The ceremony celebrates country music's biggest stars with a star-studded lineup and major nominations
Category: Arts & Culture
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, will take place live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17, 2026. The event will feature performances from country music icons and rising stars, making it a must-watch for fans.
This year’s ACM Awards are particularly notable for their celebration of female artists, with Megan Moroney leading the nominations with nine nods. The ceremony will air exclusively on Prime Video, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Shania Twain, a three-time ACM Award winner, is stepping into the role of host for the first time, succeeding Reba McEntire, who holds the record for hosting the ceremony 18 times. Twain expressed her excitement about the event, stating, "I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home. It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating Country Music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year." The ceremony will likely be a showcase of the best in country music.
The lineup of performers for the evening includes some of the biggest names in country music. Artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, and Riley Green are set to take the stage. Lainey Wilson will debut her new song "Can’t Sit Still," and Riley Green is expected to perform "Change My Mind." Other notable performers include Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, and Zach Top, ensuring a night filled with music and entertainment.
In addition to the live performances, the awards ceremony will also feature various presenters, including Ashley McBryde, Shaboozey, and Keith Urban. This year, the ACM Awards will celebrate established artists and newcomers, with Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore winning the Female and Male New Artist of the Year awards prior to the main event.
The nominations this year highlight the achievements of female artists in the genre. Megan Moroney, who leads with nine nominations, is recognized in several major categories, including Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year for her hit "Am I Okay?" Miranda Lambert follows closely with eight nominations, and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each have seven. The nominees for Entertainer of the Year also include Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen.
Miranda Lambert, who holds the record for the most ACM wins with 33 victories, continues to be a dominant force in the industry. The recognition of female artists at this year’s ACM Awards reflects a growing trend within the country music community, where women's contributions are increasingly celebrated.
The 2026 ACM Awards will be streamed live on Prime Video. For those without a subscription, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial, allowing viewers to watch the awards without any upfront cost. After the trial period, a standard Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually. There are also discounted options available for young adults and those on government assistance.
In addition to viewing on Prime Video, fans can also catch the event through the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and the Amazon Music app. For those eager to see the stars before the awards, a red carpet livestream will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on the Amazon Music app.
This year’s ceremony is expected to be a memorable celebration of country music, highlighting the achievements of its artists and the genre's evolution. With a strong emphasis on female representation, the ACM Awards are set to showcase the talent and creativity that continue to shape the music industry.
As the night approaches, excitement builds for what will likely be an unforgettable evening filled with music, awards, and celebration. Fans can look forward to seeing their favorite artists perform and perhaps take home one of the coveted ACM Awards.
With the ceremony just hours away, the stage is set for a spectacular night of country music. The 61st ACM Awards will be broadcast live on May 17, 2026, starting at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video, ensuring that fans can enjoy the festivities from the comfort of their homes.