With two more nods at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs continue to push their collaboration on "Fast Car" to new heights in the music world.
The 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM) nominations have unveiled a testament to the enduring power of Tracy Chapman's iconic hit "Fast Car" and its remarkable resurgence thanks to Luke Combs' cover.
Combs has emerged as the frontrunner with eight nominations, including top nods for entertainer of the year, album of the year, and male artist of the year. The centerpiece of his success is his cover of "Fast Car," a collaboration that has earned him a nomination for both single of the year and song of the year, alongside Chapman, who penned the original masterpiece in the late 1980s.
In an unprecedented move, Chapman has become the first Black woman with a sole songwriting credit to claim the top spot on the country charts. Her resurgence has been fueled by Combs' cover, which surged to platinum status in July 2023 and crowned the No. 1 country hit by September.
"I never anticipated finding myself on the country charts, but I'm overwhelmed with honor to be there," Chapman expressed in a statement to Billboard in July 2023. "I'm delighted for Luke and his triumph and grateful that new audiences have discovered and embraced 'Fast Car.'"
More than three decades after its initial release, "Fast Car" has garnered the CMA Award for song of the year in November 2023. At the Grammy Awards, Chapman and Combs joined forces for a moving rendition of the track, earning Combs a nomination for best country solo performance.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Tracy Chapman for crafting one of the greatest songs of our time," Combs stated as he accepted the CMA award.
Chapman's absence from the ceremony prompted her to issue a statement read in her stead: "It fills me with profound honor for my song to receive this renewed recognition after 35 years since its debut. I thank the CMAs and extend a special appreciation to Luke and all the fans of 'Fast Car.'"
"Fast Car" has experienced a resurgence, soaring to the top of iTunes following the emotional performance by Chapman and Combs at the Grammy Awards.
In a remarkable feat, Combs and Lainey Wilson find themselves vying for the coveted ACMs Triple Crown, an honor bestowed upon those who triumph in the new artist category, male or female duo or group category, and entertainer of the year.
While Combs and Wilson are the frontrunners for entertainer of the year, claiming this top honor would secure their place on the coveted list.
Morgan Wallen and Megan Moroney have each garnered six nominations, with Moroney's nods establishing her as the most-nominated woman at this year's ACM Awards.
First-time nominee Jelly Roll has made a significant mark with four nominations, including the coveted entertainer of the year. Billy Ray Cyrus holds the distinction of being the last first-time nominee to receive an entertainer of the year nod in 1992 with his smash hit "Achy Breaky Heart."
