2026 ACM Awards: start time, nominations, performers, and how to watch

The ACM Awards return to Las Vegas tonight, streaming live and free on Amazon Prime Video, and we have your guide to everything you need to know for one of country music’s biggest nights.

Shania Twain will host for the first time tonight, taking over for Reba McEntire, who has hosted 18 times, as the ACMs return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas after three years in Frisco, Texas, and it’s already shaping up to be a huge night.

Megan Moroney leads all artists with nine nominations, followed by Miranda Lambert with eight and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson with seven each. A few early awards have already been handed out, including Tucker Wetmore winning New Male Artist of the Year, Avery Anna taking home New Female Artist of the Year, and Ella Langley starting the night early with a win for Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

The ACMs are known for their star-studded performances every year, and this year is no different. Performers set to take the stage tonight include Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top.

The ACMs will stream exclusively on Prime Video, no Prime membership required, just an Amazon account. Coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. MT with the Red Carpet Pre-Show, immediately followed by the main awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m. MT.

2026 Nominations

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top

GROUP OF THE YEAR
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays

DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Avery Anna – Winner
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore – Winner

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Ain’t In It For My Health” – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain

“Cherry Valley” – Carter Faith
Producer: Tofer Brown

“Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)” – Riley Green
Producer: Dann Huff, Michael Knox

“I’m the Problem” – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett

“Parker McCollum” – Parker McCollum
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse

SONG OF THE YEAR -Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)

“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure

“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor

“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
“You Had to Be There” – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon – Winner
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley – Winner
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen