Shania Twain is stepping into a brand new role, and she’s already got people talking. The Academy of Country Music and Dick Clark Productions announced this week that Twain will host the 61st ACM Awards, marking her first time leading the ceremony in the show’s history. The night airs live on Prime Video from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17.
“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home,” Twain said in a statement. “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.”
Twain takes the baton from Reba McEntire, who hosted the program for the previous two years and has led the show a record-tying 18 times overall. ACM CEO Damon Whiteside called Twain “a more perfect icon” to carry the tradition forward alongside previous hosts Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.
This year’s show is stacked with female firepower in the nominations, led by Megan Moroney with nine nods, Miranda Lambert with eight, and both Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson earning seven each. Performers announced so far include Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, and Riley Green. Twain, a five-time ACM Award winner who took home Entertainer of the Year in 2000, already joked online about her real priority: figuring out what to wear.
