Full Breakdown
2026 Academy of Country Music Awards: Women Lead Nominations and Shania Twain Hosts
5/17/2026, 12:18:51 PM
Event Overview
The 61st ACM Awards will be held Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will stream live on Prime Video and Amazon Music. Country-music legend Shania Twain will host, succeeding Reba McEntire.
Background: Rising Female Representation and a New Host
For the second year in a row, women dominate the nomination slate. Twain, a five-time ACM winner (including 2000 Entertainer of the Year and 2022 Poet’s Award), will host, while ACM CEO Damon Whiteside highlighted her Las Vegas roots as the ceremony returns from Frisco, Texas, to Nevada.
Key Nominees and Early Winners
Megan Moroney leads with nine nominations, followed by Miranda Lambert (eight) and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson (seven each). Entertainer of the Year contenders include Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson. Early honors named Jessie Jo Dillon songwriter of the year (third straight), Stephen Wilson Jr. visual media of the year for “Cuckoo,” Avery Anna new female artist, and Tucker Wetmore new male artist.
Data Snapshot
- Total nominations for the top four female artists: 31.
- Male-artist nominations: Chris Stapleton (six), Zach Top (five), Cody Johnson (four).
- Potential outcomes: a Luke Combs win would complete the ACM “triple crown”; a Lainey Wilson win would make her the first woman to earn three consecutive Entertainer of the Year trophies.
Official Statements & Responses
Twain praised the chance to celebrate country music with a strong female presence, while Whiteside called her a global music superstar and noted the ceremony’s return to Las Vegas. The Academy confirmed streaming on Prime Video, Amazon Music, the Amazon Music app and Twitch.
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, host
- “I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home.” — Shania Twain, host
- “I think the fans will be happy.” — Shania Twain, ACM Awards host
- “We are honored to welcome global music superstar Shania Twain as our host this year. 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. Shania has an impressive history on the ACM Awards stage including her win of the coveted ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy and receiving the ACM Poet’s Award honoring her prolific songwriting career.” — Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music
Why It Matters
The female-led nomination slate signals a shift toward gender balance in country music. Twain’s hosting debut adds a high-profile female presence, reinforcing the trend. Potential record-breaking wins—such as a three-peat for a woman as Entertainer of the Year—could reshape award history and industry perceptions.
What’s Next
The live broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET on May 17 via Prime Video, Amazon Music, the Amazon Music app and Twitch. The ACM Awards will return in 2027, with Las Vegas as the venue.
