The Academy of Country Music Awards has added a fresh wave of performers ahead of its 61st annual ceremony, bringing even more star power to the upcoming Las Vegas celebration.
Newly announced acts include Ella Langley, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, Jordan Davis, Dan + Shay, Carter Faith, and rising artists Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore – both recent New Artist of the Year winners. They join previously announced performers including Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, and Riley Green. Additional performers and presenters are expected to be announced as the countdown to country music’s biggest night continues.
The show will be hosted by Shania Twain, marking her debut as ACM Awards host. She shared in a statement that she’s “thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home. 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.”
This year’s nominations are led by Megan Moroney with nine, followed by Miranda Lambert with eight, and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each with seven. Chris Stapleton earned six nominations, while Zach Top has five. Nominees for the coveted ‘Entertainer of the Year’ award include Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, and Lainey Wilson – the reigning 2025 winner.
Beyond the main show, ACM weekend will also feature special events, including ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends on May 15 and ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash headlined by Keith Urban on May 16.
The 2026 ACM Awards ceremony takes place May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will stream live at 8 p.m. ET via Prime Video, the Amazon Music app, and the Amazon Music Twitch channel.
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