Party on, lovers of country music! It’s almost time for the ACM Awards.
The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will be shown live on Prime Video on Thursday, May 16, from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Luke Combs has received the most nominations of the evening with eight, closely followed by Megan Moroney and Morgan Wallen with six each. At the awards ceremony, Moroney holds the most wins for a female artist.
A star-studded schedule of performances by performers including Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Post Malone and Kelsea Ballerini, and Noah Kahan awaits viewers who check in to the evening.
The host is Reba McEntire.
The singer of “Fancy” will perform live in addition to returning for her 17th year as presenter.
“I am ecstatic to be hosting the ACM Awards for a record 17 times! What a privilege it is to have been a part of the Academy of Country Music’s past, present, and future through Amazon Prime Video,” McEntire said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get to Texas and see everybody May 16th!”
McEntire holds the record for most nominations in the female artist of the year category and has won 16 ACM Awards in the past.
Prior to the performance, McEntire spoke with PEOPLE and expressed her excitement about getting together with other country music artists.
“I enjoy going to see everyone. I adore watching TV live. I get to perform a song, check out what other folks are promoting, their new music, but really I simply get to visit my old friends and make new ones,” McEntire remarked. “I hope everyone tunes in and watches.”
She also disclosed the basic goods that her backstage rider would be equipped with.
Well, it’s mostly made of water. “I need a trash can, my Kleenexes, and a clock so I don’t get late,” the singer remarked. “We also need to have some snacks nearby.” We have to quickly raise my blood sugar if it falls too low, as there isn’t time to become irritable. We wish to avoid being that.”
Well, water makes up the most of it. The singer said, “I need a trash can, my Kleenexes, and a clock so I don’t get late.” “We also need to have some snacks nearby.” If my blood sugar drops too low, we have to get it up quickly so I don’t become angry. We want to stay away from that.”
Elaina D. Smith, Kelly Sutton, Makho Ndlovu, Amber Anderson, and Katie Neal will serve as hosts for this year’s preshow, which is being provided by Prime Video and Amazon.
A unique performance by the singer of “Tennessee Orange” will also be included.
At 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, the preshow will kick up.
Morgan Wallen, Megan Moroney, and Luke Combs are in the lead for the most nominations.
Combs, who received eight nominations overall, is in the lead this year. Alongside Riley Green, he is nominated for music event of the year, album of the year, song of the year, single of the year, and performer of the year for “Different ‘Round Here.”
With six nods, Moroney is the most nominated female artist of the evening. Along with Old Dominion, she is nominated for music event of the year, visual media of the year, song of the year, female artist of the year, and new female artist of the year for their single “Can’t Break Up Now.”
Additionally, Wallen received six nominations, tying Combs for the most nominations across all categories.
Tracy Chapman is nominated for the first time for penning “Fast Car,” which was initially published in 1988. When Combs reissued the song in 2023, his rendition peaked at No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 all-genre chart.
Kassi Ashton, Tyler Childers, Ashley Cooke, Hannah Ellis, Jelly Roll, Kameron Marlowe, Kylie Morgan, Neon Union, Restless Road, Conner Smith, and Tigirlily Gold are among the other first-time candidates.
The stars you love most will be presenting
Alabama, BRELAND, Jordan Davis, Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Randy Travis, and Clay Walker are among the presenters this year.
Family members of Charley Pride, such as his son Dion Pride and wife Rozene Pride, will also be present to assist with award distribution. On Dec. 12, 2020, the country music icon passed away at the age of 86.
Tyler Cameron, Carin León, Noah Reid, Richard Sherman, and Charissa Thompson are among the other presenters.