Full Breakdown
New Performers Added to the 2026 ACM Awards Lineup
5/5/2026, 11:41:40 AM
Core Event: Expanded Performer Roster for the 61st ACM Awards
The Academy of Country Music announced on May 4, 2026 that a second wave of performers will join the 61st annual ceremony. New additions include Ella Langley, Zach Top, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, The Red Clay Strays, Carter Faith, Tucker Wetmore and Avery Anna. These artists will appear alongside previously confirmed acts such as Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Riley Green.
Background & Context: ACM Awards, Host Shania Twain, and Nomination Landscape
The ACM Awards, country music’s premier awards show, will be held on May 17, 2026 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Shania Twain will host the ceremony, marking her debut in that role. The event will be streamed live at 8 p.m. ET via Prime Video, the Amazon Music app, and the Amazon Music Twitch channel. Nominations this year are led by Megan Moroney (nine nominations), followed by Miranda Lambert (eight) and both Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson (seven each).
Key Performers & Groups: Newly Announced Artists and Returning Acts
- Newly announced performers: Ella Langley, Zach Top, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, The Red Clay Strays, Carter Faith, Tucker Wetmore, Avery Anna.
- Returning performers: Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Riley Green.
Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore are noted as the most recent winners of the ACM New Artist of the Year awards.
Timeline: Announcements and Event Dates
- May 4, 2026: Second-round performer announcement released.
- May 15, 2026: “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green” event featuring Riley Green & Friends.
- May 16, 2026: “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” headlined by Keith Urban.
- May 17, 2026: Main awards ceremony at MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas.
Data & Statistics: Nomination Counts and Performer Numbers
- Total newly added performers: 11.
- Top nomination leaders: Megan Moroney (9), Miranda Lambert (8), Ella Langley (7), Lainey Wilson (7).
- Entertainer of the Year nominees: Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson (2025 winner).
- Gender representation: Women dominate the nomination list, with four female artists among the top five nominees.
Why It Matters: Representation and Industry Impact
The expanded lineup underscores a broader industry focus on emerging talent and increased visibility for female artists. Inclusion of recent New Artist winners signals the ACM’s intent to spotlight rising contributors alongside established stars, potentially influencing future programming and market dynamics within country music.
Official Statements & Responses
Shania Twain expressed enthusiasm for hosting, emphasizing the significance of the Las Vegas venue and the prominence of women among the nominees. ACM officials have confirmed the additional performers and outlined the weekend’s supplemental events, reinforcing the ceremony’s role as a multi-day celebration of the genre.
Criticism & Opposition
No critical commentary or opposition was identified in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A discrepancy exists regarding performer Avery Anna: the first source lists her among new additions, while the second source does not mention her. This suggests incomplete reporting on the full performer roster.
Verbatim Quotes
> “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.” — Shania Twain, Host
What’s Next: Upcoming ACM Weekend Events and Broadcast Details
Following the performer announcement, the ACM will present “Country on the Green” (May 15) and “Country’s Beach Bash” (May 16) before the televised ceremony on May 17. Viewers can access the live broadcast through Prime Video, the Amazon Music app, and the Amazon Music Twitch channel.
