The 2026 ACM Awards are just around the corner, and country music fans have every reason to get excited. On May 17, 2026, the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will take over the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — and this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be one for the history books. Leading the way with nine nominations is Megan Moroney, a country superstar who continues to redefine what it means to dominate Nashville in the modern era. From Entertainer of the Year to Song of the Year, Moroney is in contention for some of the night’s biggest trophies, making the 2026 ACM Awards a must-watch event for every country music fan.
Who Is Leading the 2026 ACM Awards Nominations?
Megan Moroney enters the 2026 ACM Awards as the most-nominated artist of the evening, with nine total nominations. Her nods include a coveted first-time Entertainer of the Year bid, as well as recognition for Director of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. She also earned her third consecutive nomination for Female Artist of the Year, cementing her status as one of country music’s most consistent superstars. Miranda Lambert follows with eight nominations, while both Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each landed seven nods. Moroney’s single “Am I Okay?” is nominated in both the Song of the Year and Single of the Year categories, where it faces off against Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton’s “A Song to Sing.” With women dominating this year’s nominations, the 2026 ACM Awards ceremony is poised to be a landmark moment for female country artists.
Who Is Performing at the 2026 ACM Awards?
The 2026 ACM Awards performance lineup is stacked with some of country music’s most electrifying acts. Confirmed performers include Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top, with additional acts set to be announced before showtime. This year also marks a major moment in ACM history: Shania Twain takes the hosting reins for the very first time, replacing longtime host Reba McEntire. With Twain at the helm and a stacked bill of performers, the 61st ACM Awards promises to be a night full of unforgettable moments.
2026 ACM Awards: Entertainer of the Year Nominees
Entertainer of the Year is the crown jewel of any ACM Awards ceremony, and the 2026 race is one of the most competitive in recent memory. Six powerhouse artists are vying for the genre’s top honor, including a first-time nominee making her bid for the biggest prize in country music.
- Lainey Wilson — defending Entertainer of the Year champion
- Chris Stapleton — Grammy-winning legend and perennial ACM powerhouse
- Cody Johnson — Texas country favorite with massive touring numbers
- Luke Combs — one of country music’s bestselling artists of all time
- Jelly Roll — country music’s most talked-about crossover star
- Morgan Wallen — multi-platinum chart-topper and streaming juggernaut
Frequently Asked: What Time Do the 2026 ACM Awards Start?
The 2026 ACM Awards ceremony officially begins at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The show streams exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, as well as via the Amazon Music app. The event takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada — marking a return to Sin City after three years at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
How to Watch the 2026 ACM Awards Live
Watching the 2026 ACM Awards is easier than ever thanks to its exclusive streaming deal. Prime Video will carry the live broadcast starting at 8 p.m. ET, making it accessible to hundreds of millions of subscribers worldwide. Fans can also tune in via the Amazon Music channel on Twitch or stream it through the Amazon Music app on their mobile devices. This marks the second consecutive year that Prime Video has held exclusive rights to the ACM Awards broadcast, building on its growing footprint in live country music entertainment.
The 2026 ACM Awards are shaping up to be an unforgettable evening for country music fans. With Megan Moroney gunning for the top prize, Shania Twain making her hosting debut, and a powerhouse slate of performers ready to light up the MGM Grand Garden Arena, May 17 can’t come fast enough. Tune in on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET and keep following Sunset Country Fest for live results, highlights, and all the best moments from the 2026 ACM Awards.