Full Breakdown
Academy of Country Music Awards Return to Las Vegas in 2026
12/2/2025, 5:41:01 PM
Overview of the Event
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards will return to Las Vegas for its 61st edition on May 17, 2026, after a three-year stint in Frisco, Texas. The ceremony will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, expressed enthusiasm about the return, stating, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to return to MGM Grand... It truly feels like a homecoming for us.”
Background & Context
The ACM Awards had been hosted in Las Vegas from 2003 to 2019 before moving to Frisco in 2023. This shift coincided with the ACM's transition from network television to an exclusive streaming partnership with Amazon Prime. The awards in Texas were characterized as “successful,” although the announcement of the return to Las Vegas did not elaborate on the Frisco experience.
Key Figures & Groups
Damon Whiteside, as the CEO of the Academy of Country Music, plays a pivotal role in the event's organization and direction. Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions, also emphasized the significance of the 2026 awards, highlighting the partnership with MGM Resorts as a means to enhance the experience for country music fans.
What to Expect in 2026
The ACM Awards Week will commence on May 15, 2026, leading up to the main event. While the host for the 2026 ceremony has not yet been announced, previous hosts have included notable figures such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks. The awards will continue to celebrate the achievements of country music artists, with a focus on the collaborations and moments that shape the genre.
Official Statements & Responses
In the official announcement, Whiteside remarked on Las Vegas being an ideal location for the awards, reinforcing the city’s historical significance to the ACM. Jay Penske added that 2026 would be a special year for the awards, emphasizing the commitment to delivering world-class entertainment.
Criticism & Opposition
Some observers noted that Whiteside's comments about Las Vegas could be interpreted as a subtle critique of Frisco, where the awards were held for three years. The lack of acknowledgment of the Texas tenure in the announcement may suggest a preference for the Las Vegas venue.
What's Next
Tickets for the 61st ACM Awards and associated events will go on sale in early 2026. The ACM is expected to continue its tradition of honoring the biggest names in country music during this highly anticipated return to Las Vegas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s no better place to host an exciting, global Country Music celebration than fabulous Las Vegas!” — Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music.
- “2026 is going to be a very special year for the ACMs, and partnering with MGM Resorts strengthens our deep commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and experiences for Country Music fans and partners alike.” — Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions.
