Latest News About 61St Academy Of Country Music Awards

Here’s the latest on the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) based on recent official announcements and coverage.

Direct answer

• The ACM Awards for the 61st edition aired on May 17, 2026, live from Las Vegas, with Prime Video and Amazon Music streaming the event. Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top were among the performers announced for the show. Host duties were handled by Shania Twain for the event, marking her first time hosting the ACM Awards.[2][3][5][6]

Key context and highlights

• Performers and lineup: The first wave of performers included Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green, with additional stars confirmed for a star-studded night, and more acts revealed in the weeks leading up to the show. The final lineup expanded to include Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top, alongside previously announced names like Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, and others.[1][3][5]
• Format and platform: As with recent ACM ceremonies, the show leveraged Prime Video for the main telecast, with supplemental streaming via Amazon Music and related channels, continuing its trend of livestream-first presentation in collaboration with Prime Video.[5][6]
• Hosts and moments: Shania Twain hosted the 61st ACM Awards for the first time, contributing a high-profile centerpiece to the broadcast. The event also featured exclusive collaborations and special moments typical of ACM celebrations, with a focus on both established stars and emerging talent.[3][5]

What to watch for (if you’re tracking outcomes)

• Winners: Winners were announced during the broadcast and are also summarized on ACM’s official site and major entertainment outlets after the ceremony.[3]
• Presenters and special moments: Additional presenters and surprise performances were announced or teased in the run-up to the show, with more details typically shared by the ACM in the days surrounding the event.[3]

Sources

• Official ACM press releases and coverage announcing performers, hosts, and the event format, including the involvement of Prime Video and Amazon Music.[2][5][3]
• Comprehensive performer lineup updates and show details as reported by ACM’s site and partner outlets.[1][2]