A New Era for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards
The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards are set to bring a fresh and exciting energy to the annual event. With a new host, a change in venue, and a strong presence of female artists among the nominees, this year promises to be a significant shift for the country music community.
Country music legend Shania Twain will take on the role of host for the first time, stepping in after Reba McEntire. This marks an important milestone for Twain, who has long been a beloved figure in the industry. The ceremony is also moving to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a departure from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, where it was held for the past three years. The event is scheduled for 17 May at 8 p.m. EDT, offering fans a chance to witness the latest developments in country music.
How to Watch the 2026 ACM Awards
Fans looking to catch the action can stream the 2026 ACM Awards live on Prime Video, the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, and via the Amazon Music app. These platforms provide a convenient way for audiences around the world to experience the event from the comfort of their homes.
Who Is Nominated?
Megan Moroney is leading the pack with nine nominations for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards. She is closely followed by Miranda Lambert, the most-decorated artist in ACM Awards history, with eight nominations. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each have seven, while Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Cody Johnson follow with six, five, and four nominations respectively.
In the entertainer of the year category, the competition includes Wilson, Stapleton, Johnson, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen. Lainey Wilson recently took home the top prize for a second consecutive year, highlighting her continued success in the industry.
The album of the year category features Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem up against Zach Top’s Ain’t In It For My Health, Riley Green’s Don’t Mind If I Do, Parker McCollum’s Parker McCollum, and Carter Faith’s Cherry Valley. First-time nominees such as 49 Winchester, Avery Anna, Mackenzie Carpenter, Hudson Westbrook, and Stephen Wilson Jr. are also making their mark.
What’s New This Year?
This year’s ACM Awards bring several changes that are sure to capture attention. Beyond the move to Las Vegas and Shania Twain’s debut as host, the nominations are dominated by women, with Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson leading the charge.
Country singer Ashley McBryde expressed her excitement about the trend, saying, “I think it is so cool.” However, she remains cautious about whether the industry will ever stop pitting women against one another. “But I think we’ve managed — me, Miranda (Lambert), Carly (Pearce), Kelsey (Ballerini), we’ve been trying to build a table, and we’ve been trying for years to make the table bigger, and now it is. And I’m looking forward to operating in the environment that we built.”
Unlike last year, when one song dominated the nominations, this year’s single of the year category features a more diverse lineup. Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton’s “A Song to Sing” will go head-to-head with Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?,” Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” Zach Top’s “I Never Lie,” and Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
Who Will Perform?
The list of performers for the 2026 ACM Awards includes some of the biggest names in country music. Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Zach Top, Carter Faith, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Avery Anna, and Tucker Wetmore are all set to take the stage.
Independent Readers and the Future of News
Independent readers are characterized by their independent-mindedness and global perspective. They are not defined by traditional demographics but by their attitudes and values. In today’s fragmented world, these readers seek real facts and honest opinions from trusted news sources. Empowered by information and inspiration, they are equipped to take a stand for the causes they believe in.
