The 2026 ACM Awards were packed with star power, surprise collaborations, and unforgettable moments—but few performances hit with the emotional force of The Red Clay Strays.
When the Alabama-based group took the stage to perform “Demons in Your Choir,” they delivered a raw, soul-stirring set that blended Southern rock, gospel, and country storytelling into one of the most powerful moments of the night.
By the final note, it was clear the band had done more than perform a song—they had created an experience.
A Rising Band That Refuses to Fit Into One Genre
Hailing from Mobile, The Red Clay Strays have built a devoted following by fusing rock, blues, gospel, and Americana into a sound that defies easy categorization.
Formed in 2016, the band features Brandon Coleman, Drew Nix, Andrew Bishop, John Hall, and Zach Rishel.
Their breakout single “Wondering Why” introduced them to a national audience, and their momentum only accelerated with the release of their albums Moment of Truth and Made by These Moments, the latter produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb.
The group’s growing reputation even earned them an opening slot for The Rolling Stones in 2024.
Despite their country music success, frontman Brandon Coleman has often described the band as closer to Americana than traditional country.
“Demons in Your Choir” Turns the ACM Stage Into Something Spiritual
At the ACM Awards, The Red Clay Strays transformed the stage into an almost heavenly setting as they performed “Demons in Your Choir,” the latest single from their upcoming album Grateful.
The song explores internal struggles, faith, and the search for truth, combining deeply personal lyrics with the band’s signature blend of Southern grit and soaring emotion.
To amplify the impact, the group was joined by a full gospel choir.
The added voices lifted the performance into another dimension, turning an already powerful song into a haunting, transcendent moment that brought the crowd to its feet.
Coleman’s booming vocals and emotional delivery anchored the set, proving once again why the band has become one of the most exciting live acts in music today.
From Barrooms to Group of the Year
The ACM performance capped off an extraordinary night for the band.
After winning New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year in 2025, The Red Clay Strays returned to the ACM Awards and took home Group of the Year, ending Old Dominion’s long-running streak in the category.
Accepting the honor, Coleman appeared overwhelmed.
“Just at a loss…it doesn’t feel real, truly,” he said. “We’re just some rednecks from Mobile, Alabama, and when we started playing in bars, we never thought we’d go this far.”
The heartfelt speech underscored how remarkable the group’s rise has been.
Building Momentum With Grateful
“Demons in Your Choir” offers another glimpse into Grateful, the band’s highly anticipated next album.
They previously previewed another track, “People Hatin’,” during the CMA Awards, where the song went on to chart across rock, country, and adult alternative formats.
That crossover success highlights what fans already know: The Red Clay Strays are building something much bigger than a traditional country career.
One of the Night’s Most Powerful Performances
The 2026 ACM Awards featured many memorable moments, but The Red Clay Strays delivered a performance that felt deeply authentic and impossible to ignore.
With a gospel choir behind them and a song that wrestled with darkness and redemption, they reminded everyone why their music resonates so strongly.
For one unforgettable moment, the ACM Awards felt less like an awards show and more like a testimony.
