Your complete guide to the ACM Awards 2021
It's going to be a night to remember!
Last updated 16th Apr 2021
The country community is looking forward to the 56th annual Academy Country Music Awards, this Sunday (April 18th).
An evening to celebrate America's rising talent and honouring country music's greatest stars.
Similar to last year's first-ever virtual ceremony, the ACM Awards will happen under COVID-19 restrictions.
Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton are going into the night with the most nominations at six each.
The three-hour event will air from Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Café.
We'll keep you up-to-date online and on social as the performances and winners are announced!
Who is hosting the ACM Awards?
Keith Urban will return as a host for the second year in a row, though this time he'll be joined by New Female Artist of the Year nominee Mickey Guyton.
Who will be performing at the ACM Awards?
Over 25 artists will perform throughout the evening. The Academy of Country Music confirmed that Miranda Lambert and Elle King will open the show with a performance of "Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)," and Miranda will later return to the stage with her close collaborators Jon Randall and Jack Ingram for a special performance from their new album The Marfa Tapes.
Check out their complete show setlist…
Which country stars are nominated:
Past winners like Luke Combs and Luke Bryan were acknowledged this year, as well as newcomers Carly Pearce and Ingrid Andress.
Entertainer of the Year
Nominees are...
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Female Artist of the Year
Nominees are...
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce
Male Artist of the Year
Nominees are...
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Duo of the Year
Nominees are...
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Group of the Year
Nominees are...
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three
The Highwomen
New Female Artist of the Year
The winner for this category has already been announced...
Congratulations Gabby Barrett!
New Male Artist of the Year
The winner for this category has already been announced...
Congratulations Jimmie Allen!
Album of the Year
Nominations are...
Born Here, Live Here, Die Here, Luke Bryan (Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens)
Mixtape Vol. 1, Kane Brown (Producers: Andrew Goldstein, Charlie Handsome, Dann Huff, Lindsay Rimes)
Never Will, Ashley McBryde (Producer: Jay Joyce)
Skeletons, Brothers Osborne (Producer: Jay Joyce)
Starting Over, Chris Stapleton (Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb)
Single of the Year
Nominations are...
"Bluebird," Miranda Lambert (Producer: Jay Joyce)
"I Hope," Gabby Barrett (Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale)
"I Hope You're Happy Now," Carly Pearce and Lee Brice (Producer: Busbee)
"More Hearts Than Mine," Ingrid Andress (Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis)
"The Bones," Maren Morris (Producer: Greg Kurstin)
Song of the Year
Nominations are...
"Bluebird," Miranda Lambert (Songwriters: Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby)
"One Night Standards," Ashley McBryde (Songwriter: Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally)
"Some People Do," Old Dominion (Songwriter: Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally)
"Starting Over," Chris Stapleton (Songwriter: Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson)
"The Bones," Maren Morris (Songwriter: Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz)
Video of the Year
The winner for this category has already been announced...
Congratulations Kane Brown with "Worldwide Beautiful" (Director: Alex Alvga. Producer: Christen Pinkston)
Music Event of the Year
The winner for this category has already been announced...
Congratulations Carly Pearce and Lee Brice with "I Hope You're Happy Now"
Read more:
Ashley McBryde brings 'One Night Standards' tour to Belfast
Country to Country Music Festival Highlights