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LEGENDARY SONGWRITER AND BEST-SELLING FEMALE COUNTRY ARTIST SHANIA TWAIN WILL TAKE THE STAGE TO HOST THE 61ST ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS FOR THE FIRST TIME

61st ACM Awards Makes Its Triumphant Return to Las Vegas on May 17, 2026
Streaming Live Around the Globe from MGM Grand Garden Arena
Exclusively on Prime Video and Amazon Music

Great Seats for the 61st ACM Awards and ACM Awards Week Events Just Released at AXS.COM

ACM press release | April 22, 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — April 22, 2026 — Today, the Academy of Country Music® (ACM), Prime Video, and Dick Clark Productions (DCP) announced that legendary songwriter and best-selling female country artist Shania Twain will host the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards for the first time. The 61st ACM Awards will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT from the world-renowned MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans will also be able to watch the broadcast on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, as well as in the Amazon Music app.

As the top-selling female country-pop artist of all time, globally celebrated songwriter, artist, and performer Shania Twain has established herself as one of music’s most iconic and influential voices. A three-time ACM Award winner and five-time GRAMMY Award winner, Twain helped redefine country music for a global audience with her bold, boundary-pushing sound and undeniable crossover appeal. With six acclaimed studio albums and more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, her influence continues to shape the music industry today.

“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home.” said Twain. “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.”

“We are honored to welcome global music superstar Shania Twain as our host this year,” ACM CEO Damon Whiteside said. “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 . Shania has an impressive history on the ACM Awards stage including her win of the coveted ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy and receiving the ACM Poet’s Award honoring her prolific songwriting career.”  

Returning to the Sunday night timeslot, the Emmy-nominated, star-powered ACM Awards experience will feature unprecedented performances, exclusive collaborations, and unexpected moments from the biggest Country Music stars, including performances by Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, and Riley Green, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Leading up to the big night, the Academy of Country Music will take over Las Vegas with previously announced ACM Awards week events including a “Whiskey Jam Welcome Party” at Ole Red Las Vegas on Thursday, May 14 with Avery Anna, Caroline Jones, Jenna Paulette, and The Band Perry; “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends” at Topgolf Las Vegas Friday, May 15 with Lauren Alaina, Randy Houser, and Rodney Atkins, alongside headliner Riley Green; as well as “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” at Mandalay Bay Beach Saturday, May 16 with Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Dasha, Flatland Cavalry, Keith Urban, Tucker Wetmore, and more.

Tickets for the 61st ACM Awards and ACM Awards week events are available for purchase on AXS.com, offering fans exclusive entry into a nonstop weekend packed with performances by their favorite Country stars.

Fans can also stream the Official ACM Awards playlist available now on Amazon Music in celebration of this year’s nominees. Fans can listen to country music’s biggest stars, such as Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson, directly on the Amazon Music app HERE.

Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running Country Music awards show and made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream, in collaboration with Prime Video. The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Raj Kapoor and Patrick Menton are executive producers, with Kapoor also serving as showrunner. Damon Whiteside serves as executive producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Jay Penske and Barry Adelman serve as executive producers for DCP. John Saade will also continue to serve as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios.

Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. The Media Credential Application to cover on-site in Las Vegas, Nevada, is now available HERE.

The Mountain Valley® Spring Water (Instagram: @mountainvalleywater) is the Official Water of the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Follow the Academy of Country Music on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, join the conversation with #ACMawards, and sign up for the FREE ACM A-List to be the first to know the latest news and for exclusive pre-sale opportunities.

https://www.acmcountry.com/news/legendary-songwriter-and-best-selling-female-country-artist-shania-twain-will-take-the-stage-to-host-the-61st-academy-of-country-music-awards-for-the-first-time

I think this photo is new, yes. It's been a while; she should use it as her profile picture. I think the lead single from the new album will be performed at this event. Then promoted in London with Harry Styles. At the least she'll talk about the new album in interviews.

matteotempo wrote:

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Koko Twain wrote:

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I think this photo is new, yes. It's been a while; she should use it as her profile picture. I think the lead single from the new album will be performed at this event. Then promoted in London with Harry Styles. At the least she'll talk about the new album in interviews.

