Shania Twain Calls Hosting The ACM Awards A ‘Bucket List’ Moment [Exclusive]
“I’m really honored,” she tells us.
Shania Twain; Photo Provided
As the top-selling female country-pop artist of all time, Shania Twain doesn’t have too many things left on her bucket list. She’s toured the world, sold more than 100 million albums, blazed trails for other women in country music, hosted her own Las Vegas residency, written a book, and more. But when she got the call to host the 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, she admits it was a “bucket list call” and something she immediately knew she would say yes to.
“It’s a very big deal for me. I’m really honored. I’m especially excited because it’s in Las Vegas. So I feel like I’m hosting the world audience from my stage hometown, my live hometown, Las Vegas. So it’s really great,” Twain told Country Now during an exclusive interview backstage at ACM Awards rehearsals on Friday.
For Twain, the idea of hosting in front of a global audience is especially exciting, as is the chance to meet the new artists creating their own paths in country music.
“I’m excited about bringing all of the worlds together, meaning the global audience, all of the artists together. It is a joy to see all of the new artists coming out to be able to get the chance to meet them and encourage them. I feel my role here is to support all of the nominees, the upcoming artists, and to bring the stage and the audience together.”
The five-time GRAMMY winner is no stranger to the stage. Twain has been performing since she was just 8 years old, but she says stepping into the role of host offers a completely different kind of experience compared to being the artist in the spotlight.
“Hosting is, I wouldn’t say it’s more fun, but there’s less in the role of hosting, you are more there to support. And trust me, when you are the performer, you need the support. So I would say that that’s the biggest difference,” she explained. “When I’m on stage, I need my support system around me. I’m so focused, I’m focused. I need my space. I need everything to be right. I’m preparing really for my moment, whereas to host, I’m really helping everybody else prepare for their big moments. So it takes the pressure off in a lot of ways, which is why the performers and the nominees need support. I want them to know that I’m here and I’m cheering you on.”
Throughout the star-studded event, Twain will welcome performers including Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top to the stage.
Joining her as presenters throughout the show will be Andrew Whitworth, Ashley McBryde, Carl Edwards, Corey LaJoie, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Michael Bublé, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Shaboozey, The War And Treaty, and TJ Osborne.
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will stream live exclusively on Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT for viewers in more than 240 countries and territories.
Twain’s ACM Awards hosting debut comes ahead of the release of her forthcoming studio album, Little Miss Twain, arriving July 24. The project finds the entertainment icon returning to her roots with what she describes as her most personal project yet, blending country, pop, rock, soul, and bluegrass while reflecting on the experiences that shaped her career.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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