Chart-topping sensation Ella Langley is headlining the latest performer additions to the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Langley, who is one of the leading contenders, will be joined on stage by the likes of Blake Shelton; Carter Faith; Dan + Shay; Jordan Davis; Kane Brown; The Red Clay Strays; Thomas Rhett; Zach Top; and 2026 ACM Award Artists of the Year recipients Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore, the Academy announced on Friday.
Here’s everything else to know about the 61st ACM Awards.
Who’s hosting?
Shania Twain will host the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards. This will be Twain’s first time emceeing the ceremony; she takes the reins from Reba McEntire, who oversaw the 59th and 60th editions, and has either hosted or cohosted 19 ceremonies.
“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home,” Twain said 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.”
Who’s nominated?
Megan Moroney leads the pack with nine nominations — including Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year. Just behind Moroney is Miranda Lambert with eight and Ella Langely with seven (tying her with last year’s big winner, Lainey Wilson). See the complete list of nominees.
Who’s performing?
Aside from those just announced, the performing lineup will feature Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, and Riley Green, with more to come.
Leading up to the May 17 ceremony, the Academy of Country Music will take over Las Vegas with previously announced ACM Awards week events including a “Whiskey Jam Welcome Party” at Ole Red Las Vegas on May 14 with Avery Anna, Caroline Jones, Jenna Paulette, and The Band Perry; “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” at Topgolf Las Vegas on May 15 with Lauren Alaina, Randy Houser, and Rodney Atkins, alongside headliner Riley Green; as well as “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” at Mandalay Bay Beach on May 16 with Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Dasha, Flatland Cavalry, Keith Urban, and Tucker Wetmore.
Where and when are the awards?
After three years in Texas, the Academy of Country Music Awards are headed back to Vegas for the 61st edition of the ceremony, which is set for May 17, 2026. The show will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The return to Sin City follows three years of ACM Awards ceremonies in Frisco, Texas. Previous to the move to the Lone Star State, the show spent two years in Nashville.
How to watch
Continuing with its recent history of living exclusively on a streamer, the ACM Awards will broadcast live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. The awards moved for Prime in 2022 after more than 20 years on CBS.
This story was originally published on Dec. 1, 2025; it was updated on April 21 and May 1 with additional details.
Note: The ACM Awards producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge and Penske Media Corporation, which owns Gold Derby.
