Big ACM Night, CMA Fest Plans, and Shaboozey’s Next Chapter
A quick catch-up on awards season, summer stages, and a couple moves you’ll be hearing about a lot.
Alright y’all, here’s what’s moving in country music right now—quick, easy, and straight to the point.
ACM Awards: nominations are in, and the show’s headed back to Vegas
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards is set for May 17, 2026, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This year’s nominations have a big spotlight on the ladies: Megan Moroney leads with nine nominations, with Miranda Lambert close behind (eight). Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson also had a strong showing (seven each). The show will stream on Prime Video, with performers including Lambert, Wilson, Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Riley Green and more.
CMA Fest 2026: Nissan Stadium headliners include Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Ella Langley
If you’re already thinking summer road trip, CMA Fest runs June 4–7, 2026 in downtown Nashville. A first wave of stadium headliners includes Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Ella Langley, plus names like Blake Shelton and Shaboozey in the mix. Plenty of daytime stuff around town is typically free, with the big nightly Nissan Stadium shows as the centerpiece.
Shaboozey sets a new album: “The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales”
Shaboozey announced a new concept album titled The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales, due July 31, 2026. If you like your country with a little left turn—and some story built into it—this is one to circle on the calendar now.
On the charts: Ella Langley keeps “Choosin’ Texas” on top
If it feels like you can’t escape “Choosin’ Texas,” that’s because it’s still doing major work—Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list has it at No. 1 as of the chart dated May 2, 2026.
Sources
