Shania Twain to Host 61st Academy of Country Music Awards: How to Watch, Nominees, and Full Performer Lineup

The Academy of Country Music Awards are set to return to Las Vegas this Sunday, marking the 61st annual celebration of country music’s biggest stars. For the first time, global icon Shania Twain will command the stage as host, while the ceremony streams exclusively on Prime Video—a move that underscores the industry’s deepening embrace of digital platforms.

A New Era for the ACM Awards

The ACM Awards have long been a cornerstone of country music’s awards season, honoring everything from breakthrough artists to legendary entertainers. This year’s shift to Prime Video—part of Amazon’s growing live-event portfolio—signals a strategic pivot toward global accessibility. Last year’s broadcast on Amazon drew millions of viewers, and the 2025 ceremony aims to expand that reach further, with additional streaming on the Amazon Music Twitch channel and the Amazon Music app.

Set at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the event promises a mix of heartfelt tributes, high-energy performances, and unexpected collaborations. The decision to tap Shania Twain as host adds a layer of pop-culture magnetism. Twain, who has sold over 100 million records worldwide, bridges country and mainstream audiences—a perfect fit for an evening that celebrates both tradition and evolution.

Shania Twain: From Superstar to Host

Twain’s hosting debut is particularly noteworthy given her own history with the ACMs. She has won 11 ACM awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1999, and her 1997 album Come On Over remains the best-selling studio album by a female act in any genre. Her recent Las Vegas residency, Let’s Go!, has been a massive success, and her appointment as host aligns with the ACM’s desire to spotlight multi-generational talent.

“Shania is a force of nature,” said an ACM insider. “She brings a level of charisma and showmanship that will make this year’s broadcast unforgettable.” Twain herself has hinted at surprise moments during the show, teasing that she might perform a medley of her greatest hits.

Full Performer and Presenter Lineup

This year’s performer list blends established stars with rising talents. Confirmed artists include:

• Ella Langley
• The Red Clay Strays
• Zach Top
• Thomas Rhett
• Blake Shelton
• Kacey Musgraves
• Lainey Wilson
• Dan + Shay
• Jordan Davis
• Kane Brown
• Little Big Town
• Miranda Lambert
• Riley Green

In addition to the headline performers, a lineup of presenters will hand out awards, including Keith Urban, Shaboozey, Ashley McBryde, Michael Bublé, NFL stars Andrew Whitworth and Ryan Fitzpatrick, NASCAR drivers Carl Edwards and Corey Lajoie, country vocalist Lauren Alaina, duo The War and Treaty, and TV personality TJ Osbourne. The mix of sports figures and musical talent continues the ACM tradition of cross-industry celebration.

Nominees: Megan Moroney Leads the Pack

The 2025 nominations reflect a dynamic shift in country music, with younger artists dominating the categories. Megan Moroney leads with nine nominations, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. Her breakout year, fueled by hits like Tennessee Orange and Am I Okay?, has positioned her as one of the genre’s most compelling storytellers.

Miranda Lambert, a perennial favorite, follows closely with eight nominations. Lambert’s enduring career—marked by critical acclaim and commercial success—continues to resonate, with her recent album Postcards from Texas earning nods in several categories. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each secured seven nominations, underscoring the rapid ascent of new voices.

Entertainer of the Year Race

The Entertainer of the Year category remains one of the night’s most anticipated. Nominees include Megan Moroney, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson. Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely: Jelly Roll’s transformation from rap to country has been a cultural phenomenon, while Luke Combs continues to dominate streaming charts. Cody Johnson’s traditionalist appeal and Chris Stapleton’s blues-infused sound offer a study in contrasts.

Album of the Year Contenders

The Album of the Year category showcases diversity in production and storytelling. Nominees are:

• Ain’t in It for My Health by Zach Top
• Cherry Valley by Carter Faith
• Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) by Riley Green
• I’m the Problem by Morgan Wallen
• Parker McCollum by Parker McCollum

Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem is a strong favorite, given his massive streaming numbers, but Riley Green’s deluxe edition and Zach Top’s debut have generated critical buzz. The range from Carter Faith’s indie-leaning Cherry Valley to Parker McCollum’s self-titled project illustrates how the ACM Awards are broadening their definition of country.

How to Watch the 2025 ACM Awards

The ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Streaming begins at 8 p.m. ET exclusively on Prime Video. For those without a Prime subscription, the event will also be available on the Amazon Music Twitch channel and the Amazon Music app—though the full broadcast and backstage content are reserved for Prime Video subscribers.

Pre-show coverage is expected to start an hour earlier, with red-carpet interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. Amazon has also confirmed that the broadcast will feature interactive elements, including a live fan-voted “ACM Song of the Year” during the telecast.

Why This Year Matters

For fans, the 61st ACM Awards represent more than just an awards show—they are a snapshot of country music’s evolving identity. The shift to Prime Video removes traditional broadcast constraints, allowing for longer performances and more diverse content. Moreover, Shania Twain’s presence as host bridges the gap between the genre’s ’90s golden era and its modern streaming-driven landscape.

With Megan Moroney leading nominations and veterans like Miranda Lambert still in the conversation, the night will likely spark debates about the future of country music. Will Entertainer of the Year go to a solo female artist for the first time since Taylor Swift’s win in 2011? Can Jelly Roll’s unlikely journey carry him to the top? Whatever the outcomes, the ACM Awards remain a vital platform for honoring artistic achievement and connecting fans with the stories behind the songs.

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