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Yes, the single could be released Friday 15th and performed live during the show.

At least, this is what I'd do...

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Yes, I hope Shania uses this to promote her new album. Hopefully she will perform a new song!

100% She will perform. She's pretty much said new music soon. Plus The ACM awards are streamed lived and reaches a world wide audience. 

Melissa wrote:

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Tommy your input always helps. Do you think Shania Twain will perform live? I said that because with her last two albums she didn't perform at any awards shows. Also is the new ACM promo photo brand new? I also ask because if new could that be the new single or album cover hint?

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Actually, she performed "Waking Up Dreaming" as part of a medley during the 2022's People's Choice Awards where she won the music icon award.

From Shania's Instagram Stories

2:13 PM ET - 5 May 26

https://www.instagram.com/stories/shaniatwain/

REDISCOVER Shania Twain

https://music.amazon.com/playlists/B01N5KSPIE

Another ACM Awards promo pic

'Honey, I'm Home': ACM host Shania Twain sees herself as a country girl

By Stephen Hubbard | Yahoo! Entertainment | ABC Audio | May 8, 2026

Even though she's a global pop/country superstar, Canadian Shania Twain sees hosting the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas as a homecoming of sorts.

"This is fun to me," she says. "Hosting the ACMs is a chance to go celebrate all of the other artists, meet the new artists, the up-and-coming artists, [to] celebrate a lot of the artists that have been rockin’ it the last several years that I have not been around much, to say 'congratulations' and 'way to go' and all that kinda stuff."

After finding success in multiple formats, the "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?" hitmaker leaves little doubt which one is closest to her heart.

"For me, it is a chance to reconnect with my favorite genre, which is my root music, country, and do my best job representing my genre," she says of hosting the ACMs. 

Shania has quite a collection of ACM trophies herself, having won both top new female vocalist and album for The Woman in Me in 1995, before taking the entertainer trophy in 1999. The academy also gave her its special Poet's Award for her songwriting in 2022.

The 61st ACMs take place Sunday, May 17, at MGM Grand Garden Arena and stream live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/honey-im-home-acm-host-100001056.html

Is Shania bringing 'Dirty Rosie' to the ACMs?

By Stephen Hubbard | ABC Audio | May 11, 2026

If you like to take your chances in Vegas, it's probably a safe bet Shania Twain will be performing during Sunday's 61st ACMs, as well as hosting.

Why? Well, she just confirmed she has a new song.

"You can drive a hummer, in the summer," she wrote on Instagram Monday. "You can EVEN drive the ladies, in my mercedes. BUT you can’t drive my truck. New song Dirty Rosie coming this Wednesday."

Shania leans against the steering wheel of said ride on the cover of the track, which is included in the post.

If you've seen her earlier tease, you know she's quoting the lyrics of the song, which she previewed in what seems to be a clip from the music video.

Shania's most recent album is 2023's Queen of Me, though she's put out a handful of collabs since.

https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/shania-bringing-dirty-rosie-acms

Shania Twain: ACM Awards Host Previews Show, Talks New Music and More

The 61st edition of the ceremony will take place May 17 in Las Vegas.

By Jessica Nicholson | Billboard | May 12, 2026 

After two consecutive years with Reba McEntire at the mic, the ACM Awards will get a new host this year when Shania Twain presides over the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, held at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena and airing on Prime Video on May 17.

“It’s a chance for me to just get back with everybody,” Twain says of hosting. “It’s one of the rare moments when I get the chance to see everybody and catch up with a lot of the newer artists. A lot of them I have not met yet, and I’m excited to just be among the whole experience of the ACMs.”

Of course, some of Twain’s own top career moments have taken place on the ACM Awards stage. In 1996, she was named top new female vocalist and her album The Woman in Me won album of the year. In 2000, she earned the ACM’s most coveted trophy, entertainer of the year. In 2022, she was celebrated with the ACM Poet’s Award, which honors a songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical contributions to country music.

