The 61st Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards will make its highly anticipated return, set to be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17. This year’s ceremony promises to be especially memorable as the iconic Shania Twain has been announced as its host, marking her debut in this role.
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Twain, a celebrated figure in the country music scene, expressed her excitement about hosting the event, stating, “I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home.” In her statement, she highlighted the honour of taking part in a night dedicated to celebrating the achievements of prominent artists within the genre, particularly noting the significant number of women among this year’s nominees. “I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night,” she added.
As a five-time Grammy award winner, Twain is no stranger to the ACM Awards; she has previously taken home five awards, including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year accolade in 2000 and the Poet’s Award in 2022. Her exceptional contributions to the music industry were acknowledged by Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, who described her as the “perfect icon” to succeed past hosts such as Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire.
The excitement surrounding the 2026 ACM Awards has been heightened by the recent announcement of the nominations, with Megan Moroney leading the pack. Miranda Lambert follows closely with a total of eight nominations, while Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson are each recognised with seven. Other notable nominees include Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Cody Johnson.
The awards ceremony will showcase performances from several prominent artists, including Lambert, Johnson, Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, and Riley Green, creating a stellar lineup for the evening. Fans and attendees can expect a night filled with the rich sounds of country music and captivating performances.
Viewers can look forward to an engaging experience, as the ACM Awards will be streamed live on Prime Video. Additionally, those wishing to catch the event through other platforms can do so via the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and the Amazon Music app. The awards show is slated to kick off at 8 p.m. ET, ensuring audiences can witness the celebration in real-time.
Twain’s return to the ACM platform, after years of her influential career, marks a significant highlight for the event. With her history as both a performer and award recipient, she brings a unique perspective and charisma to the hosting role that is sure to resonate with fans and artists alike.
As the country music community prepares for this landmark event, all eyes will be on Twain and the celebrations ahead. The ACM Awards serve not only as a recognition of artistic excellence but also as a vibrant celebration of the culture and community surrounding country music, making it an unmissable occasion for fans around the world.
With such a strong cast of performers and the excitement surrounding Twain as host, the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards is poised to deliver an impactful celebration of talent within the genre when it airs this May.