The Academy of Country Music Awards has a yearly tradition: Miranda Lambert winning. The singer, 31, has 18 ACM trophies, including a record five in a row for female vocalist of the year, to her name. When the 50th ACM Awards — once again hosted by Lambert’s husband Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan — take place April 19 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Lambert will be up for a leading eight awards, including entertainer of the year.
After 18 wins and 43 nominations, are you starting to feel like the Meryl Streep of the ACMs?
I get butterflies every time I hear my name. I’m pinching myself: “Is this real life?” Growing up, I used a yellow legal pad to write down all the nominees, circle who I thought was going to win before the show and see how many I got right. But I never imagined this at all.
Any good-luck charms for award shows?
My grandmother gave me a ring for my 30th birthday, an amethyst with diamonds. I wore it to the Grammys and [Country Music Association Awards], so I’ll probably wear it on ACMs night. It has been good luck so far!
You’re the only woman up for entertainer of the year, perhaps the result of so-called bro country’s popularity. What do you think of that trend?
I don’t know where “bro country” came from or what it really means, but a lot of those guys are my buddies and I support their music. Within country there are lots of styles: stone-cold country, like Brandy Clark, and there’s Florida Georgia Line with what they do, which is completely different and bringing a whole new audience. There’s room for everyone.