As an artist, Twain has achieved some of music’s most elite milestones. Her 1997 album, Come on Over, not only spent over 150 weeks on the all-genre Billboard 200 but also is one of the biggest-selling albums ever, with certified double diamond status from the RIAA. Her 2002 album, Up!, resided at the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 for five weeks, while her smash hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “You’re Still the One” have become enduring classics that continue to reach new generations of listeners. And she remains a major live draw: Her 2023 Queen of Me tour was No. 4 on Billboard Boxscore’s year-end Top Country Tours list, and her Come on Over — All the Hits! Las Vegas residency in 2024 and 2025 sold out 33 shows at Planet Hollywood’s PH Live.

The Canadian singer-songwriter has amassed plenty of accolades, but she’s still as busy as ever. She’s gearing up to join Harry Styles for a run of shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in June and early July and working on a new album. Ahead of her debut hosting gig at the ACM Awards, Twain spoke about taking on the task — and what she’s got cooking in the studio, too.

You previously hosted the People’s Choice Country Awards in 2024. How did that prepare you to host the ACM Awards?

I like to put my own personality into things, because I’m a terrible reader. If I rely entirely on the teleprompter, I’m definitely going to stumble and get lost. I just really like having fun and going with the flow, getting into the excitement that I’ll be sharing with the artists who are performing and up for awards. It’s a big moment in their career and in their life. For some of them, it might be a one-time-chance thing. For some, it’s a first-chance thing. For other artists, they’re just happy that they’re still there. So there’s all kinds of excitement from top to bottom. It’s a joy.

As a host, you are following in the footsteps of Reba McEntire, who has hosted the ACM Awards 18 times dating back to 1986. What inspiration do you take from her?

When it comes to Reba, she’s flawless. I’m definitely more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of person, very spontaneous, which makes it a different style and character to hosting something. But Reba is everything. She’s funny, she’s a great actress, which makes her really good at getting the flow of speaking and cadence. She’s just a pro.

Fans love to anticipate a host’s fashion choices. How are you and your team approaching that, since with the show on Prime Video there are no commercial breaks?

I’m going to have to think that one through for sure. There might be quick changes. I always want to look my best, and I haven’t really decided the exact direction yet. So I’m going to leave a little mystery to that answer because those things kind of evolve right until the last second. I really just want to be there to respect and to pay homage to a genre and fans that have been so good to me over the years. I’m there to have fun and watch and listen and meet all of the other artists, but I really am there for the fans and I want them to have a fabulous night.

Are you planning any surprises, perhaps debuting any new music?

There’s a couple of moments that I know that production is looking forward to hopefully surprising the audience with. I’m not going to give anything away in that regard, but yeah, I think the fans will be happy.

You won entertainer of the year at the 2000 ACM Awards. What did that mean to you? 

Well, talking about entertainer of the year, that really comes down to the fans. The fans go to the shows. They are the ones that are either walking away really happy or… maybe they’re walking away going, “That was really not worth my money.” So when you get entertainer of the year, it really means that fans have tipped their hat off to you as a live artist. And it’s such a compliment because it is so hard to be out there on the road putting on shows and being your best night after night. So it’s just a huge honor to be appreciated as an entertainer. Making records and writing hit songs is a huge part of what we do, especially if you’re a songwriter. There are some really outstanding recording artists that are not necessarily the best entertainers. So I think there is a departure there that deserves recognition for the artists that do get out there and are able to really entertain the fans.

The ACM Awards return to Las Vegas this year. Why do you feel like Vegas is such a great home for the show?

I do feel like Las Vegas has become the entertainment capital of the world for every genre. People go there for sports, they go there for every side of entertainment. So of course we should be there. That makes total sense. We are on a global scale of appeal, and that’s the ideal location.

How do you plan to celebrate once the ceremony is over?

I’m going to want to run around and personally congratulate everybody that won — I hope I’ll get to do that with a couple of people, at least. But it will be mayhem backstage, so I’m sure that won’t be ­entirely possible.

