For most rising stars in Nashville, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards represent a definitive arrival—a night of flashing lights, high-stakes performances, and the chance to rub shoulders with the legends who built the genre. But for Zach Top and Parker McCollum, the upcoming trip to Las Vegas isn’t just about the trophies or the red carpet. It is about a long-awaited introduction to the woman who redefined the sonic and visual landscape of country music.
Shania Twain, the global icon and powerhouse of the 1990s, is set to host the 61st ACM Awards, and for Top and McCollum, her presence transforms the evening from a professional milestone into a personal full-circle moment. Both artists have spent their careers climbing the charts, but as they prepare for the event on May 17, they admit that meeting Twain is the one interaction they are most anxious—and excited—to navigate.
The event, which will stream live on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, arrives at a pivotal moment for the genre. With a nomination slate dominated by a new wave of female powerhouses, the presence of a trailblazer like Twain serves as a bridge between the traditionalist foundations of the past and the boundary-pushing sounds of the present.
A Legacy of Trendsetting and Tradition
For Zach Top, the admiration for Shania Twain is deeply rooted in family history. Top, who has quickly gained a reputation as a standard-bearer for the neo-traditionalist movement, views Twain not just as a pop-country phenomenon, but as a disruptor who paved the way for artistic autonomy in Nashville.
“Oh, it’s awesome,” Top said of Twain’s hosting duties. “My dad still has a crush on her and that was a lot of what we listened to when I was growing up. My sisters just loved her, so we listened to a ton of that, among the other George Straits and Alan Jacksons and stuff like that.”
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Top’s musical identity is heavily influenced by the era of the 90s—a period where Twain reigned supreme. While some critics at the time viewed her crossover success as a departure from country roots, Top views her as a pioneer of style and substance. He described her as a “true trendsetter,” noting that she never followed the existing blueprint but instead created her own. However, the prospect of meeting the legend in person brings a touch of humility and nerves. “Hopefully I’ll get to meet her and I won’t act like too much of an idiot around her!” he admitted.
The Soundtrack of Childhood
While Top views Twain through the lens of a trendsetter, Parker McCollum’s connection is more visceral and nostalgic. For the Texas-born singer, Twain’s discography serves as a mental time machine, evoking memories of early family road trips and the domestic atmosphere of his youth.
“She was such a staple of my childhood,” McCollum shared. “My mom and my sister loved Shania Twain, as did I. And still to this day, I still listen to her records often.”
McCollum’s reverence for Twain extends beyond a simple fondness for the hits. He pointed to her “unbelievably illustrious career” as a blueprint for longevity in an industry that often prizes the “new” over the “enduring.” Despite his own success and the stages he has shared with other industry giants, McCollum revealed that a meeting with Twain has remained elusive. “I’ve never gotten to meet her. I hope I do that night. I would love to meet her,” he said, adding that her music immediately transports him “right back to my childhood in the backseat of my mom’s car.”
The 61st ACM Awards: A New Guard Takes the Stage
The excitement surrounding the hosting duties is mirrored by the competitive tension of the nominations. This year’s ACMs signal a significant shift in the genre’s power dynamics, with a heavy emphasis on female artists who are currently dominating both the airwaves and the streaming charts. According to reports from ABC Audio, Megan Moroney enters the night as the most-nominated artist, a testament to her rapid ascent and songwriting prowess.
The competition is tight at the top, with established stars and breakout talents vying for the same hardware. The nominations reflect a diverse range of sounds, from the polished pop-country of the current era to the grit of the Red Dirt and traditionalist movements.
| Artist | Number of Nominations |
|---|---|
| Megan Moroney | 9 |
| Miranda Lambert | 8 |
| Ella Langley | 7 |
| Lainey Wilson | 7 |
The transition of the ACMs to Prime Video also marks a strategic shift in how the industry reaches its audience. By moving to a streaming-first model, the Academy is targeting a younger, more global demographic—the same kind of audience that has helped artists like Top and McCollum build their initial followings via social media and independent touring.
Why the Intersection Matters
The anticipation felt by Top and McCollum is more than just fan excitement. it represents the continuity of country music. In an era where the “traditional” vs. “pop” debate continues to simmer in Nashville, the shared admiration for Shania Twain suggests a common ground. Twain managed to be both a traditionalist in her storytelling and a revolutionary in her production and fashion.
For artists like Zach Top, who leans into the sounds of the 90s, and Parker McCollum, who blends Texas grit with mainstream appeal, Twain is the ultimate proof that one can be a massive commercial success without losing their identity. As they head to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the goal is not just to win an award, but to receive a nod of approval from the woman who taught the world how to make country music a global spectacle.
The 61st ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can expect a night that celebrates the current chart-toppers while paying homage to the legends who made their success possible.
We want to hear from you: Who is your all-time favorite country music trendsetter? Let us know in the comments or share this story with a fellow fan.
