The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards is set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17, 2026. This prestigious event will be hosted by the iconic Shania Twain, known for her significant contributions to the country music genre. Twain, who will be making her debut as a host at the ACM Awards, expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming ceremony, stating that Las Vegas feels like a “home” to her and highlighting the honour of celebrating the achievements of the industry’s finest talents.
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On 13 May, the Academy of Country Music, in collaboration with Prime Video and Dick Clark Productions, revealed a list of distinguished presenters for the event. The line-up includes renowned artists and personalities such as Keith Urban, Ashley McBryde, Michael Bublé, and Lauren Alaina, as well as sports figures like Andrew Whitworth and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Their presence reflects the cross-industry appeal of country music and its ability to unite talent from various fields.
This year’s ceremony is particularly noteworthy for its female nominees, with Megan Moroney leading the pack with an impressive nine nominations. Closely following her are Miranda Lambert with eight nominations, as well as Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson, who each received seven nods. The recognition of these talented women underscores the ongoing evolution of the country music scene and the growing prominence of female artists within the industry.
In addition to the nominees, a stellar line-up of performers is set to take the stage. Lainey Wilson is scheduled to deliver the world premiere of her new song “Can’t Sit Still,” while Riley Green will perform “Change My Mind.” Kacey Musgraves, a multiple award-winner, is also lined up to showcase a track from her latest album, “Middle of Nowhere.”
Other notable performers include the likes of Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, and Dan + Shay, who will all contribute their talents to an evening that promises to be memorable. The night is expected to be filled with captivating performances that highlight the diversity and richness of contemporary country music.
The ACM Awards have established themselves as a significant event within the music calendar, showcasing the best of country music talent. The 2026 edition promises to be especially impactful, given the high level of nominations and performances. The representation of leading female artists at this year’s awards will undoubtedly resonate with fans and help to shape the future landscape of the genre.
As anticipation builds for the event, it is expected that the awards ceremony will attract a significant viewership. Fans of country music can look forward to experiencing the show live, with the broadcast scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Audiences will be able to watch the ceremony via Prime Video, with additional streaming options available through the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and the Amazon Music app.
In summary, the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards are poised to be a landmark event not just for celebrating extraordinary talent, but also for highlighting the vital role of women in country music. As Shania Twain prepares to host this spectacular night, both fans and artists alike eagerly await an evening dedicated to honouring the achievements of the genre’s brightest stars.