The ACM Awards 2026 delivered one of the most unforgettable nights in country music history. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards lit up the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, streaming live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch at 8 p.m. ET. With country legend Shania Twain taking the hosting reins and a performance lineup stacked with the genre’s biggest and brightest names, the ACM Awards 2026 was everything fans hoped it would be — and then some. Las Vegas welcomed country music home in style.
ACM Awards 2026 Winners: Every Major Award of the Night
It was a landmark night for rising stars. Tucker Wetmore claimed New Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards 2026 in an unforgettable moment — he was surprised with the announcement live at his own concert in London before the Las Vegas ceremony aired. Avery Anna earned New Female Artist of the Year, firmly establishing her as one of country’s most exciting new voices. Stephen Wilson Jr. took home Visual Media of the Year for his official video for “Cuckoo,” capturing his first-ever ACM Award. Megan Moroney led all nominees heading into the evening with nine nominations, with Miranda Lambert right behind her at eight, and both Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each receiving seven nominations.
61st ACM Awards Performers: Who Took the Stage in Las Vegas
The performance lineup at the 61st ACM Awards was a genuine who’s-who of country music royalty and rising talent. Every set was a reminder of why live country music hits different from any other genre — raw, real, and built to move you. Here’s the confirmed performer lineup from the May 17, 2026 ceremony at MGM Grand Garden Arena:
- Avery Anna
- Blake Shelton
- Carter Faith
- Cody Johnson
- Dan + Shay
- Ella Langley
- Jordan Davis
- Kane Brown
- Lainey Wilson
- The Red Clay Strays
- Riley Green
- Thomas Rhett
- Tucker Wetmore
- Zach Top
Shania Twain Hosts the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas
Country icon Shania Twain brought her legendary star power, sharp humor, and undeniable charisma to the hosting role at the 61st ACM Awards. Twain’s presence gave the night an extra layer of magic — a living legend sharing the stage with country music’s future. The 2026 ceremony also marked the awards show’s return to Las Vegas after spending three consecutive years in Texas, with the MGM Grand Garden Arena once again serving as country music’s grandest stage.
Frequently Asked: Who Won ACM New Male Artist of the Year 2026?
Tucker Wetmore won New Male Artist of the Year at the 61st ACM Awards on May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The award was announced as a surprise while Wetmore was performing at a concert in London. Avery Anna won New Female Artist of the Year at the same ceremony, which was hosted by Shania Twain and streamed live on Prime Video.
The ACM Awards 2026 reminded every fan why this is the night country music celebrates itself best — with passion, authenticity, and an incredible amount of talent packed into one arena. Whether you caught every moment live or you’re catching up on the highlights, this was a ceremony worth revisiting. Keep following Sunset Country Fest for continued coverage of the ACM Awards 2026 and all the country music news, tours, and releases coming your way.
Be First to Know When the Lineup Drops
Join the Sunset Country Fest insider list. Lineup announcements, ticket pre-sales, and festival news straight to your inbox.
Sources & References
- Academy of Country Music — Official Website
- Billboard Country — Music News & Charts
- Taste of Country — Country Music News
- Rolling Stone — Country Music
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.
Sunset Country Fest makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained herein. All changes, cancellations, rescheduling, postponements, or modifications to any events, releases, tour dates, award results, or announcements referenced in this article are the sole responsibility of the artists, record labels, talent agencies, concert promoters, venues, and any other third parties involved.
Sunset Country Fest shall not be held liable for any decisions, travel arrangements, ticket purchases, or other actions taken by readers based on the information published here. We strongly encourage all readers to verify current details, including dates, venues, ticket availability, and event status, directly through official artist channels, venue box offices, and authorized ticketing platforms before making any plans or purchases.
Last updated: May 20, 2026 · Sunset Country Fest Editorial Team · Contact Us