The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has officially ignited anticipation for the 61st ACM Awards, announcing a powerhouse lineup of performers set to take the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17, 2026. As the longest-running honors show in the genre, the upcoming ceremony promises a return to its high-energy, star-studded roots, with industry heavyweights Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green confirmed as the first wave of headliners for the event.
Anticipation Builds for the 61st ACM Awards
Returning to its Sunday night timeslot, the 61st ACM Awards will once again be broadcast globally and exclusively on Prime Video, continuing the Academy’s pioneering tradition of streaming innovation. The event, produced by Dick Clark Productions, is positioned to deliver unprecedented performances and collaborative moments that define the current era of country music. Organizers have indicated that this initial roster is merely the beginning, with further artist announcements, presenters, and nominations expected in the coming weeks to round out the celebration of both established icons and emerging talent.
For fans, the announcement serves as a signal that the highly anticipated “ACM Awards Week”—running from May 15 through May 17—is rapidly approaching. This year’s festivities include a robust slate of auxiliary events designed to engage the country music community directly. Highlights include the “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” event at Topgolf Las Vegas on May 15, and the “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” at Mandalay Bay Beach on May 16, ensuring that the Las Vegas Strip remains the epicenter of the genre throughout the weekend.
A Showcase of Contemporary Country Talent
The selected performers highlight a blend of traditional grit and modern chart-topping success. Lainey Wilson, the reigning Entertainer of the Year and a decorated 16-time ACM winner, is expected to be a focal point of the ceremony. Wilson is slated to debut her latest track, “Can’t Sit Still,” a performance that follows her recent string of successes and solidified standing as one of the genre’s most influential voices.
Cody Johnson, continuing his momentum from a stellar 2025 that saw him take home the ACM Award for Song of the Year, joins the lineup with a reputation for intense, high-energy live sets. His inclusion underscores the Academy’s commitment to honoring artists who have demonstrably moved the needle in contemporary country songwriting and performance.
Riley Green, a four-time ACM Award winner, brings a grounded, blue-collar appeal to the stage. His performance of the hit song “Change My Mind” is anticipated to be a highlight of the evening. Beyond the main awards show, Green’s prominent role in the ACM Lifting Lives fundraising event emphasizes the charitable backbone of the awards weekend, connecting the stars with fans and philanthropic efforts.
Industry Impact and Viewing Information
The 61st ACM Awards continue to hold a unique position in the music industry landscape by balancing legacy with accessibility. By maintaining the exclusive partnership with Prime Video, the ACM ensures that global audiences in over 240 countries and territories have immediate access to the event. This strategy has proven successful since the organization’s historic pivot in 2022. For those looking to engage with the festivities, tickets for the main ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as well as the various “ACM Awards Week” activations, are currently available via AXS.com. As the event draws closer, the industry will be watching closely to see which additional stars will join this opening wave of talent, further cementing the status of the 61st ACM Awards as the must-see musical event of the spring.
