HARDY Surprises Star-Studded ACM Honors by Performing Eric Church’s “HomeBoy” Live in a Tribute No One Saw Coming.

HARDY Honors Eric Church with Surprise Tribute at 2025 ACM Honors

The 18th ACM Honors in Nashville delivered no shortage of unforgettable moments, but none were more powerful than HARDY’s surprise tribute to Eric Church, who was receiving the prestigious ACM Icon Award.

HARDY Pays Tribute with “Homeboy”

Wearing his trademark Ray-Bans, a Mossy Oak shirt, and jeans, HARDY took the stage alongside Joanna “JoJo” Cotten — Church’s longtime collaborator — to perform Homeboy. Written by Church and Casey Beathard for the Chief album in 2011, the song has long been a fan favorite for its grit and storytelling. HARDY’s raspy vocals paired with Cotten’s powerhouse delivery gave the track fresh energy while paying homage to its roots.

@musicmayhemmagazine.com @HARDY, a six-time ACM Award winner, paid tribute to ACM Icon Award recipient @Eric Church with an epic cover of “HomeBoy” at the 2025 ACM Honors in Nashville! #HARDY #EricChurch #EricChurchMusic #ACMHonors #CountryMusic ♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

Visibly moved, HARDY confessed after the performance that Homeboy changed his life. “The first time I heard it, I was new to town driving to a class at MTSU. It literally sent a chill up my spine. That’s the song that made me decide this is what I want to do every day of my life. I owe every bit of my songwriting career to Eric Church for inspiring me.”

He added with a laugh, “Eric, I didn’t realize you were sitting right there — that would’ve scared the shit out of me!” before presenting him with the trophy.

Eric Church Accepts the ACM Icon Award

Church, humbled by the moment, returned the praise. “In my opinion, Hardy is one of the greatest songwriters Nashville has ever had,” he told the crowd before reflecting on his own journey.

He recalled his very first gig at Woodlands BBQ in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. “I knew 12 songs, and I thought if I could just get the Friday or Saturday night gig, I’d never want anything else. God had a bigger plan.” From that humble start, Church built a career on doing things his own way, a fact he proudly acknowledged: “It has been an honor to do it my way, with music, and to have fans who love the deep cuts as much as the hits. I’ve been very blessed.”

Church also credited his close-knit team and family, especially his wife, Katherine. “If I had not met her, I’d probably still be playing Woodlands BBQ,” he said with a grin.

A Night of Country Music’s Finest

The ACM Icon Award, inspired by Cliffie Stone’s legacy, recognizes those whose careers have elevated country music through artistry, innovation, and goodwill. Church’s honor was one of many celebrated throughout the evening. Other honorees included Jelly Roll (ACM Lifting Lives Award), Luke Combs (ACM International Award), Randy Travis (ACM Milestone Award), Lainey Wilson (ACM Artist-Songwriter), and Cody Johnson (ACM Spirit Award).

Performances came from a star-studded lineup including Ashley McBryde, Luke Bryan, Carly Pearce, Russell Dickerson, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Carter Faith, and more.

Why It Mattered

For fans, HARDY’s tribute crystallized the generational impact of Eric Church’s music. For Church himself, it was a chance to look back at where it all began while being celebrated by one of today’s most influential new voices.

As ACM CEO Damon Whiteside put it: “Tonight is a powerful reminder of the heart of country music… the artists, the songs, and the community behind them.”

The night was a testament to the way country music bridges generations — from Woodlands BBQ to the Bridgestone Arena stage, from Homeboy to Hardy, and from Eric Church’s influence to the rising stars he continues to inspire.