Country music’s biggest stars are heading to Las Vegas for one of the most anticipated nights of the year, and the full performance lineup for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards is officially stacked.
With Shania Twain stepping in as host for the first time, the 61st ACM Awards promise an unforgettable evening filled with superstar performances, emotional tributes, and major surprises.
Streaming live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Prime Video and the Amazon Music app, the ceremony begins Sunday, May 17, at 8 p.m. ET.
Shania Twain Replaces Reba McEntire as Host
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After several years with Reba McEntire at the helm, the ACM Awards are turning to another country icon.
Shania Twain will make her debut as host, bringing her signature charisma and star power to a ceremony celebrating 61 years of country music.
Her involvement alone has added even more excitement to an already star-packed event.
The Year’s Biggest Nominees Lead the Night
Megan Moroney enters the night as the most-nominated artist with nine nominations.
Miranda Lambert follows with eight, while Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each earned seven nods.
Among the leading male nominees are Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, and Luke Combs.
Full List of 2026 ACM Awards Performers
A total of 19 artists are scheduled to perform throughout the night, showcasing both established superstars and fast-rising talent.
The complete performer lineup includes:
- Avery Anna
- Blake Shelton
- Carter Faith
- Cody Johnson
- Dan + Shay
- Ella Langley
- Jordan Davis
- Kacey Musgraves
- Kane Brown
- Lainey Wilson
- Lee Ann Womack
- Little Big Town
- Miranda Lambert
- Parker McCollum
- Riley Green
- The Red Clay Strays
- Thomas Rhett
- Tucker Wetmore
- Zach Top
Special Highlights Fans Won’t Want to Miss
One of the most anticipated moments of the night is Kacey Musgraves’ first-ever ACM Awards performance, despite her six previous ACM wins.
The show will also feature performances from four of the five Album of the Year nominees, including Carter Faith, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, and Zach Top.
Meanwhile, 2026 New Male Artist of the Year Tucker Wetmore and New Female Artist of the Year Avery Anna will each take the stage after receiving early ACM honors.
Star-Studded Presenters Join the Celebration
The presenter lineup includes:
- Andrew Whitworth
- Ashley McBryde
- Carl Edwards
- Corey LaJoie
- Keith Urban
- Lauren Alaina
- Michael Bublé
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Shaboozey
- The War and Treaty
- TJ Osborne
Country Music’s Biggest Night Is Ready to Deliver
From superstar debuts and emotional tributes to unexpected collaborations, the 2026 ACM Awards are shaping up to be one of the most exciting ceremonies in recent memory.
With Shania Twain hosting and a performance lineup packed with some of the genre’s biggest names, fans can expect a night full of memorable moments.
And if the artist lineup is any indication, country music’s biggest night is about to live up to its name.
