The Highway Still Leads Home: Rascal Flatts Reignites the Country Scene with ACM Nomination
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The roar of the crowd, the familiar twang of the guitars, the three voices blending in perfect harmony – for fans of Rascal Flatts, these sounds have been deeply missed. But the echoes of their iconic hits are growing louder once more. As Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney wrapped up another electrifying, sold-out weekend of their “LIFE IS A HIGHWAY TOUR,” a wave of excitement rippled through the country music world. The news? A nomination for the prestigious Academy of Country Music Awards’ Group of the Year.
This isn’t just another nomination; it’s a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of a trio that has shaped the sound of modern country music for a quarter of a century. Tied for the most wins in the history of the category, this nomination marks their first since what Pop Culture aptly described as their “long-awaited reunion,” underscoring the undeniable influence Rascal Flatts continues to wield.
The news broke last Thursday, electrifying an already buzzing atmosphere at their sold-out show in Ft. Worth, Texas. Gary LeVox, ever the charismatic frontman, shared the news with the ecstatic crowd. “We’ve got some good news to share, we were nominated for Group of the Year for the ACM awards!” he announced, his voice filled with genuine excitement. Jay DeMarcus, the band’s multi-talented instrumentalist, added to the celebratory mood, “We just found out this morning, and as fate would have it, we couldn’t pick a better place to celebrate that tonight.” Joe Don Rooney, the quiet force on guitar, chimed in with heartfelt gratitude, “It’s so amazing, we are so grateful to get to play live music for you guys, thank you so much. It’s all because of our fans!”
This nomination arrives at a particularly poignant time for the band and their devoted fanbase. The anticipation is building for their upcoming collaboration album, “LIFE IS A HIGHWAY: REFUELED DUETS,” set to drop on June 6th via Big Machine Records. This project isn’t just a collection of old hits; it’s a vibrant reimagining of nine beloved Rascal Flatts classics. The recently released “Mayberry” featuring Blake Shelton offered a nostalgic yet fresh take, while the infectiously emotive “I’m Movin’ On” with Kelly Clarkson and the record-breaking anthem “I Dare You” alongside the Jonas Brothers have already ignited excitement. The album boasts an eclectic and impressive lineup of guest artists from across the musical spectrum, each bringing their unique style to breathe new life into timeless tracks from the trio’s acclaimed catalog.
To understand the significance of this reunion and the ACM nomination, one must look back at the journey of Rascal Flatts. Formed in the year 2000 by the powerhouse vocals of Gary LeVox, the instrumental brilliance of Jay DeMarcus, and the steady guitar work of Joe Don Rooney, they quickly carved a unique space in country music. Their sound, a blend of heartfelt lyrics, soaring harmonies, and a knack for crafting crossover hits, resonated with a massive audience. Anthems like their breakout hit, “Prayin’ for Daylight,” the deeply moving “Bless The Broken Road,” the emotionally charged “What Hurts the Most,” and the iconic “Life Is a Highway” became staples on radio and in the hearts of fans.
As Grand Ole Opry members, Rascal Flatts amassed an astounding 17 No. One hits, sold over 23.4 million albums, garnered 35 million digital downloads, and their music has been streamed over 12 billion times, including a staggering 4.6 billion streams on Spotify alone. Their electrifying live shows drew over 11 million concertgoers, and their trophy case boasts more than 40 accolades from prestigious awards shows like the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, and People’s Choice Awards, solidifying their place as one of the most awarded country groups of the past two decades.
After a period of hiatus, the return of Rascal Flatts has been met with an outpouring of love and support. Their “LIFE IS A HIGHWAY TOUR” has seen enthusiastic crowds filling venues night after night, a testament to the enduring connection they share with their fans. This reunion isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it feels like a rekindling of a flame, a chance to take care of “unfinished business,” as the band themselves have hinted.
The ACM nomination for Group of the Year feels like a natural progression in this renewed chapter. It acknowledges not only their past achievements but also the vibrant energy and continued relevance they bring to the contemporary country music scene. In a genre that constantly evolves, Rascal Flatts has proven their ability to not only endure but to thrive, their music continuing to resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.
As they gear up for the release of “LIFE IS A HIGHWAY: REFUELED DUETS” and continue their electrifying tour, Rascal Flatts is proving that the highway of their musical journey is far from over. This ACM nomination serves as a powerful reminder of their lasting impact and the enduring magic that happens when three voices and three instruments come together to create something truly special. The country music landscape is richer for their return, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in the legendary story of Rascal Flatts.