Country music’s biggest stars are heading to Las Vegas tonight as the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards promises an unforgettable evening filled with major performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and glamorous red carpet moments.
This year’s ACM Awards marks a fresh new era for the iconic event. Country legend Shania Twain will make her debut as host, taking over from longtime host Reba McEntire, who led the ceremony for nearly two decades. The show is also moving to a brand-new venue — the famous MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — after spending the last three years in Frisco, Texas.
Leading this year’s nominations is breakout country star Megan Moroney, who earned an impressive nine nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and Single of the Year for her hit song “Am I Okay?” Other major nominees include Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Ella Langley.
When Are the 2026 ACM Awards?
The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards will air live on Sunday, May 17 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Where to Watch the ACM Awards
Fans can stream the ACM Awards live on Prime Video and Amazon Music. Best of all, viewers do not need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch the ceremony live. The full event will also be available on-demand beginning Monday, May 18.
Star-Studded Performances
This year’s show features performances from some of country music’s biggest names, including:
- Miranda Lambert
- Lainey Wilson
- Blake Shelton
- Kacey Musgraves
- Dan + Shay
- Kane Brown
- Riley Green
- Cody Johnson
- Thomas Rhett
- Ella Langley
- Jordan Davis
- Tucker Wetmore
- Little Big Town
- Zach Top
Fans can expect a night packed with powerful ballads, energetic performances, and exciting collaborations.
Biggest Nominees of the Night
The competition is especially fierce this year in major categories like Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.
Nominees for Entertainer of the Year include:
- Luke Combs
- Jelly Roll
- Cody Johnson
- Megan Moroney
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
Meanwhile, artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Zach Top, and Riley Green are also competing for top honors across multiple categories.
A New Chapter for the ACM Awards
With a new host, a new venue, and one of the strongest nominee lineups in recent years, the 2026 ACM Awards is shaping up to be one of the most exciting nights in country music.
From emotional award wins to unforgettable live performances, country fans won’t want to miss a second of tonight’s celebration.
