Country music’s brightest stars will descend on the MGM Grand Garden Arena tonight for the 61st Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, marking a high-energy return to Sin City after three years in Texas.
Legendary artist Shania Twain takes the stage as host for the first time, bringing her signature charisma and decades of genre-defining success to the evening’s proceedings.
The show streams live exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT, reaching audiences in over 240 countries and territories. No Prime subscription is required for the live broadcast, making it widely accessible for fans worldwide.
Women continue to dominate the nominations for a second consecutive year. Megan Moroney leads the pack with nine nods, including her first-ever Entertainer of the Year nomination. Close behind are Miranda Lambert with eight nominations, and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson, each with seven.
This strong showing underscores the rising influence of female artists in contemporary country music.
Several categories were announced prior to tonight’s main telecast, spotlighting the next generation. New Female Artist of the Year is Avery Anna, New Male Artist of the Year is Tucker Wetmore, Songwriter of the Year is Jessie Jo Dillon (third consecutive win) and Artist-Songwriter of the Year is Ella Langley.
These early honors signal a vibrant shift in Nashville, where fresh voices blend traditional storytelling with modern appeal.
A Powerhouse Performance Lineup
Tonight’s show promises unforgettable moments with a stacked roster of performers. Confirmed artists include Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson (who will premiere her new single “Can’t Sit Still”), Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top.
Expect high-octane collaborations, emotional ballads, and genre-blending sets. Highlights may include neo-traditional sounds from Zach Top, heartfelt anthems from Riley Green and Cody Johnson, and crossover energy from Kane Brown and Dan + Shay.
Veterans like Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton will share the stage with rising stars, creating a perfect snapshot of country music’s past, present, and future.
Additional honors cover Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Duo/Group of the Year, and Music Event of the Year. With competitive fields and strong female representation, surprises are likely.
For Shania Twain, tonight represents a full-circle moment. The “Queen of Country Pop” known for massive hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “You’re Still the One” returns to Las Vegas, a city that has long embraced her larger-than-life performances.
In recent interviews, Twain expressed excitement about hosting and hinted at special moments that celebrate both legacy artists and newcomers.
“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home”
Shania Twain, Canadian singer-songwriter
A star-studded list of presenters, including Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Shaboozey, Ashley McBryde, and others, will keep the energy high between performances and awards.
The ACM Awards also support charitable efforts through ACM Lifting Lives, focusing on music education and disaster relief. As the red carpet concludes and the lights dim in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, anticipation builds for a night that could reshape careers and cement new legacies.
Country music fans are in for a treat. Whether streaming from home or attending in person, tonight’s ceremony celebrates the genre’s resilience, evolution, and unmatched storytelling power.
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