Country music’s biggest night is getting a major makeover.
The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards are set to air tonight, and this year’s ceremony comes with two headline-making changes that have fans buzzing. For the first time in nearly two decades, Shania Twain will host the show, stepping into the role long held by Reba McEntire. Adding to the excitement, the ACM Awards are leaving Texas and returning to the legendary MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
With a stacked lineup of performers and a fiercely competitive list of nominees, the 2026 ACM Awards promise to be one of the most talked-about nights in country music.
How to Watch the 2026 ACM Awards Live
Fans can tune in to the ACM Awards tonight, Sunday, May 17, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
The ceremony will stream live for free on Prime Video and through Amazon Music. No Amazon Prime subscription is required to watch the live broadcast.
If you miss the show, the full ceremony will be available on demand beginning Monday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Prime Video.
Shania Twain Makes Her ACM Hosting Debut
This year marks a significant passing of the torch.
After Reba McEntire hosted the ACM Awards for 18 years, Shania Twain is stepping in to guide the evening for the first time. Her arrival brings a fresh energy to the event and adds another layer of star power to an already unforgettable night.
Megan Moroney Leads the Nominees
Megan Moroney enters the night as the most-nominated artist with nine nods, including major categories like Entertainer of the Year and Single of the Year for her breakout hit “Am I Okay?”
Close behind are some of country music’s biggest names, including Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson.
Entertainer of the Year Nominees
The top prize of the night will go to one of these seven artists:
- Luke Combs
- Jelly Roll
- Cody Johnson
- Megan Moroney
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
Star-Studded Performance Lineup
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Tonight’s show will feature performances from many of the genre’s biggest stars, including:
Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, and many more.
Categories to Watch
Among the most anticipated awards are:
- Female Artist of the Year
- Male Artist of the Year
- Album of the Year
- Song of the Year
- Single of the Year
- Visual Media of the Year
- Music Event of the Year
- New Male Artist of the Year
- New Female Artist of the Year
- Artist-Songwriter of the Year
With newcomers breaking through and established stars chasing major wins, the results could deliver several surprises.
A New Era for the ACM Awards
Between Shania Twain’s hosting debut, the return to Las Vegas, and Megan Moroney’s breakout nomination haul, the 2026 ACM Awards are shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions of the show in years.
Whether you’re tuning in for the performances, the awards, or the unexpected moments that always dominate social media, tonight’s ceremony is must-see television for country music fans.
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