How to watch Shania Twain host ACM Awards 2026 for free: Time, nominations

The best of the best in country music will be celebrated tonight at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

The ceremony, celebrating country music released between January 1 and December 31, 2025, will air exclusively on Prime Video for the fifth consecutive year.

A handful of awards have already been given out ahead of tonight’s awards show. Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore took home Female and Male New Artist of the Year, Ella Langley is the Artist-Songwriter of the Year and Stephen Wilson Jr.’s music video for “Cuckoo” won Best Visual Media of the Year.

The most nominated artist at tonight’s ceremony is Megan Moroney, who nabbed eight nominations including her first Entertainer of the Year nod and both Song of the Year for “Am I Okay?” and Single of the Year for “Six Months Later.”

What time are the 2026 ACM Awards on tonight?

The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards start at 8 p.m. ET tonight, May 16.

How to watch and stream the 2026 ACM Awards for free:

This year’s ACM Awards are streaming exclusively on Prime Video, so you’ll have to be an Amazon Prime subscriber to watch the new season.

If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.

All 18- to 24-year-olds, regardless of student status, are eligible for a discounted Prime for Young Adults membership as well with age verification. After a six-month free trial, you’ll pay 50% off the standard Prime monthly price of $14.99/month — just $7.49/month — for up to six years and get all the perks.

Who is hosting the ACM Awards tonight?

Country superstar and three-time ACM winner Shania Twain will serve as host of the ACM Awards for the first time tonight.

2026 Academy of Country Music Awards nominees:

There will be 11 ACM Awards given out this year in addition to the three that have already been announced; these are a few of the top prizes, but you can check out a full list here.

Entertainer of the Year:

• Luke Combs
• Jelly Roll
• Cody Johnson
• Megan Moroney
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen
• Lainey Wilson

Album of the Year:

• “Ain’t in It for My Health” – Zach Top
• “Cherry Valley” – Carter Faith
• “Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)” – Riley Green
• “I’m The Problem” – Morgan Wallen
• “Parker McCollum” – Parker McCollum

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

Who is performing at the 2026 ACM Awards?

Here’s who you can expect to see take the stage throughout the night.

• Riley Green
• Cody Johnson
• Miranda Lambert
• Kacey Musgraves
• Little Big Town
• Lainey Wilson
• Avery Anna
• Blake Shelton
• Carter Faith
• Dan + Shay
• Ella Langley
• Jordan Davis
• Kane Brown
• The Red Clay Strays
• Thomas Rhett
• Tucker Wetmore
• Zach Top
• Parker McCollum and Lee Ann Womack

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