The 2026 ACM Awards Kick Off Tonight: Start Time And How To Watch Live

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentThe 2026 ACM Awards Kick Off Tonight: Start Time And How To Watch LiveByMonica Mercuri,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Monica is an entertainment reporter covering TV, film, and music.Follow AuthorMay 17, 2026, 01:00pm EDTNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 19: EDITORIAL USE ONLY Ella Langley performs onstage during the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA)Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMAThe 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air live on Sunday, May 17, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The ceremony will celebrate some of country music’s biggest names, from legendary artists to breakout stars.Shania Twain is taking over hosting duties from Reba McEntire, and she has some big shoes to fill. McEntire has hosted or co-hosted the awards show a record-breaking 18 times, the most of any artist in Academy of Country Music history.NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 19: EDITORIAL USE ONLY Ella Langley performs onstage during the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA)Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMAAhead of her hosting debut, Twain recently told Country Now that hosting the ACM Awards is a “very big deal” for her and that she’s “honored” to serve as MC.“I’m especially excited because it’s in Las Vegas,” the five-time Grammy winner said. “So I feel like I’m hosting the world audience from my stage hometown, my live hometown, Las Vegas. So it’s really great.”MORE FOR YOUFor the second year in a row, female artists dominated the Academy of Country Music Awards nominations, with Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley leading several major categories. Lambert, who holds the record for the most ACM wins with 33 victories, earned eight nod...