The 2026 ACM Awards are officially here, and country music fans have plenty to celebrate. The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on May 17, 2026, streaming live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas exclusively on Prime Video and Amazon Music. Leading the charge this year is Megan Moroney, who walks into the ceremony with a staggering nine nominations — the most of any artist at the 2026 ACM Awards.
Megan Moroney Makes History with Nine Nominations
Megan Moroney’s nine nominations at the 2026 ACM Awards cement her status as one of the hottest names in country music right now. The Georgia native burst onto the scene with her debut album Lucky and has not slowed down since. Her nominations span across multiple major categories, confirming that Nashville’s brightest rising star has truly arrived. Miranda Lambert follows close behind with eight nominations, while Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each secured seven nods, making this one of the most competitive women-led award cycles in ACM history.
Star-Studded Performer Lineup for Las Vegas
The 61st ACM Awards performer lineup is stacked from top to bottom. The latest additions 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. They join a previously announced roster that already features Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green. Hosting duties this year go to country legend Shania Twain, who brings decades of star power to the Las Vegas stage. The combination of established icons and new voices makes this one of the most eagerly anticipated ACM shows in years.
Frequently Asked: When and Where Are the 2026 ACM Awards?
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will air live on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show streams exclusively on Prime Video and Amazon Music beginning at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. Shania Twain serves as host for the evening.
Key Nominees and What Fans Can Expect
- Entertainer of the Year: Expected to feature Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Luke Combs among the frontrunners
- Female Vocalist of the Year: A hotly contested battle between Moroney, Lambert, and Langley
- New Female Artist of the Year: Avery Anna and Carter Faith are both strong contenders
- Album of the Year: Megan Moroney’s latest project leads nominations in this category
- Single of the Year: Watch for multiple fan-favorite tracks competing for the top spot
The 2026 ACM Awards promise to be an unforgettable night of country music, packed with surprises, standout performances, and history-making moments. Whether you’re rooting for Megan Moroney to sweep or hoping a dark horse steals the night, set your Prime Video reminder for May 17 and keep following Sunset Country Fest for all the live coverage, winners, and highlights.
📌 Sources & References
Frequently Asked Questions
How are country music award nominees selected?
Nominees are selected by industry professionals or recording academy members depending on the specific award. Eligibility is based on music released within the qualifying calendar year.
Where can I watch the awards show live?
Major country awards shows air on major broadcast networks and are also available for streaming. Check the official show website for broadcast schedules and streaming options.
Can fans vote for their favorite artists?
Some awards categories are fan-voted. Check the official awards show website for voting eligibility, instructions, and deadlines during the voting period.
⚠️ Disclaimer — Important Notice
The information published in this article is based on publicly available data from official sources, press releases, and music industry publications available at the time of writing. Tour dates, ticket prices, venue details, setlists, album release schedules, award nominations, lineup announcements, and all other details referenced in this article are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
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Last updated: May 10, 2026 · Sunset Country Fest Editorial Team · Contact Us