The 61st ACM Awards: What you need to know

Country music takes the Las Vegas spotlight on Sunday, May 17 as The 61st ACM Awards streams live on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

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The ladies lead the way this year, not only with a GRAMMY-winning, best-selling host, but also in the nominations, with artists like Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson topping the list.

Add in some show-stopping performances from Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Riley Green, and more and you’ve got a night you can’t miss.

Here’s a look at what you need to know for the 61st ACM Awards.

Man! Shania Twain is Hosting!

This year’s ACM Awards will be hosted by the best-selling female Country artist of all time, Shania Twain, who is taking on the role for the first time. “I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home.” Twain shares in a statement. “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. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night.”

Lady Luck in Las Vegas

The women of Country music lead the way in the nominations at the 61st ACMs, as Megan Moroney tops all nominees with 9 nods, followed closely by Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson. Will Lainey repeat at the Entertainer of the Year, or will Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, or Morgan Wallen capture the night’s top prize? You can see the full list of nominees here.

On The Grand Garden Stage

Sure there’s plenty of hardware to hand out from the Academy of Country Music, but there’s even more performances to enjoy. It’s time to take in a show in Las Vegas, with a lineup that includes Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, Zach Top, and more.

Don’t miss the 2026 edition of the ACM Awards, streaming live, exclusively for a global audience on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17 at 8PM ET / 5PM PT from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.