ABC/Image Group LAAre you ready for the Brooks & Dunn REBOOT? The duo’s first new album since 2007’s Cowboy Town arrives today, in advance of their October induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The new project pairs Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn with some of the hottest names in country music to recreate their biggest hits. It was fueled largely by Luke Combs, whose enormous admiration for B&D sparked the idea for the record.
On Sunday, they’ll perform “Brand New Man” with Luke on the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards. It’s a show that’s special to Kix and Ronnie.
“That was our first awards ever,” Kix recalls. “Our first awards were two awards at the ACMs, maybe in ’91.”
“It was a huge boost to our career…” he explains. ”I think ‘Neon Moon’ went #1 the same week, so that would’ve been our third single. And our sales doubled that week, and things just really took off.”
“So, we’ve got a real sweet spot in our hearts for the ACMs,” Kix adds. “It’ll be fun to get back.”
Until last year, Brooks & Dunn was the winningest act in ACM history. In 2018, Miranda Lambert outpaced them, and Kix believes his pal, returning ACM host Reba McEntire, enjoyed that fact a little bit too much.
“Reba just had such a big time telling the world that Miranda…had surpassed us in awards… you know?” Kix protests. “And she was so giddy about that. What is wrong with her?”
He slips into best Reba impersonation: “’Oh, and I got some news. Yeah! Miranda just passed Brooks & Dunn. I bet they hate that,’” Kix laughs. “That’s not funny!”
Tune in to watch Brooks & Dunn’s REBOOT performance with Luke Combs Sunday on the ACMs, which air live from Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
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