2026 ACM Awards: Shania Twain to Host, Megan Moroney Leads Nominations — Everything to Know

Country music's biggest night is officially returning to the entertainment capital of the world. The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, the 61st annual ceremony, will light up Las Vegas' MGM Grand on Sunday, May 17, bringing together A-list performers, chart-topping nominees and one of the genre's most iconic voices as host.

After a recent run in Texas, the ACMs are heading back to Sin City for what organizers promise will be a homecoming to remember. With Megan Moroney leading the field with nine nominations, Miranda Lambert close behind with eight, and a packed roster of presenters and performers, this year's show is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in the Academy's storied history.

A Star-Studded Return to Las Vegas

The Academy of Country Music has deep ties to Las Vegas, and this year's May 17 ceremony marks a full-circle moment for the organization. The MGM Grand has played host to some of country music's most memorable awards nights, and executives are leaning into that legacy.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to return to MGM Grand for the 61st ACM Awards next May, a place that holds a lot of history and special memories for the Academy. It truly feels like a homecoming for us,” Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside said in a December 2025 statement. “There’s no better place to host an exciting, global Country Music celebration than fabulous Las Vegas!”

Jay Penske, the CEO of Dick Clark Productions, echoed that enthusiasm, teasing that 2026 will be “a special year for the ACMs.” With the ceremony relocating from Texas back to Nevada, the broadcast is expected to lean into the spectacle and glamour that only Las Vegas can provide.

Shania Twain Takes the Host Mic

One of the biggest announcements for the 2026 ACM Awards came with the news that Shania Twain will serve as host. The country music legend, known for genre-defying hits and record-breaking tours, will bring her signature charisma to the MGM Grand stage.

“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home,” Twain said in an April 2026 statement. “It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating Country Music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night.”

Twain's appointment is particularly meaningful in a year where female artists dominate major categories, a shift that signals how much the genre's mainstream has evolved. Her deep catalog of hits and crossover appeal make her a natural fit for a ceremony aiming to capture both Nashville loyalists and a global audience.

Megan Moroney Leads the 2026 ACM Nominations

Megan Moroney enters the 2026 ceremony as the most nominated artist, earning nine nods across a wide range of categories. The rising star reacted to the news on social media with characteristic excitement, writing via Instagram Stories, “Nine seems to be a good number. Thank yooouuuuuuu sm @acmawards.”

Moroney's nominations span some of the ACM's most competitive fields, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year as both artist and songwriter, Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, Visual Media of the Year as both artist and director, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

Her success reflects a broader wave of new-generation country artists who are blending traditional storytelling with modern production. She is joined at the top of the nominee list by Miranda Lambert with eight nods, while Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each earned seven.

Entertainer of the Year and Key Categories

Moroney is up for the night's biggest honor, Entertainer of the Year, alongside Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson. Wilson took home the trophy during the 2025 ceremony, and this year's race is widely expected to be one of the closest in recent memory.

Wilson also received nominations for Song of the Year as artist and songwriter, Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, Visual Media of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. She shared her excitement on social media, writing, “Well good mornin’ @acmawards, nice to see ya?”

In the Female Artist of the Year category, Moroney and Wilson face stiff competition from Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert. On the male side, Riley Green, Zach Top, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton are all vying for Male Artist of the Year.

The full list of nominees also includes Reba McEntire, Shaboozey, 49 Winchester, Gavin Adcock, Avery Anna, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Mackenzie Carpenter, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Carter Faith, Flatland Cavalry, Caroline Jones, Vincent Mason, Parker McCollum, Muscadine Bloodline, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts, the Red Clay Strays, Emily Ann Roberts, Thelma & James, Hudson Westbrook, Tucker Wetmore and Stephen Wilson Jr. The breadth of that list underscores how the ACMs continue to honor both established icons and breakout talents.

Must-See Performers Take the ACM Stage

True to form, the 2026 ACM Awards will deliver a marathon of live performances. The first wave of announced artists includes:

• Cody Johnson
• Lainey Wilson
• Riley Green
• Little Big Town
• Miranda Lambert
• Kacey Musgraves
• Blake Shelton
• Dan + Shay
• Ella Langley
• Jordan Davis
• Kane Brown
• Thomas Rhett
• Zach Top
• Avery Anna
• Tucker Wetmore
• The Red Clay Strays
• Carter Faith

That lineup represents country music's current chart dominance, from stadium-filling superstars to critically acclaimed songwriters and viral breakout acts. With Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert sharing a bill, fans can expect a mix of boundary-pushing artistry and traditional country soul.

Presenters Add to the Glamour

The Academy has also assembled an all-star presenter lineup. Among the names set to hand out trophies are football legend Andrew Whitworth, NASCAR stars Carl Edwards and Corey Lajoie, and former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Country and pop royalty will also be represented, with Keith Urban, Ashley McBryde, Lauren Alaina, Shaboozey, The War and Treaty and TJ Osborne added to the presenter roster. Michael Bublé's involvement adds a touch of crossover polish, further signaling that the ACM Awards are aiming for a broad, entertainment-focused broadcast.

How to Watch the 2026 ACM Awards

The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from Las Vegas' MGM Grand on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the ceremony simultaneously on Prime Video, making it easily accessible for viewers across the country.

For those who want even more access, the show will also be streamed via Amazon Music's Twitch channel and its independent app. This multi-platform approach ensures that both traditional broadcast viewers and streaming-first audiences can be part of the action.

With Shania Twain at the helm, Megan Moroney leading a historic class of nominees, and an evening packed with performances from the biggest names in country music, the 2026 ACM Awards are poised to be a defining moment for the genre. Las Vegas has always been a place for unforgettable nights, and on May 17, country music will write its next chapter under the neon lights.

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