Global music superstar Shania Twain is set to take the stage as the host of the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, marking her debut in this prestigious role. The highly anticipated event will broadcast live on Prime Video from the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday, May 17, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT. This appointment signifies a significant moment for Twain, who has a storied history with the ACM Awards, including a win for Entertainer of the Year in 2000.
Twain expressed her excitement for the upcoming hosting gig, stating, "I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home. It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating Country Music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night." Her sentiment underscores the growing recognition of female artists in the country music landscape, a trend evident in the nomination field for this year’s awards.
ACM CEO Damon Whiteside echoed Twain’s enthusiasm, remarking, "We are honored to welcome global music superstar Shania Twain as our host this year. We couldn’t imagine a more perfect icon to follow our previous iconic hosts, Dolly, Garth, and Reba, blending one of the most important nights in Country Music with the excitement of Las Vegas." He highlighted the legacy of previous hosts, including Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks who co-hosted in 2023, and Reba McEntire, who has been a frequent and beloved fixture, underscoring the caliber of talent that has graced the ACM Awards stage.
This hosting opportunity for Twain comes after her successful stint as the host of the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2024. While that ceremony marked the second and seemingly final installment of that particular show, it provided valuable experience for Twain in leading a major awards broadcast. Her familiarity with live television hosting, combined with her deep roots in country music, makes her a natural fit for the ACM Awards.
Shania Twain’s connection to the Academy of Country Music Awards runs deep, with a career highlighted by three previous wins. Her breakthrough came in 1996 when she clinched both the Top New Female Vocalist and Album of the Year awards for her critically acclaimed album, The Woman in Me. The pinnacle of her ACM Awards recognition arrived in 2000 with the coveted Entertainer of the Year award, a testament to her widespread appeal and influence. More recently, in 2023, she was honored with the Poet’s Award, acknowledging her exceptional songwriting prowess, further cementing her legacy as a significant contributor to the genre.
Twain’s impact extends far beyond the ACM Awards stage, with a remarkable career marked by chart-topping success on Billboard. She has achieved six top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, including two albums that reached the coveted No. 1 spot: Up! and Now. Her prowess as a hitmaker is further demonstrated by three top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100: "You’re Still the One," "From This Moment On," and "That Don’t Impress Me Much." A native of Canada, Twain’s global appeal is further underscored by her five Grammy Awards, a testament to her enduring talent and broad musical influence.
The selection of Shania Twain as host has generated considerable buzz, particularly given the ACM Awards’ recent history of notable hosting choices. For years, Reba McEntire has been synonymous with hosting the ACM Awards, having led or co-hosted the ceremony an impressive 18 times. This track record places her on the cusp of tying Bob Hope’s legendary record as the most frequent host of any major awards show, a distinction Hope achieved through 19 Oscar ceremonies between 1940 and 1978. Twain’s emergence as host signals a new era, perhaps a deliberate move to refresh the presentation and capitalize on her immense star power.
This hosting announcement is the second instance in recent weeks where ACM Awards executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor has surprised industry observers with his talent curation. Just two weeks prior, it was announced that the multi-talented artist P!nk would be hosting the 2026 Tony Awards, another high-profile event under Kapoor’s purview. P!nk, known for her electrifying stage presence and genre-bending music, represents a bold choice for the theater world, much like Twain’s selection for the ACM Awards signals a commitment to bringing contemporary, globally recognized talent to the forefront of country music’s most celebrated night.
The 61st ACM Awards promises a night of stellar performances from some of country music’s most beloved artists. Scheduled performers include Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, and Riley Green. The Academy has indicated that more performers will be announced in the coming weeks, building anticipation for a diverse and engaging lineup that reflects the current landscape of country music.
Tickets for the 61st ACM Awards and associated ACM Awards week events are now available for purchase through AXS.com, offering fans the opportunity to experience the excitement live from Las Vegas.
A Legacy of Celebration: The ACM Awards
Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards holds the distinction of being the longest-running country music awards show. Its commitment to innovation was demonstrated in 2022 when it became the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream its broadcast, in partnership with Prime Video. This forward-thinking approach continues this year, with fans having multiple avenues to tune into the ACM Awards. In addition to the Prime Video broadcast, the show will be available on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and within the Amazon Music app, catering to a wider and more digitally engaged audience.
The production of the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards is spearheaded by Dick Clark Productions (DCP), a renowned entity in live event broadcasting. Raj Kapoor serves as executive producer and showrunner, alongside Patrick Menton. Damon Whiteside is the executive producer for the Academy of Country Music, while Jay Penske and Barry Adelman are executive producers for DCP. John Saade will continue his role as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios, ensuring a seamless and high-quality production. It is noteworthy that Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Penske Media, the parent company of Billboard, underscoring the significant industry backing behind this esteemed awards show.
The ACM Awards have consistently celebrated the rich tapestry of country music, from its traditional roots to its modern evolutions. Over the decades, the show has provided a platform for countless artists to showcase their talents, honor their peers, and connect with a global audience. The move to a streaming-first broadcast model reflects the evolving media consumption habits of audiences and the Academy’s commitment to accessibility. Shania Twain’s role as host is poised to add a significant chapter to the show’s storied history, bringing her unique blend of country authenticity and global pop appeal to center stage. Her experience, coupled with her status as a country music icon, promises an engaging and memorable evening for fans and artists alike. The anticipation is palpable as the country music world prepares to gather in Las Vegas to celebrate another year of remarkable achievements.
