The 2026 ACM Awards are just around the corner, and country music fans have every reason to be excited. The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will air live on May 17, 2026, streaming exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. This year’s ceremony is shaping up to be one for the books — Shania Twain takes the hosting reins for the very first time, and women are absolutely dominating the 2026 ACM Awards nominations. Leading the charge is Megan Moroney, who earned a stunning nine nominations, making her the most-nominated artist at this year’s ceremony.
Who Is Nominated at the 2026 ACM Awards?
The Academy of Country Music pulled no punches with the 2026 ACM Awards nominations, and the results are a celebration of country music’s brightest stars. Megan Moroney secured nine nominations, including her very first nod for Entertainer of the Year — a massive milestone in her already remarkable career. Miranda Lambert, the most decorated artist in ACM Awards history, follows closely behind with eight nominations. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson both earned seven nominations apiece, rounding out a top four that showcases just how powerful the women of country music are right now. Notably, Morgan Wallen was left off the Male Artist of the Year ballot, making this one of the most talked-about nomination cycles in recent memory. Avery Anna, who released the EP Forgive, Forget earlier this year, was already named New Female Artist of the Year ahead of the live broadcast.
The 2026 ACM Awards Performance Lineup Is Stacked
The 61st ACM Awards stage is going to be electric. Kacey Musgraves is set to perform, fresh off the release of her critically acclaimed album Middle of Nowhere. Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson are also confirmed performers, as are Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, Avery Anna, Carter Faith, and Ella Langley. It is a lineup that spans traditional country, red-dirt anthems, and contemporary pop-country — something for every fan of the genre. With Shania Twain on hosting duties, this may be the most must-watch ACM ceremony in years.
Frequently Asked: When Are the 2026 ACM Awards and How Can I Watch?
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards air live on May 17, 2026, at 8 PM ET, streaming exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. The ceremony takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada — the first time the ACM Awards have returned to the MGM Grand Arena after relocating to Frisco, Texas for three consecutive years. No cable subscription is required; a Prime Video subscription gives full access to the live broadcast.
What the 2026 ACM Nominations Mean for Country Music
The 2026 ACM Awards nominations send a loud and clear message: the women of country music are having a moment, and the industry is taking notice. For Megan Moroney, nine nominations — including Entertainer of the Year — confirm that her rise from fan-favorite newcomer to full-blown country superstar is complete. For Miranda Lambert, continued dominance in the nominations reflects a legacy that shows no signs of slowing down. And for rising stars like Ella Langley and Avery Anna, these nominations are a signal to the genre that the next generation is ready.
- Megan Moroney — 9 nominations (includes Entertainer of the Year)
- Miranda Lambert — 8 nominations
- Ella Langley — 7 nominations
- Lainey Wilson — 7 nominations
- Avery Anna — Named New Female Artist of the Year (pre-show)
- How to Watch: Prime Video & Amazon Music on Twitch, May 17 at 8 PM ET
Don’t miss a single moment of the 2026 ACM Awards on May 17 — this is the country music night of the year. With Megan Moroney gunning for nine potential wins, history could be made at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Keep following Sunset Country Fest for live updates, winner announcements, and all the highlights from one of country music’s biggest nights.