2026 ACM Awards Guide: Nominees, Performers & How to Watch
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, including the date, host, nominees, performers, and how to watch live.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: February 17, 2026
The 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The show will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. For more awards coverage, visit our Country Music News section.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to return to MGM Grand for the 61st ACM Awards next May, a place that holds a lot of history and special memories for the Academy. It truly feels like a homecoming for us,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music. “There’s no better place to host an exciting, global Country Music celebration than fabulous Las Vegas!"
What are the ACM Awards?
Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running Country Music awards show and made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream, in collaboration with Prime Video. Since partnering with Prime Video for the 57th ACM Awards, the show has been hosted by legends like Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire. The ceremony has also featured major collaborations, including Ed Sheeran and Luke Combs, Dua Lipa and Chris Stapleton, and Rascal Flatts with the Backstreet Boys.
Where Are the 2026 ACM Awards Taking Place?
The 2026 ACM Awards return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, one of the most iconic venues in the show’s history. The arena has hosted numerous ACM ceremonies, major residencies, and historic country music moments.
Who Is Performing at the 2026 ACM Awards?
Performers for the Academy of Country Music Awards will be announced in the weeks leading up to the show. Check back for the details!
Who Is Presenting at the 2026 ACM Awards?
Across The Country will have your complete breakdown of all the presenters once they are announced. Presenters are typically revealed in the weeks leading up to the show.
Who Is Hosting the 2026 ACM Awards?
The host for the 2026 ACM Awards will be announced in early 2026.
Who Hosted the ACM Awards in Previous Years?
Blake Shelton, LeAnn Rimes, Clint Black, Faith Hill, Barbara Mandrell, Roger Miller, and Loretta Lynn are just a few of the superstar acts that have previously hosted the ACM Awards.
2026 ACM Award Nominations
The eligibility period for submissions for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards is January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Check back to find out when this year’s nominees will be revealed.
How To Get Tickets to the ACM Awards
Tickets for the Academy of Country Music Awards will go on sale in early 2026.
2026 ACM Awards FAQ
When are the 2026 ACM Awards?
The 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, celebrating the biggest achievements in country music from the past year.
What channel are the 2026 ACM Awards on?
The 2026 ACM Awards will stream on Amazon Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch.
Who has the most country nominations at the 2026 ACM Awards?
Nominations for the awards will be announced in the spring of 2026.
Who is hosting the 2026 ACM Awards?
The host has not yet been announced for 2026 ACM Awards.
For more country music news and awards coverage, visit our Country Music News section.