Country music icon Shania Twain is stepping into a new role this year, taking the stage as host of the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards — marking her first time emceeing the event. Twain, who wrapped up her Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2025, now returns to the city for one of country music’s biggest nights.
A post announcing the news read: “Let’s Go Girls! 
@shaniatwain is hosting the 61st #ACMawards — LIVE from @mgmgrand in Las Vegas! 
Tune in Sunday, May 17 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on @primevideo. 
”
Twain, the best-selling female country-pop artist in history, has won five Grammy Awards, and earned three ACM wins—including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year honor. She said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home. It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating country music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night.”
ACM CEO Damon Whiteside praised the choice, sharing in a statement: “We are honored to welcome global music superstar Shania Twain as our host this year We couldn’t imagine a more perfect icon to follow our previous iconic hosts, Dolly, Garth, and Reba, blending one of the most important nights in Country Music with the excitement of Las Vegas . Shania has an impressive history on the ACM Awards stage including her win of the coveted ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy and receiving the ACM Poet’s Award honoring her prolific songwriting career.”
The 61st ACM Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will stream live at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with additional viewing options available through Amazon Music’s app and Twitch channel for audiences in more than 240 countries. Artists already announced to perform include Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, and Riley Green, with more names expected soon.
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