Introduction
In April 2009, the Academy of Country Music held a grand tribute titled “George Strait – ACM Artist of the Decade All‑Star Concert” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This two-hour CBS special celebrated Strait’s unparalleled dominance of the 2000s—crowned by 57 number-one singles, a neotraditionalist revivalist ethos, and a career marked by consistency and class.
Presented with the prestigious Artist of the Decade award—an honor he received from the previous decade’s winner, Garth Brooks—Strait accepted amid a star-studded ensemble that included Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, and Jamie Foxx . Each artist delivered their heartfelt renditions of his signature songs, from Swift’s stirring version of “Run” (praised for its emotional depth) to Brooks & Dunn’s faithful take on “The Cowboy Rides Away” .
Critics noted the show’s organic pacing—it avoided over‑production in favor of spotlighting Strait’s enduring charisma and songcraft . Country Universe observed that the format was “highly appropriate” given Strait’s knack for maintaining a steady, unflashy presence in the genre . Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times praised the tribute as a heartfelt homage from the community Strait helped shape .
The concert closed on a poignant note: after a chorus of hits led by peers, Strait himself took the stage to perform “Ocean Front Property” and the autobiographical “Troubadour” alongside the assembled cast .
This special stands not only as a testament to Strait’s remarkable achievements during the 2000s but also as a celebration of timeless songwriting, peer respect, and country music’s tradition of honoring its icons. His enduring authenticity—whether “just standing there and singing”—shone through this landmark tribute .