Living

ACM Awards 2026: See All the Country Stars Performing Live

a360 photography
Jason Kempin/Getty Images

This year’s ACM Awards, or Academy of Country Music Awards, honors country music’s brightest stars, with trophies given away in categories like Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and more. But the part we’re looking forward to most? The live performances! On May 17, tune in at 8 p.m. on Prime Video to see the following country artists give it their all as they take the stage.

Avery Anna

Avery Anna, 2026Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Freely Fest
Avery Anna, 2026Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Freely Fest Jason Kempin Getty Images for Freely Fest

Not only is Avery Anna slated to perform at this year’s award show—but she’s already earned herself a trophy! The “Fear in God” singer won the award for Best New Artist of the Year, and we can’t wait to see her take the stage.

Kane Brown

Kane Brown, 2026Izzy Nuzzo/Billboard via Getty Images
Kane Brown, 2026Izzy Nuzzo/Billboard via Getty Images Billboard Billboard via Getty Images

Kane Brown, known for tracks like “Miles on It,” “Thank God” and “One Thing Right,” has built a loyal fandom over the years, and we’re already thinking about which songs he might perform!

Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton, 2025Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry
Blake Shelton, 2025Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry Jason Kempin Getty Images

Country superstar Blake Shelton will be stepping away from his Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for the evening when he takes the ACM stage.

The Red Clay Strays

The Red Clay Strays, 2025Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA
The Red Clay Strays, 2025Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA Kevin Mazur Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA

The Red Clay Strays have come a long way since their song “Wondering Why” went viral on TikTok and now, in addition to performing live at this year’s ceremony, they’re nominated for Group of the Year.

Carter Faith

Carter Faith, 2026Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Carter Faith, 2026Jason Kempin/Getty Images Jason Kempin Getty Images

Carter Faith will also take the stage this year while anxiously anticipating whether her album, Cherry Valley, takes home the award for Album of the Year.

Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett, 2025Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Thomas Rhett, 2025Terry Wyatt/Getty Images Terry Wyatt Getty Images

The “Die a Happy Man” singer might not be nominated for an award this year, but fans still can’t wait to see this country icon take the stage.

Dan + Shay

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay, 2026Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay, 2026Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images Tibrina Hobson Getty Images

Dan + Shay have provided the soundtrack to your backyard barbecue, your drive to work and even your best friend’s wedding, and now, they’re sharing the love with the ACM Awards. Plus, see if they take home the award for Duo of the Year.

Ella Langley

Ella Langley, 2025Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Ella Langley, 2025Jason Kempin/Getty Images Jason Kempin Getty Images

You can’t go anywhere these days without hearing one of Ella Langley’s songs, from “Choosin’ Texas” to “Weren’t For the Wind,” and in addition to performing, she’s got her fingers crossed for a handful of categories on this exciting evening.

Tucker Wetmore

Tucker Wetmore, 2025Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Apple Music
Tucker Wetmore, 2025Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Apple Music Amy Sussman Getty Images for Apple Music

Newer to the country music scene, Tucker Wetmore has already taken the community by storm, and before the big night, he’s already been named the New Male Artist of the Year.

Zach Top

Zach Top, 2025Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Zach Top, 2025Jason Kempin/Getty Images Jason Kempin Getty Images

Nominated for Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Single of the Year, see Zach Top take the stage on this celebratory night.

Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis, 2024Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Jordan Davis, 2024Jason Kempin/Getty Images Jason Kempin Getty Images

The “Next Thing You Know” and “Buy Dirt” singer is also taking the stage this evening, and while he’s not nominated this year, we’re excited to see what he brings.

How to get tickets to the ACM Awards

You can buy tickets for the ACM Awards and its events at this link right here. Tickets range from $170 to $1,500, plus fees. The dress code is “country cocktail.”

Those watching the show at home can stream it on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Twitch channel on Sunday, May 17 at 8 p.m. EST.

Copyright 2026 A360 Media

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER