and the Academy of Country Music believe music can be much more than entertainment—we believe it has the power to heal and change lives.”
A special 30-second commercial featuring the recipient and the famous Aflac Duck will air during Sunday’s ACM Awards on CBS.