Full Breakdown
Shania Twain to Host the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards
4/25/2026, 12:32:27 PM
Shania Twain to Host 2026 ACM Awards
The Academy of Country Music announced Shania Twain as host of its 61st ceremony on May 17, 2026. The event will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and streamed live on Prime Video, with additional access via Amazon Music on Twitch and the Amazon Music app. This marks Twain’s first hosting role, joining past hosts Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire.
Hosting History and Twain’s ACM Credentials
Since its 1966 debut, the ACM Awards have rotated high-profile hosts. Reba McEntire has hosted 18 times, most recently for two consecutive years; Parton and Brooks co-hosted in 2023. Twain’s ACM résumé includes a 2000 Entertainer of the Year win and the 2023 Poet’s Award for songwriting.
Performance Lineup & Female Nomination Dominance
Confirmed performers include Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Riley Green. Female artists dominate nominations: Megan Moroney leads with nine, Miranda Lambert has eight, and Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley each have seven. Among men, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Cody Johnson and Riley Green have the most nods.
Official Statements & Responses
The Academy called Twain a “natural fit” with an “impressive history on the ACM stage.” CEO Damon Whiteside noted continuity with past iconic hosts and Twain’s cross-genre influence. Twain said she feels the city is “like home” and praised the focus on “talented women leading nominations.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source placed the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Los Angeles; all other reports locate it in Las Vegas. No other discrepancies in date, streaming platform or performer lineup were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Shania Twain, Artist
- “First time hosting the ACM Awards !! Now what will I wear? Looking forward to a night of Country Music and celebrating musical talent in my favourite city!” — Shania Twain, Artist
- “He even added,‘We couldn’t imagine a more perfect icon to follow our previous iconic hosts, Dolly, Garth and Reba, blending one of the most important nights in country music with the excitement of Las Vegas.” — Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO
- “I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home.” — Shania Twain, Artist
What’s Next
Tickets for the ceremony and related events—such as the “Whiskey Jam Welcome Party” and “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash”—will be sold through AXS. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the weeks before the May 17 broadcast.
