Huge band cancel ACM Awards performance and get quietly replaced as singer battles illness

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Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland at the CMT Music Awards.

THE Academy of Country Music Awards took place last night, but one band failed to perform as slated.

With the star-studded event taking place last night, fans were saddened when one of the advertised acts was noticeably missing.

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Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles are country duo SugarlandCredit: The Mega Agency
Kristian Bush at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

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Kristian attended the ACM Awards on his own last night after Jennifer was taken illCredit: Getty
Little Big Town performing onstage.

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Little Big Town replaced Sugarland on stage last night after Jennifer Nettles fell illCredit: Getty
Kristian Bush presenting an award.

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Kristian spoke about Jennifer’s absence as he presented an award on stageCredit: AP

Country music band Sugarland were due to take to the stage to sing, but failed to croon their hits in front of the crowds.

Instead, Little Big Town appeared on stage to replace Sugarland.

The hit country band then proceeded to sing their 2014 hit Girl Crush

When viewers realized that Sugarland were absent, they quickly took to social media to share their concerns.

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“I need to know- what song were you going to sing?! Missed you tonight,” penned one person on Sugarland’s Instagram post that advertised their performance at the ceremony.

“Wait, little big town sang instead?!” said a second, who was extremely confused.

Someone on X added: watching the #ACMawards solely to see jennifer nettles (sugarland) perform and little big town takes their place.”

While another said: “I think Little Big Town replaced Sugarland on the ACMs. It looks like Jennifer didn’t make it, only Kristian is there.”

The band were also supposed to present the award of Duo of the Year.

Half of Sugarland, Kristian Bush, appeared on stage for this.

Taylor Swift sports a bright red bob in Sugarland music video ​teaser​

He presented the award to Brooks & Dunn, sans Jennifer by his side.

While presenting the award, Kristian explained the last-minute change to their plans.

He said: “I was supposed to be presenting this ACM Award for Duo of the Year with my amazing partner Jennifer Nettles.

“Sadly, she got sick this morning, proving that when it comes to duos, it really does take two.”

He concluded his short speech by saying: “Jennifer, I love you, we love you, feel better soon.”

Taking to the Sugarland Instagram account, one fan quickly penned on their ACM post: “@jennifernettles hope you feel better soon. You were missed!!“

Jennifer has not yet broken her silence on her illness after falling sick.

Sugarland and Little Big Town – who replaced them at the ACM Awards this year – have long been associated.

In April 2024, Sugarland and Little Big Town came together for a performance of Phil Collins‘ Take Me Home, at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.

The song was released as single the same day.

Sugarland co-headlined the Take Me Home Tour with Little Big Town from October 24 to December 13, 2024.

Jennifer Nettles at the premiere of "The Bondsman."

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Jennifer can be seen above in March 2025 at an eventCredit: Getty
Jennifer Nettles at the opening night of "Othello" on Broadway.

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Jennifer is yet to break her silence on her ACM Awards absenceCredit: Getty

Content shared from www.the-sun.com.

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