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ACM Awards Return to Las Vegas in 2026, Streaming exclusively on Prime Video
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The 61st Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards are set to return to Las Vegas in 2026, continuing a groundbreaking partnership with Prime Video as the first major awards show to livestream exclusively.The event will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, marking a return to the iconic venue after a three-year run in Texas.
A Homecoming for Country Music
According to a statement released on December 1, 2025, the decision to return to Las Vegas was met with enthusiasm from ACM leadership. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to return to MGM Grand for the 61st ACM Awards next may, a place that holds a lot of history and special memories for the Academy,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “It truly feels like a homecoming for us.” The move signals a renewed focus on the city’s vibrant entertainment landscape and its long-standing relationship with the country music community.
Did you know? – The ACM Awards first aired on television in 1968, hosted by Sonny & cher. it was a two-hour special broadcast on NBC.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
The ACM Awards have consistently pushed boundaries in the entertainment industry. In 2022, the show made history by becoming the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream, a strategy that will continue with the 2026 broadcast on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. This commitment to digital accessibility has broadened the awards’ reach,with the 60th anniversary show in 2025 reaching audiences in over 240 countries and territories.
The 2025 show, hosted by Reba McEntire, featured performances from a star-studded lineup including Alan Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Brooks & Dunn, chris Stapleton, Eric church, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Wynonna Judd, among over 40 artists.
Pro tip: – Sign up for the ACM A-List on the academy’s website for exclusive pre-sale ticket opportunities and the latest news about the awards.
ACM Awards Week and ticket Information
The excitement will extend beyond the main ceremony with ACM awards Week kicking off in Las Vegas on Friday, May 15, 2026. tickets for both the 61st ACM Awards and surrounding events will go on sale early in the new year. Fans are encouraged to follow the Academy of Country Music on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok – and join the conversation using #ACMawards. Signing up for the FREE ACM A-list will provide exclusive pre-sale opportunities and the latest news.
Reader question: – ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy’s philanthropic arm, supports music education and healthcare initiatives for those in need within the country music community.
A Collaborative Effort
The 61st ACM Awards are a collaborative production between the Academy of Country Music, Prime Video, and Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “2026 is going to be a very special year for the ACMs, and partnering with MGM Resorts strengthens our deep commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and experiences for country Music fans and partners alike.”
The Academy of Country Music: A 60-Year Legacy
Founded in 1964, the Academy of Country Music has evolved into a leading association for the country music industry, boasting a membership of over 5,000 worldwide. Beyond recognizing artistic achievement, the Academy is dedicated to advocacy
