Country Music Stars Announced for 61st ACM Awards

Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green to headline first wave of performances at the prestigious country music ceremony.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has announced the first wave of performers for the 61st ACM Awards, set to take place on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas. Country music stars Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green will headline the event, which will feature exclusive collaborations and unexpected moments from the genre's top talent.

Why it matters

The ACM Awards are the longest-running country music honors show, making this announcement a significant event for the genre. The performers selected represent some of the most acclaimed and awarded artists in contemporary country music, promising an exciting and high-profile show for fans.

The details

Cody Johnson, the 2025 ACM Song of the Year winner, will take the stage. Lainey Wilson, the current Entertainer of the Year and a 16-time ACM winner, will debut a new track. Riley Green, a four-time ACM recipient, is set to perform his hit 'Change My Mind.' The awards ceremony is part of the larger 'ACM Awards Week' events running May 15-17, including a Topgolf event with Riley Green and a 'Country's Beach Bash' at Mandalay Bay.

  • The 61st ACM Awards will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
  • ACM Awards Week events will run from May 15-17, 2026.

The players

Cody Johnson

A country music singer-songwriter who won the 2025 ACM Award for Song of the Year.

Lainey Wilson

The current ACM Entertainer of the Year and a 16-time ACM award winner.

Riley Green

A country music artist who has won four ACM Awards.

Academy of Country Music (ACM)

The organization that has hosted the longest-running country music honors show since 1966.

MGM Grand Garden Arena

The venue in Las Vegas, Nevada where the 61st ACM Awards ceremony will take place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Tickets for the 61st ACM Awards ceremony and related ACM Awards Week events are available at AXS.com.

The takeaway

The announcement of Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green as the first wave of performers for the 61st ACM Awards highlights the continued prominence and popularity of country music, with some of the genre's biggest stars set to take the stage for the prestigious ceremony.