It’s been a whirlwind journey for country singer Chris Janson. Upon graduating high school, the singer/songwriter packed his things and made the move from Perryville, Missouri to Nashville, Tennessee to follow his dream of becoming the standout entertainer that he is today.
The 37-year-old has since written songs that have been cut by artists like Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, Cody Johnson and even the iconic Hank Williams Jr.; landed his own No. 1s with songs like “Fix A Drink” and “Good Vibes;” earned his first triple platinum record with “Buy Me A Boat” and secured the title of the genre’s rowdiest performers, as he gets the crowd on their feet thanks to incorporating killer harmonica solos in his high-energy sets.
In addition to these accolades, the BMLG artist has earned five ACM nominations throughout his career, where he nabbed the ACM Video of the Year for “Drunk Girl” in 2019. And tonight (September 18), Janson will bring the “good vibes” to the 16th Annual ACM Honors, as he’s set to perform during the ceremony that’s been touted as the country music industry’s favorite night of the year.
“They’re fantastic people. It’s clear that the leadership is in the right positioning,” Janson says of the Academy of Country Music during an exclusive interview with Celeb Secrets reporter Juliet Schroder.
Taped in Nashville at the historic Roman Auditorium last month, Janson honored his longtime friend in Country Radio, Charlie Cook, and described the moment as both “wonderful” and “one of the best award show experiences” he’s ever had.
“The crowd was up on their feet and everybody was into it… and not ’cause the cameras were on, you know? Everybody treated us very kindly, and I was very humble to be there; it was one of the best awards show experiences I’ve ever had,” he recalls.
“I’ve never been treated kinder at an award show than I was at ACM Honors. You don’t just get that everywhere, so it was really nice. I love the ACMs for that,” he continues.
Jason joins a long list of performers at the 16th annual ceremony, including BRELAND, Brandy Clark, Jordan Davis, Lady A, Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton, Keith Urban, The War And Treaty, Anne Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, and Bailey Zimmerman. Pearce will also emcee the special night, which is set to honor ACM Triple Crown Award recipient Chris Stapleton, ACM Poet’s Award recipients Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and K.T. Oslin, ACM international Award recipient Kane Brown, and ACM Icon Award recipient Tim McGraw.
Aside from performing at the big show, Chris has had a busy summer out on the road playing songs off his latest project, The Outlaw Side of Me, which is out now on all music streaming platforms. The album is his first on his new label BMLG, and features his Top 20 tune “All I Need Is You.”
Tapped as a love letter to his wife, Kelly, Chris says that the breezy, feel-good track was a simple one to write, as his partner of 13 years is “the perfect subject matter” for a love song.
“She’s not only my wife, but my best friend… and a perfect subject piece to write about,” he shares. “The best songs I always say write themselves, and ‘All I Need Is You’ sort of wrote itself. We told the truth, and I think people identify and relate to that, and certainly they have.”
And on top of it climbing the charts, “All I Need Is You” has been a popular wedding song this season, which is something Chris never saw coming upon release.
“It’s becoming a wedding song, which is interesting. I’ve never really had one of those before except for ‘Done‘ and I just think that’s really incredible and remarkable,” he says. “Growing up a Midwestern kid and having to go to weddings when you’re a kid is boring. But, I do remember hearing wedding songs and being like, ‘it’s just interesting to be in the shoes of the person who actually is the singer.’ And to have that with ‘All I Need Is You’ is quite remarkable, honestly.”
“I never thought I’d be that guy that had that song,” he continues. “People are coming together at their wedding to my song… it’s pretty unbelievable.”
The 16th Annual ACM Honors airs tonight, September 18th @ 8PM ET/PT on FOX, and you can connect with Chris by giving him a follow on Instagram at @thechrisjanson.
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