You’ve acted as well, including recently on Doctor Odyssey. Do you have plans for more of that?

I would love to carry on acting. I think it is in my future. My focus is on a new album and getting that out, and some shows this summer with Harry Styles. So that’s all really consuming me right now as far as just art direction. But yes, in the line of things to do this year, acting is definitely on the list.

Though your next album is still in the works, what can fans expect from it?

The album was written storywise and also sonically, musically, based on a lot of reflection on my childhood, whether it’s stories reflecting back to my youth or whether it is music that influenced me most as a child and as a teen. I’ve brought all of that together.

Which new artists are you excited about seeing at the ACM Awards this year?

Ella Langley. I only actually heard of her probably two months ago. I was in the studio and everyone was like, “You’ve got to hear about Ella.” And sure enough, I think she’s going to be one of the artists that I’m going to be crazy about meeting this year. I’m really excited for her. When I first saw her, I thought, “Wow, she looks so much like Linda Ronstadt.” She’s an incredible songwriter and I’m thrilled about that. She’s what our genre really needs from a female right now — or anytime, really. There’s also a great duet right now from Carly Pearce and Riley Green [“If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay”]. I hope to meet Tucker Wetmore. Max McNown is a great artist — I love his song [“Better Me for You (Brown Eyes)”]. There’s a lot of collaborations — I think there are more collaborations than I’ve ever seen in country music, so I feel like the atmosphere backstage will be more community than ever.

https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/shania-twain-acm-awards-2026-host-interview-1236244142/

 

Shania Twain is Going ALL IN as the ACM Awards Host! 🤝🃏 ♥️

‪You can bet that ‪@ShaniaTwain‬ is going ALL IN as our host! 🤝🃏 ♥️

Watch the 61st ACM Awards presented by ‪@ATT‬ this Sunday LIVE on ‪@PrimeVideo‬ at 8e|5p.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFBAUqjWZeM

SiriusXM flips The Highway to ACM Awards Radio this weekend

By Buddy Iahn | The Music Universe | May 14, 2026

SiriusXM is flipping The Highway, channel 56, to ACM Awards Radio for this weekend’s broadcast of the big event in Las Vegas. Listeners can hear once-in-a-lifetime performances, unexpected collaborations, and moments everyone will be talking about through Sunday, May 17th.

On Sunday, hear interviews and the exclusive pre-show at 7 pm ET, all leading up to a simulcast of the 61st ACM Awards at 8 pm ET. From surprise guests to cross-genre collaborations, this is a live show with end-to-end performances you can’t miss from artists like Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Thomas Rhett, and many more, hosted by Shania Twain.

Returning to the Sunday night timeslot, the Emmy-nominated, star-powered experience will feature unprecedented performances, exclusive collaborations, and unexpected moments from the biggest country music stars, all while celebrating the genre’s most iconic and emerging talent, including previously announced performances by Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top.

Leading up to the big night, the Academy of Country Music will take over Las Vegas with previously announced ACM Awards week events including the Whiskey Jam Welcome Party at Ole Red Las Vegas on Thursday, May 14th with Avery Anna, Caroline Jones, Jenna Paulette, and The Band Perry; ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends at Topgolf Las Vegas on Friday, May 15th with Lauren Alaina, Randy Houser, and Rodney Atkins, alongside headliner Riley Green; and ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash at Mandalay Bay Beach on Saturday, May 16th, headlined by Keith Urban, with more performances by Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Dasha, Flatland Cavalry, Tucker Wetmore, and more.

Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running Country Music awards show and made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream, in collaboration with Prime Video. The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Raj Kapoor and Patrick Menton are executive producers, with Kapoor also serving as showrunner. Damon Whiteside serves as executive producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Jay Penske and Barry Adelman serve as executive producers for DCP. John Saade will also continue to serve as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios.

https://themusicuniverse.com/siriusxm-flips-the-highway-to-acm-awards-radio-this-weekend/

Shania Twain wonders why there's not 'another Dolly Parton'. What the ACMs host means.

