Shania Twain steps back into the host’s chair this weekend as the Academy of Country Music Awards returns to Las Vegas for a live show that hasn’t been this star-studded in years. The 61st ACM Awards kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday on CBS, with Twain taking the stage at the MGM Grand to introduce country music’s biggest names. It’s her first time hosting the awards since 2005, when she last did it solo. This year, she’s sharing the gig with co-hosts like Dolly Parton and Lainey Wilson, who are both up for major awards this time around. The night is packed with performances from artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Kacey Musgraves, all vying for trophies in front of a live audience in Sin City. It’s the kind of lineup that makes this one of the most talked-about nights on the country calendar, even before the winners are announced. You don’t need a ticket to see it all—here’s how to watch at home or on the go.

How to Watch the ACM Awards Live in the U.S.

If you’re in the U.S., the simplest way to catch the ACM Awards is by turning on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. The network will carry the full two-hour broadcast, which includes red carpet interviews, performances, and the award presentations. If you’re already paying for a cable package, you’re set. But if you’ve cut the cord or prefer streaming, you’ll need to grab a subscription to Paramount+, which starts at $5.99 a month. The live stream is included in the cheapest tier, so you won’t need to upgrade to get it. Just sign in with your cable provider credentials if you have one, or start your free trial to catch the show before deciding whether to stick around.

If you’re traveling or don’t have reliable internet, don’t panic. CBS offers a free option to stream live TV in select markets, but it’s limited. Check the CBS website to see if your local affiliate is included. For those outside the U.S., the broadcast isn’t on CBS, so you’ll need to look for alternatives like Viaplay in Europe or Stan in Australia. Some international fans might also find it on platforms like YouTube TV if they have the right add-ons, but availability changes fast, so double-check a day or two before the show.

Who’s Performing and Who’s Nominated This Year

The ACM Awards aren’t just about the glitz on stage—they’re also about who takes home the shiny hardware. This year’s nominees include Morgan Wallen, who’s up for Entertainer of the Year, and Lainey Wilson, a favorite to win Female Artist of the Year. Both have dominated the charts this year, and their performances will likely be the most talked-about moments of the night. You can expect a mix of powerhouse vocals and surprise collaborations, something the ACMs have become known for. Last year, Parmalee and Jelly Roll joined forces for a hit that got everyone on their feet. This year, keep an eye out for reunions or unlikely pairings—country music thrives on them.

The nominees also include Luke Combs, who’s been on a tear with his latest album, and Kacey Musgraves, who’s always a wildcard with her performances. The ACMs have a history of giving underdog artists a shot to shine, so don’t be shocked if someone outside the usual suspects walks away with a win. The big award everyone’s watching? Entertainer of the Year. It’s the closest thing country music has to an MVP, and Wallen is the favorite, but don’t count out Combs or Wilson if the voting was close.

What to Expect Beyond the Awards

This isn’t just a night of trophies and speeches—it’s a party. The ACM Awards have a reputation for after-parties that last until sunrise, and this year’s host lineup makes it even harder to miss. Twain’s comeback as a solo host adds nostalgia, while Parton and Wilson bring fresh energy. If you’re watching at home, set up your snacks early. The show starts at 8 p.m. ET, but the red carpet pre-show starts at 7 p.m., where you’ll get the first looks at the nominees and their outfits. The fashion this year is already getting buzz, with some predicting a return to bedazzled cowboy boots and sequined suits.

For fans who want to dive deeper, the ACM Awards website will post winner’s reactions right after they’re announced. If you’re into betting or fantasy leagues, this is a prime time to cash in on predictions—past winners like Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood often see their careers get a boost after taking home hardware. And for those who can’t stay up late, CBS will likely post highlights the next morning, so you won’t miss the best moments if you’re not a night owl.

The ACM Awards are more than just an awards show—they’re a snapshot of country music’s biggest year. With Twain back at the helm and a lineup of performers that reads like a who’s who, it’s a night that’ll leave fans buzzing for months. Whether you’re streaming it on Paramount+ or catching it live on CBS, one thing’s for sure: you won’t want to blink.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Rolling Stone
  • Published: May 17, 2026 at 16:08 UTC
  • Category: Entertainment
  • Topics: #music · #rolling-stone · #culture · #war · #conflict · #watch

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 17, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

A 61ª edição do Academy of Country Music Awards, que acontece neste final de semana em Las Vegas e tem como atração principal a volta triunfal de Shania Twain aos palcos como apresentadora, promete ser um marco não só para os fãs da música country, mas também para o público global que poderá acompanhar o evento ao vivo pela primeira vez com amplo acesso digital. Com uma carreira que atravessa décadas e gêneros, Twain não só volta a brilhar como anfitriã de um dos prêmios mais importantes da música country, como também reacende o interesse internacional pela cultura e pelos artistas brasileiros que vêm ganhando espaço no cenário mundial.

No Brasil, onde o country ainda é um gênero em expansão, a transmissão ao vivo do ACM Awards — disponível por meio de plataformas como a Paramount+ (com sinal em português) e outras opções internacionais — representa uma oportunidade única de aproximar o público nacional de uma feira musical que, embora tradicionalmente americana, tem atraído cada vez mais artistas brasileiros, como a cantora Marília Mendonça, que já foi indicada ao prêmio. Além disso, a presença de Shania Twain, ícone global que já vendeu milhões de discos no país, pode servir como ponte para aproximar ainda mais os dois mercados musicais.

A expectativa é que, com a popularização das transmissões online e a crescente diversidade de plataformas, o evento não só mantenha seu apelo nos EUA, mas também amplie sua audiência global, criando um novo capítulo para a música country fora da América do Norte.