The 61st ACM Awards: A Star-Studded Return to Las Vegas
The countdown has officially begun! The Country Music Awards 2026 (ACM Awards) are returning for their 61st annual celebration, and this year, the energy is shifting to the glitz and glamour of Nevada. After a three-year residency at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, the ceremony is heading back to the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Adding to the excitement, the legendary Shania Twain will take center stage as the host for the first time, stepping into the role previously held by Reba McEntire. It promises to be a night of unforgettable performances, emotional wins, and high-octane country music.
How to Watch the 2026 ACM Awards
Don’t miss a single moment of the action. The ceremony will take place on May 17 at 8 p.m. EDT. Fans across Canada and the US can stream the event via:
- Prime Video
- The Amazon Music channel on Twitch
- The Amazon Music app
Women Leading the Charge in Nominations
For the second consecutive year, women are dominating the nomination lists, proving that the female voice is stronger than ever in the country scene. Megan Moroney leads the pack with an impressive nine nominations, followed closely by Miranda Lambert—the most decorated artist in ACM history—with eight nods.
Other powerhouse nominees include Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson, both securing seven nominations. While women lead, heavy hitters like Chris Stapleton (6), Zach Top (5), and Cody Johnson (4) are also in the running for top honours.
The Biggest Categories to Watch
The tension is high for the most coveted titles of the night. Here is what to look out for:
Entertainer of the Year
The competition is fierce, with nominees including Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen.
Album of the Year
The battle for the best album features a diverse mix of sounds:
- Morgan Wallen – “I’m the Problem”
- Zach Top – “Ain’t in It for My Health”
- Riley Green – “Don’t Mind If I Do”
- Parker McCollum – “Parker McCollum”
- Carter Faith – “Cherry Valley” (First-time nominee)
Early Wins and Electric Performances
The festivities actually kicked off before the main event. Congratulations to Jessie Jo Dillon, who made history as the first artist to win Songwriter of the Year three times in a row. Other early winners include Stephen Wilson Jr. (Visual Media of the Year), Avery Anna (New Female Artist), and Tucker Wetmore (New Male Artist).
As for the live show, expect a massive lineup. Performers will include Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, and The Red Clay Strays. A highly anticipated highlight will be the collaboration between Parker McCollum and Lee Ann Womack performing “Killin’ Me.”
Beyond the Music: Special Presenters
The 2026 ACMs are blending sports and music by bringing in non-musician presenters to add some variety to the stage. Keep an eye out for Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth, NASCAR legend Carl Edwards, driver Corey LaJoie, and former NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
For more official updates, you can visit the Academy of Country Music official website or check your Amazon Music account for streaming reminders.
