Introduction
George Strait Reflects on Winning Entertainer of the Year at the ACM Awards
In an emotional interview following his win as Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, George Strait — the “King of Country” — opened up about his musical journey, deep gratitude toward his fans, and the artists who shaped his career.
George shared that the past two years of touring have been amazing, and after finishing around 10 more shows this year, he plans to take a year off. During that break, he might record a new album and return to do a few select performances. Despite his busy schedule, George remains grounded. When asked about surpassing younger artists to win the prestigious award, he humbly responded, “I don’t look at it that way. Most of them are my friends and colleagues, and they’re all deserving of this award.”
Strait especially expressed appreciation for his loyal fans, many of whom have supported him for over 30 years. He fondly mentioned seeing some of the same faces in his audience today that he saw back in the 1980s.
During the event, George was particularly moved by the presence of his musical hero — Merle Haggard. He recalled the first time he saw Haggard perform while stationed in Hawaii during his military service, describing it as a life-changing experience. It was Merle who inspired George to pursue country music, ultimately leading him to discover Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys — major influences in developing his own sound.
Although Strait modestly says he would never compare himself to legends like Merle Haggard or George Jones, he added: “If I can make someone feel the way I felt about them, even just a little, that’s incredibly flattering.”
George Strait’s win is not just a well-deserved recognition of his legendary career — it’s a powerful reminder of the lasting influence of a true icon in country music.