The Academy of Country Music Awards return to Las Vegas for their 61st annual show, promising 17 performances in just two and a half hours, streaming exclusively on Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Amazon’s Twitch channel.
Back to Vegas Roots
The decision to return to Las Vegas marks a nod to the ACM’s history, originally founded in Los Angeles, and its long-standing association with the city. Executive producer Raj Kapoor, known for his work on the Grammys and Oscars, highlights Shania Twain’s deep ties with Vegas as a key factor in choosing her as host. Twain, hosting the ACMs for the first time, has been a staple in Vegas with multiple residencies.
Ella Langley's Meteoric Rise
Ella Langley, a breakout star with chart-topping hits “Choosin’ Texas” and “Be Her,” is set to perform a new rendition of one of her songs. Executive producer Patrick Menton praises her as a rising talent. Langley is among the top nominees, alongside Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson.
Spotlight on Female Artists
Female artists dominate nominations, with Moroney leading with nine, followed by Lambert with eight. Lambert will debut “Crisco,” a disco-country track, while Wilson opens the show with “Can’t Sit Still.” The return of Kacey Musgraves to the ACMs, performing “Dry Spell,” marks her shift back to country music.
Streamlined Show Format
The ACMs, pioneering streaming for awards shows since 2022, continue to refine their format with fewer commercial breaks, allowing more music. Damon Whiteside, outgoing CEO, reflects on the transition from traditional broadcast to streaming, focusing on the seamless flow of performances.
Set at the MGM Grand, the event will feature nods to Vegas culture, with artists like Carter Faith contributing to the theme. Kapoor emphasizes the celebration of returning to Vegas, aligning with the ACM’s party-centric ethos.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/music/news/acm-awards-producers-shania-twain-ella-langley-preview-1236751769/