By Ralphie Aversa | USA TODAY | May 15, 2026

Ahead of her gig as the host of the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards (8 ET/5 PT, Amazon Prime Video), country-pop superstar Shania Twain says she won't need any coffee to get energized for the night.

"I'm just naturally energetic," Twain, 60, tells USA TODAY. "So coffee at all or any kind of caffeine ... I got to manage that, which I do. I'm not a caffeine fiend."

Twain jokes that if anything, producers will be asking her to "slow down" because she'll be full of adrenaline. But the five-time ACM winner explains the anticipation for Sunday night's show is different from a concert.

"I am representing our genre," she says of country music. The show also marks the 30th anniversary of Twain's first ACM wins in 1996. "I am there to represent the talent, to make them feel comfortable. So I think I'm just going to have a really fun time."

Will she crack jokes?

"I'm not a really great joke teller, but yes I plan on being a little funny," Twain says. "I like a great sense of humor."

Will she stick to a script?

"Of course I need to be prompted so I don't ramble on or start getting more interactive than I probably should be for the moment," she admits. "But I really need to just be myself."

Twain also offers that advice, "be yourself," to other artists. She has relied on it over a career that spans four decades, starting as an "outsider" from Ontario, Canada to become the best-selling female country artist globally of all time.

"I am what my greatest influences were as a child and that never left me," Twain says, noting that her version of country was influenced by as much bluegrass and rock 'n' roll as the music Nashville defined for the genre. "So that did make me an outsider when I first came into Nashville. But now I think we're just getting back to more originality, spreading ourselves out stylistically.

"Maybe we're going to have another Dolly Parton finally again, who is the first woman to ever go global," Twain adds. "Why don't we have five of those by now, right?"

While Twain doesn't want to draw comparisons or single anyone out, she does note that the "originality" of artists Ella Langley (five nominations) and Shaboozey (two nominations) stands out. Both will be a part of Sunday's show – Langley is set to perform while Shaboozey is a presenter.

Ella "brings me back to the early country that I grew up with and was singing as a child," Twain explains. "I've heard a lot of producers and writers say, 'Well, we don't want to be too country,' or, 'That's too country.' And I'm thinking, 'What is too country?' So Ella Langley to me is really country Western and I've missed that in the genre."

Langley topped the Billboard Hot 100 with her single "Choosin' Texas." The artist is headlining "The Dandelion Tour," which runs through mid-August, in addition to supporting dates on Morgan Wallen's "Still the Problem" tour.

Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running country music awards show. The ceremony returns to Las Vegas in 2026 after a three-year stint at the Dallas Cowboys headquarters in Texas.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2026/05/15/acm-host-shania-twain-interview/90102563007/

Shania Twain broke down country music's doors. A new generation of women is coming in after her.

Taylor Swift and Harry Styles credit Twain as an inspiration. She tells Yahoo that the artists breaking out today are "demanding space" with their originality

By Kelsey Weekman | Yahoo! Entertainment | May 15, 2026

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/article/shania-twain-broke-down-country-musics-doors-a-new-generation-of-women-is-coming-in-after-her-110000397.html

Shania Twain Says Country Music Is Getting a Breath of “Fresh Air”

In an exclusive interview ahead of the ACM Awards, Shania Twain opens up about the changing landscape of country music.

By Katie Bowlby | Country Living | May 15, 2026

https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a71323072/shania-twain-acm-awards-interview/

ACM Awards press conference

schnetzka wrote:

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Still hasn't been announced as a performer so unless it's a surprise performance, not sure if she'll be performing.

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Tommy wrote:

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Shania Twain: ACM Awards Host Previews Show, Talks New Music and More

The 61st edition of the ceremony will take place May 17 in Las Vegas.

By Jessica Nicholson | Billboard | May 12, 2026

Are you planning any surprises, perhaps debuting any new music?

