YESTERDAY THE HOUSTON Livestock Show and Rodeo won the 2022 Fair/Rodeo of the Year at the 16th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors in Nashville. Last year, RodeoHouston marked its 90th anniversary and featured performances from top acts across multiple genres including George Strait, Gwen Stefani, Journey, Khalid and EDM hitmakers Marshmello.

“This Academy of Country Music award is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, staff, partners and artists,” said Rodeo CEO and President Chris Boleman in a statement, “who are deeply committed to producing a one-of-a-kind event year after year.”

This is the second time the Rodeo has received the honor. The last time was in 2020, when acts like Willie Nelson and Maren Morris headlined before the mega-event was ended early due to Covid. “The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is thrilled to receive this award for the second time, cementing our status as one of the most prestigious Rodeos in the world,” added Boleman,

The Academy of Country Music Honors will air in a two-hour special on FOX on Sept. 18. Other nominees for the category this year included the Auburn Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Florida Strawberry Festival and the Iowa State Fair.

Rodeo Houston President and CEO Chris Boleman and Chairman of the Board Pat Mann Phillips accepted the award in Nashville