The neon lights of Las Vegas are shining brighter than ever as the 2026 ACM Awards return to their spiritual home at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the Academy of Country Music Awards, a milestone celebrated by a triumphant return to the desert after a brief residency in Frisco, Texas. With global icon Shania Twain stepping into the hosting role for the first time, the 2026 ceremony isn't just an awards show—it is a high-octane celebration of a genre currently dominated by powerhouse female voices and a new generation of "outlaw" traditionalists.
Streaming live exclusively on Prime Video to more than 240 countries and territories, the 2026 ACM Awards represent a pivotal moment for the industry. From Megan Moroney leading the pack with a staggering nine nominations to the emergence of viral stars like Tucker Wetmore, the night promises a blend of legacy and legacy-in-the-making. Whether you are tracking the winners in real-time or looking for the best way to catch the red carpet glamour, this is your ultimate portal for everything happening in Vegas.
2026 ACM Awards Winners: Live Updating Results and Nominees
The competition this year is among the fiercest in recent memory. While Lainey Wilson enters the night as the reigning Entertainer of the Year, she faces stiff competition from heavyweights like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs. Early winners have already been crowned ahead of the main broadcast, with Avery Anna taking home New Female Artist of the Year and Tucker Wetmore securing New Male Artist of the Year—a massive feat for Wetmore, who was surprised with the news during a recent tour stop in London.
To capture the featured snippet for the 2026 ACM Awards winners list, we have compiled the major categories below. This list updates live as the trophies are handed out at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
| Category | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainer of the Year | [TBD] | Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson |
| Female Artist of the Year | [TBD] | Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, Ella Langley |
| Male Artist of the Year | [TBD] | Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Zach Top, Luke Combs |
| New Female Artist of the Year | Avery Anna | Kylie Morgan, Carter Faith, Mackenzie Carpenter, Mae Estes |
| New Male Artist of the Year | Tucker Wetmore | Kameron Marlowe, Conner Smith, Dylan Gossett, Chayce Beckham |
| Album of the Year | [TBD] | Megan Moroney (Am I Okay?), Carter Faith (Cherry Valley), Chris Stapleton (Higher) |
How to Watch the 2026 ACM Awards: Red Carpet and Streaming Details
For fans wondering how to watch ACM awards without a traditional cable subscription, the process is seamless. For the fifth consecutive year, the Academy of Country Music has partnered with Prime Video to deliver a commercial-free, global livestream. The main event kicks off on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
However, the festivities begin much earlier for those interested in the ACM Awards 2026 red carpet stream. Fans can tune in to the Amazon Music channel on Twitch or the Amazon Music app starting at 6:30 p.m. ET for exclusive interviews and a first look at the ACM Awards 2026 fashion trends. Expect to see bold western-chic aesthetics, with many predicting a resurgence of "rhinestone cowgirl" glam inspired by host Shania Twain.
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video (Global) and Amazon Music Twitch.
- Red Carpet Start Time: 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Main Show Start Time: 8 p.m. ET.
- On-Demand Access: The full ceremony will be available to stream on Prime Video immediately following the live broadcast.
The Performance Lineup: Who is Taking the Stage?
The ACM performers 2026 lineup is a masterclass in genre-blending and star power. Executive Producer Raj Kapoor has curated a night that balances traditional country roots with modern spectacle. A major highlight of the evening is the official anthem performance: Carter Faith will perform her viral cover of Faith Hill’s 1995 hit, "Let's Go to Vegas." This track has become the calling card for the 61st awards, symbolizing the show's "triumphant return" to Nevada.
The stage will also host a series of high-profile collaborations. While the Academy is keeping some secrets under wraps, rumors of a Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson duet have fans buzzing. Additionally, Blake Shelton returns to the ACM stage, alongside Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, and Dan + Shay. Rising stars The Red Clay Strays and Zach Top—the 2025 New Male Artist winner—are also set to deliver high-energy sets that showcase the "neotraditionalist" movement currently sweeping the charts.
Other confirmed performers include:
- Cody Johnson
- Kacey Musgraves
- Little Big Town
- Riley Green
- Ella Langley
- Jordan Davis
ACM Awards Week: Las Vegas Event Schedule and Tickets
The 2026 ACM Awards are more than just a single night; they are the culmination of "ACM Awards Week," a city-wide takeover of Las Vegas. For fans traveling to the event, tickets for the main show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena started at $100, though secondary markets have seen prices climb as the date nears.
The itinerary for the week includes several key satellite events that offer fans a more intimate experience with their favorite artists:
- Whiskey Jam Welcome Party (May 14): Held at Ole Red Las Vegas, featuring Avery Anna and The Band Perry. This event has become the unofficial kickoff for industry insiders and die-hard fans.
- ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green (May 15): A celebrity golf tournament and concert at Topgolf Las Vegas, headlined by Riley Green with appearances by Lauren Alaina and Randy Houser.
- ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash (May 16): A massive pre-party at Mandalay Bay Beach headlined by Keith Urban. This event focuses on the "Next Wave" of talent, including Tucker Wetmore and Dasha.
The "Women of Country" Era: A Historical Shift
One of the most compelling narratives of the 2026 ACM Awards is the overwhelming presence of women at the top of the ballot. With Megan Moroney securing nine nominations and Miranda Lambert following closely with eight, the 2026 cycle marks a statistical high point for female representation in major categories. This shift comes after years of industry criticism regarding "tomato-gate" and the lack of female airplay on country radio.
Shania Twain, speaking on her hosting duties, noted that the current crop of nominees reminds her of the mid-90s boom. "It’s such an honor to be part of this night, especially with so many talented women leading nominations," Twain stated. The inclusion of Ella Langley (7 nominations) and Lainey Wilson (7 nominations) in the Entertainer and Female Artist categories suggests that the "glass ceiling" in Nashville isn't just cracking—it’s being dismantled.
Key Takeaways for the 61st ACM Awards
- Host: Shania Twain makes her ACM hosting debut, replacing long-time host Reba McEntire.
- Location: The show returns to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas after two years in Texas.
- Top Nominee: Megan Moroney leads with 9 nominations, including Female Artist and Album of the Year.
- How to Watch: Live on Prime Video and Amazon Music Twitch on May 17 at 8 p.m. ET.
- Official Anthem: Carter Faith’s cover of "Let's Go to Vegas" serves as the theme for the 2026 cycle.
- Early Winners: Avery Anna (New Female Artist) and Tucker Wetmore (New Male Artist) have already been announced.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Las Vegas
As the 2026 ACM Awards prepare to go live, the energy in Las Vegas is electric. The move back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena signals a desire to return to the high-stakes glamour that defined the ACMs for decades. With a heavy focus on digital streaming via Prime Video and a nomination list that finally reflects the diversity of the modern country fan base, the 61st awards are set to be a landmark event. Whether it’s a veteran like Blake Shelton or a newcomer like Carter Faith, the night belongs to the artists who continue to push the boundaries of what country music can be. Stay tuned as we update the winners live throughout the night.