There’s a couple of moments that I know that production is looking forward to hopefully surprising the audience with. I’m not going to give anything away in that regard, but yeah, I think the fans will be happy.

https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/shania-twain-acm-awards-2026-host-interview-1236244142/

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I think there's good chance she'll perform. "Dirty Rosie"? A melody of songs? Whatever she performs, I wouldn't be surprised if Tanya Tucker is a part of it.

Country pop icon Shania Twain is back in Vegas to host her first ACM Awards

By Amber Sampson | Las Vegas Weekly | May 14, 2026

At last, Shania Twain has returned to Las Vegas—even if only for one night. The queen of country pop, who has held down three successful Strip residencies, will host the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17 for the first time. This year’s performers include Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson and many more.

Ahead of her big debut, Twain spoke with the Weekly about hosting, her love for Sabrina Carpenter and the possibility of a dream duet with Shelton.

You’ve had a really strong connection to Las Vegas throughout your career. How does it feel to return to host this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards?

It feels really good. I’m always happy to be in Vegas anyway, because it’s my entertainment home. There’s no better place to have the ACMs than Las Vegas. I’ll be really happy to be there representing country music, representing the artists, the performers [and] welcoming the audience who are watching from all over the place. I just feel that I’m hosting my own home in my own hometown of entertainment, if that makes sense. It’s fitting.

You having so many career milestones at these awards makes the return as host feel almost full-circle.

It’s very much full circle. I think that when you’ve been in the industry so long … I mean, I started onstage at 8 years old, there’s inevitably going to be more than one full-circle moment in your career. But it’s meaningful. It’s meaningful to be able to be there to support artists that have worked so hard to get there, who are just starting their careers. I understand them. I’ve been through what they have been through, at least to the extent of career-related things, and I’m there to help support them through it, and to make it an exciting night for the fans.

With so many up-and-coming country artists entering the scene, who’s impressing you these days?

Well, it’s hard to avoid Ella Langley because she’s so present right now with such strong music. Lainey Wilson ... she’s already established, but I think she is there for the long run. She’s going to keep establishing longevity, and that is something that I really am looking forward to from her. There’s a lot of new artists that I have not met yet. I’ve heard their music and I’m loving what I hear. I love what a lot of the men are doing, too. I mean, I love Shaboozey, and I think we’re opening up to more originality.

There are more women right now than we’ve seen in a while, but I think that is just because we’re more conscientious of the fact that maybe the doors have been closed a little too tight. Let’s loosen up a little bit and let’s make room for some talent that I think we’re really missing out on. And some of those are female.

I love the friendship you’ve cultivated with Sabrina Carpenter. Do you ever see echoes of your early career in how she’s navigating country and pop?

Oh, she is so country.I know she’s pop but …I love Dolly [Parton] so much, and this is why I’m saying it. But I feel like Sabrina Carpenter is a reincarnation of Dolly in real time. I really mean that in the most complimentary way.She’s been working on her career for such a long time. That’s somebody that is long overdue for being at the top. And I would love to see her like, come on, bring on the country girl.

You’re also doing a concert series in London with Harry Styles, another young pop star, this summer. What can your U.K. audience expect from those shows? And what’s next?

The London audience can expect a lot of gratitude from me, because I was invited there personally by Harry, and that’s his home country, and I’m his guest. I’m very honored by it, and I love England. I love being there, so I’m going to enjoy that extended stay. It’s 12 shows. It’s Wembley [Stadium]. It’s outstanding. I will be taking it all in as much as I can. I want to be out riding horses in the park and experiencing London.

The fans, they’ll sense my joy to be there, and it’ll be energetic. They’re going to hear all the hits. I’m there to make them happy. I love the fans over there. They’re wonderful and supportive, and they’ve been supportive for so long.

Blake Shelton was a surprise addition to the ACM Awards lineup. I know you’re a big Blake fan. Is there any chance you’ll stop by his Ole Red bar after the show? Maybe you could get that duet you’ve always wanted.

