Country music's biggest night is here - and it's happening right now in Las Vegas.
The 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards air live tonight, Sunday, May 17, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Prime Video - free to stream, no subscription required. This year's show is one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with women leading the nominations for the second consecutive year and a first-time host who has been waiting decades for this moment.
Shania Twain Takes the Stage as Host
Shania Twain steps in as host for the very first time - a moment she called a "bucket list call" when she got the offer. The global superstar is no stranger to the ACM stage, having won Entertainer of the Year in 2000, Album of the Year in 1996 for The Woman in Me, and the ACM Poet's Award in 2022. She follows a legendary line of hosts including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire.
"I'm thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home," Twain said ahead of the show. "It's such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating Country Music's biggest stars."
Who's Leading the Nominations
Megan Moroney tops this year's field with nine nominations - the most of any artist. Miranda Lambert follows with eight, while both Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson earned seven each. The Entertainer of the Year race is wide open, with seven nominees: Lainey Wilson (the reigning winner), Megan Moroney, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen.
Among those nominees, Jelly Roll carries a story worth following closely. The country artist has been openly vocal about his Christian faith in recent years, winning three Dove Awards in 2025 - including Song of the Year for Hard Fought Hallelujah, his collaboration with worship artist Brandon Lake. At that ceremony, he told the crowd: "The world is hearing about Jesus like they haven't in decades right now." Seeing him on the Entertainer of the Year stage tonight is a moment that crosses more than one world.
Early Winners Already Announced
Before the broadcast, several trophies were handed out:
- Artist-Songwriter of the Year - Ella Langley
- Songwriter of the Year - Jessie Jo Dillon
- New Female Artist of the Year - Avery Anna
- New Male Artist of the Year - Tucker Wetmore
- Visual Media of the Year - Stephen Wilson Jr. (Cuckoo)
Full Performer Lineup Tonight
Nineteen artists are set to perform - one of the most stacked lineups in ACM history. Notably, this is the first-ever ACM Awards performance for both Kacey Musgraves and Carter Faith. Blake Shelton, who co-hosted the ACMs five years running from 2011-2015, returns to the stage as a performer.
Tonight's performers: Avery Anna · Blake Shelton · Carter Faith · Cody Johnson · Dan + Shay · Ella Langley · Jordan Davis · Kacey Musgraves · Kane Brown · Lainey Wilson · Lee Ann Womack · Little Big Town · Miranda Lambert · Parker McCollum · Riley Green · The Red Clay Strays · Thomas Rhett · Tucker Wetmore · Zach Top
Complete Nominees List
Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs · Jelly Roll · Cody Johnson · Megan Moroney · Chris Stapleton · Morgan Wallen · Lainey Wilson
Female Artist of the Year Kelsea Ballerini · Miranda Lambert · Ella Langley · Megan Moroney · Lainey Wilson
Male Artist of the Year Luke Combs · Riley Green · Cody Johnson · Chris Stapleton · Zach Top
Album of the Year Ain't in It for My Health - Zach Top · Cherry Valley - Carter Faith · Don't Mind If I Do (Deluxe) - Riley Green · I'm the Problem - Morgan Wallen · Parker McCollum - Parker McCollum
Group of the Year 49 Winchester · Flatland Cavalry · Old Dominion · Rascal Flatts · The Red Clay Strays
Duo of the Year Brooks & Dunn · Brothers Osborne · Dan + Shay · Muscadine Bloodline · Thelma & James
Music Event of the Year "A Song to Sing" - Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton · "Amen" - Shaboozey & Jelly Roll · "Don't Mind If I Do" - Riley Green feat. Ella Langley · "Trailblazer" - Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson · "You Had to Be There" - Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
How to Watch
- Tonight: Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT
- Where: Prime Video - free to stream in 240+ countries, no subscription needed
- Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas
Country music has always carried a thread of faith running through its soul - in its songs about struggle, redemption, and grace. Tonight, that thread runs through every category on the card.
