Shania Twain is set to host the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) on May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This marks her first time taking on the role of host for the prestigious ceremony. As a three-time ACM winner and a major force in the evolution of country music, Twain’s hosting debut is one of the most anticipated moments in country music.
Known for her unique ability to blend country with pop music, Shania Twain’s presence at the 2026 ACM Awards will surely set the stage for an unforgettable night. Her hosting announcement has garnered much excitement, not only for her immense star power but for her long-standing relationship with Las Vegas. Over the years, Twain has built a deep connection with the city, performing multiple successful residencies and concerts. Her performances have become a staple of Las Vegas’s music scene, and her decision to host the event is an extension of her continued partnership with the city.
Reflecting on her hosting role, Twain expressed her excitement about returning to Las Vegas and working with the Academy of Country Music to bring fans an evening that celebrates the heart of country music. “Las Vegas has always felt like home to me,” Twain said. “I am thrilled to bring my passion for country music to this stage, where so many incredible moments in my career have unfolded.”
The 61st ACM Awards will be streamed live on Prime Video, continuing the platform’s partnership with the Academy. This streaming agreement has allowed the ACM Awards to reach a broader, more diverse audience globally. With a focus on showcasing country music’s biggest moments, Prime Video offers an immersive experience for fans worldwide, expanding the reach of this iconic night in country music.
2026 ACM Awards to Celebrate Female Talent
The 2026 ACM Awards are poised to be a defining year for women in country music. The nominations for the event showcase the immense talent of female artists, with breakout star Megan Moroney leading the way with a staggering nine nominations. Among these nominations is the highly coveted Female Artist of the Year category, underscoring her rapid rise within the country music scene.
Miranda Lambert, one of country music’s most influential artists, follows closely with eight nominations, marking another strong year for the Texas native. Not to be overlooked, rising stars Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson earned seven nominations each, further highlighting the increasing prominence of female voices in country music. This surge in recognition for female artists at the ACM Awards signals a positive shift toward greater representation and diversity within the genre.
The recognition of women in the ACM Awards’ most competitive categories is an important moment for the country music community. As one of the genre’s most influential figures, Shania Twain has expressed her pride in this growing trend. In addition to the female nominees, the event features male artists such as Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Riley Green, and Cody Johnson, each of whom earned multiple nominations, ensuring a well-rounded and competitive lineup.
Star-Studded Lineup Set for ACM Awards Performances
The 61st ACM Awards will feature an extraordinary lineup of performances from some of the most talented artists in country music. Confirmed performers for the evening include Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, and Little Big Town. These top-tier acts represent a mix of the genre’s traditional and contemporary sounds, ensuring that the performance lineup will offer something for every country music fan.
In addition to these high-profile performers, rumors suggest several surprise collaborations to mark Shania Twain’s debut as host. These rumored performances will likely pay tribute to Twain’s immense impact on country music, with possible collaborations between country’s biggest stars, celebrating the diversity and evolution of the genre.
This year’s ACM Awards will also feature performances by some of the night’s most nominated artists, providing a perfect opportunity to see the best of country music live on stage. From intimate solo sets to large-scale collaborations, the performance aspect of the event promises to be just as exciting as the awards themselves. Fans can look forward to a high-energy celebration of the genre’s finest talent.
Amazon’s Multi-Platform Broadcast Strategy for 2026 ACM Awards
The 2026 ACM Awards will take place across multiple platforms, marking a major shift in how the event is consumed by fans. For the first time, the ceremony will be streamed on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel and app, in addition to the Prime Video broadcast. This multi-platform approach is part of a broader effort to reach a younger, digital-first audience while ensuring the event remains accessible to global viewers. By expanding the availability of the ACM Awards across multiple digital platforms, the show aims to tap into new audiences, particularly among tech-savvy music fans who rely on digital streaming for their entertainment.
The move also signals Amazon’s ongoing commitment to country music, as they continue their multi-year streaming deal with the ACM. The show promises a high-quality production, with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and performances made available to fans on various platforms. Whether watching from their computers, phones, or streaming devices, viewers can enjoy an immersive and interactive experience that extends beyond the traditional broadcast.
ACM Week to Feature Las Vegas Fan Events
In the days leading up to the 61st ACM Awards ceremony, Las Vegas will host a series of fan-focused events that will further cement the city as the ultimate country music destination. These events are designed to give fans unique, up-close experiences with their favorite country music artists, while also boosting the local economy during ACM Week.
One of the most anticipated events is the Whiskey Jam Welcome Party, taking place on May 14, 2026. This event will showcase up-and-coming country talent, offering fans the chance to discover new music in an intimate, exciting setting. On May 15, the ACM Lifting Lives “Country on the Green” charity event will be held, headlined by Riley Green and Friends, providing an opportunity for fans to contribute to a good cause while enjoying live country music performances.
May 16 will see the ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash, a pre-awards celebration hosted at one of Las Vegas’s top resorts. This event will bring together artists, fans, and industry insiders for a day of music, fun, and networking. With its combination of musical performances, charitable events, and fan meet-and-greets, ACM Week is set to be a memorable celebration for country music lovers.