Ha! That’s a good point. Oh boy, that would be nice to have time for that. I really love Blake. He’s such a sweet man and a great singer. I recently saw him in Vegas actually performing, and it was really a great show. He’s got way more hits than I even remembered and is such a strong live singer, and he’s funny. Yeah, I don’t know, I would love to do that. I’m glad you reminded me of that.

https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2026/may/14/shania-twain-interview-acm-awards-las-vegas/

Shania Twain Calls Hosting The ACM Awards A ‘Bucket List’ Moment [Exclusive]

“I’m really honored,” she tells us.

By Lauren Jo Black | Country Now | May 16, 2026

As the top-selling female country-pop artist of all time, Shania Twain doesn’t have too many things left on her bucket list. She’s toured the world, sold more than 100 million albums, blazed trails for other women in country music, hosted her own Las Vegas residency, written a book, and more. But when she got the call to host the 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, she admits it was a “bucket list call” and something she immediately knew she would say yes to.

“It’s a very big deal for me. I’m really honored. I’m especially excited because it’s in Las Vegas. So I feel like I’m hosting the world audience from my stage hometown, my live hometown, Las Vegas. So it’s really great,” Twain told Country Now during an exclusive interview backstage at ACM Awards rehearsals on Friday.

For Twain, the idea of hosting in front of a global audience is especially exciting, as is the chance to meet the new artists creating their own paths in country music.

“I’m excited about bringing all of the worlds together, meaning the global audience, all of the artists together. It is a joy to see all of the new artists coming out to be able to get the chance to meet them and encourage them. I feel my role here is to support all of the nominees, the upcoming artists, and to bring the stage and the audience together.”

The five-time GRAMMY winner is no stranger to the stage. Twain has been performing since she was just 8 years old, but she says stepping into the role of host offers a completely different kind of experience compared to being the artist in the spotlight.

“Hosting is, I wouldn’t say it’s more fun, but there’s less in the role of hosting, you are more there to support. And trust me, when you are the performer, you need the support. So I would say that that’s the biggest difference,” she explained. “When I’m on stage, I need my support system around me. I’m so focused, I’m focused. I need my space. I need everything to be right. I’m preparing really for my moment, whereas to host, I’m really helping everybody else prepare for their big moments. So it takes the pressure off in a lot of ways, which is why the performers and the nominees need support. I want them to know that I’m here and I’m cheering you on.”

Throughout the star-studded event, Twain will welcome performers including Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top to the stage.

Joining her as presenters throughout the show will be Andrew Whitworth, Ashley McBryde, Carl Edwards, Corey LaJoie, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Michael Bublé, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Shaboozey, The War And Treaty, and TJ Osborne.

The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will stream live exclusively on Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT for viewers in more than 240 countries and territories.

Twain’s ACM Awards hosting debut comes ahead of the release of her forthcoming studio album, Little Miss Twain, arriving July 24. The project finds the entertainment icon returning to her roots with what she describes as her most personal project yet, blending country, pop, rock, soul, and bluegrass while reflecting on the experiences that shaped her career.

https://countrynow.com/shania-twain-calls-hosting-the-acm-awards-a-bucket-list-moment-exclusive/

Shania Twain talking with Country Now about hosting vs. performing at the ACM Awards

Shania Twain has been performing her entire life, but hosting is a bit of new territory for the entertainment icon. She says she is ready to support the artists in any way she can during the ACM Awards on Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VrTVQOoqc4

Amazon Music will exclusively broadcast the official Red Carpet livestream on the Amazon Music App hosted by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton at 3:15 p.m. PT / 6:15 p.m. ET. Watch HERE.

https://music.amazon.com/live/events/LAVKK468FG

Such a wasted opportunity if she doesn't perform. Plenty of hosts in the past (Dolly, Reba, etc) have performed so there's no reason she can't. Miranda Lambert will be performing her brand new single "Crisco" so it's not because Shania's song is new. Guess we'll see.

Shania Twain Reveals Why ACM Awards 2026 Will Be ‘Very Glamorous’ When She Takes the Stage as Host

By Danielle Campoamor | Us Weekly | May 17, 2026

https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/shania-twain-reveals-why-acms-2026-will-be-glamorous/

Red Carpet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iq5xehCcJ4