Country music’s biggest night just got a legendary host. On May 17, 2026, the Shania Twain ACM Awards moment becomes reality — the iconic “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” singer will take the stage as host of the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards for the very first time. The ceremony will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will stream live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. With Twain at the helm, female artists dominating the nominations, and a stacked performer lineup, the 2026 ACMs are shaping up to be the most electric night in country music awards history.
Shania Twain ACM Awards: Why This Hosting Debut Matters
Shania Twain is no stranger to big country moments — she’s the best-selling female country artist of all time, with more than 100 million albums sold worldwide. But this marks her first time hosting the ACMs, and with it she becomes just the third woman ever to solo-host the show, joining a legendary list that includes Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. Twain isn’t a first-time awards show host, though; in 2024 she helmed the People’s Choice Country Awards in Nashville to rave reviews. Expect her to bring that same charisma, humor, and star power to the ACM stage in Las Vegas.
Full Performer Lineup for the 2026 ACM Awards
Alongside Twain’s hosting duties, the 2026 ACM Awards performance lineup is one of the deepest in recent memory. From country legends to the genre’s newest stars, the stage at MGM Grand will be packed with unforgettable moments from start to finish.
- Kacey Musgraves
- Miranda Lambert
- Little Big Town
- Cody Johnson
- Lainey Wilson
- Riley Green
- Blake Shelton
- Ella Langley
- Kane Brown
- Avery Anna
- Carter Faith
- Dan + Shay
- Jordan Davis
- The Red Clay Strays
- Thomas Rhett
- Tucker Wetmore
- Zach Top
Frequently Asked: Who Is Hosting the 2026 ACM Awards?
Shania Twain is hosting the 2026 ACM Awards on May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This marks her first time hosting the ACMs and makes her the third woman ever to solo-host the ceremony, following Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. The show streams live on Prime Video and Amazon Music on Twitch at 8 p.m. ET.
Who Leads the 2026 ACM Nominations?
The nominations for the 61st ACM Awards reflect a historic year for women in country music. Megan Moroney leads all nominees with nine nominations, including her debut in the Entertainer of the Year category. Miranda Lambert follows with eight, while Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each earned seven nominations. In a notable snub, Morgan Wallen was left off the Male Artist of the Year ballot, generating significant buzz leading up to the show.
The Shania Twain ACM Awards hosting debut is exactly the kind of moment that reminds fans why they love this genre — history, heart, and incredible music all on one stage. Tune in May 17 on Prime Video and keep following Sunset Country Fest for complete live coverage, winners, and highlights all night long.