Miranda Lambert, LBT and Kacey Musgraves Join 61st ACM Awards Lineup

Nominations for country music's biggest night will be announced on Thursday.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, high-contrast textures like glittering sequins and plush velvet, capturing the luxurious aesthetic of a country music awards show.The glamour and glitz of country music's biggest night will take center stage at the 61st ACM Awards.Las Vegas Today

The 61st ACM Awards (Academy of Country Music) have added Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, and Kacey Musgraves to the performance lineup. The awards show will return to its traditional Sunday time slot on May 17, streaming live on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Kacey Musgraves will perform a song from her upcoming sixth studio album, while the specifics of Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town's performances have not been revealed. The ACM also announced that the 2026 nominations will be unveiled this Thursday.

Why it matters

The ACM Awards are one of country music's most prestigious annual events, honoring the genre's top artists, songs, and albums. The addition of high-profile acts like Lambert, LBT, and Musgraves to the performance lineup is sure to generate excitement and anticipation among country fans ahead of the ceremony.

The details

The 61st ACM Awards will return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17, 2026, streaming live on Prime Video starting at 8 p.m. ET. In addition to the newly announced performers, the show will also feature appearances by Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green. The nominations for this year's awards will be revealed on Thursday, April 10.

  • The 61st ACM Awards will take place on May 17, 2026.
  • The nominations for the 61st ACM Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Miranda Lambert

A multi-award-winning country music singer-songwriter known for hits like "The House That Built Me" and "Mama's Broken Heart."

Little Big Town

A country music vocal group known for their harmonies and popular songs such as "Girl Crush" and "Better Man."

Kacey Musgraves

A Grammy-winning country artist who is set to release her sixth studio album, "Middle of Nowhere," on May 1, 2026.

Academy of Country Music

The organization that presents the annual ACM Awards, recognizing excellence in country music.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to welcome Miranda, Little Big Town, and Kacey to the 61st ACM Awards stage. These artists are at the forefront of country music, and their performances are sure to be highlights of the show.”

— Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music

What’s next

The nominations for the 61st ACM Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 10, 2026, building anticipation for the ceremony on May 17.

The takeaway

The addition of marquee artists like Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, and Kacey Musgraves to the 61st ACM Awards performance lineup underscores the continued prestige and importance of country music's premier awards show. Fans can look forward to an exciting night of music and celebration on May 17.