May 22, 2003

Rascal Flatts Reaches ACM Summit with ‘I’m Movin’ On’

Rascal Flatts claimed two victories at the 38th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards, held for the first time at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas (5/21). The trio -- BMI-affiliated bassist/keyboardist Jay DeMarcus, and lead vocalist Gary LeVox and guitarist Joe Don Rooney -- earned the title Top Vocal Group and collected the Song of the Year trophy for their #1 single "I'm Movin' On," an honor shared with BMI songwriters Phillip White and D. Vincent Williams and publisher Murrah Music Corporation. Superstar Toby Keith entered the evening with eight nominations, and left with the grand prize of Entertainer of the Year. Martina McBride won her second consecutive Top Female Vocalist honor and Brooks & Dunn accepted their 18th career ACM prize with a Top Vocal Duo triumph.

Rascal Flatts

Toby Keith

Alabama, currently on their farewell tour after more than two decades in the business, was presented with the Pioneer Award. Lonestar took home the second annual Home Depot Humanitarian Award, a fan-voted honor announced during the telecast.