Entertainment

ACM Awards First Performers Revealed: Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, and Riley Green Set to Shine

authorBy Ricky Gervais

DateMar 19, 2026

Read time2 min

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has unveiled the first wave of musical acts slated to perform at its highly anticipated awards show on May 17. Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, and Riley Green are among the celebrated artists who will grace the stage, each bringing their unique talent and recent chart successes to the event. This initial announcement sets the tone for what promises to be a memorable evening celebrating country music's finest.

Lainey Wilson, fresh off her win as the ACMs' reigning Entertainer of the Year, is poised to captivate audiences with the live debut of her new single, "Can't Sit Still." This song is also featured in her forthcoming Netflix documentary, adding an extra layer of excitement to her performance. Cody Johnson, who secured the Song of the Year award at last year's ACMs, will deliver an as-yet-unspecified but eagerly awaited performance. Meanwhile, Riley Green is scheduled to perform his popular track, "Change My Mind," which has resonated deeply with fans.

Beyond their individual performances, Riley Green will also headline an associated charitable event, the 2026 ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green benefit, held at Topgolf Las Vegas on May 15. This showcases the artists' commitment not only to their music but also to giving back to the community.

The awards ceremony itself marks a significant return for the ACMs, moving back to its long-standing home in Las Vegas after previously being held in Texas. The event will be broadcast exclusively on Prime Video, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on May 17. Further details regarding the host, nominees, and additional performers are expected to be announced in the near future.

Behind the scenes, the ACMs production team is seeing some changes. Patrick Menton has been promoted to executive producer, bringing years of experience in various production roles for the awards show, and will work alongside long-time showrunner Raj Kapoor. Damon Whiteside, the Academy of Country Music's CEO, announced in March his decision to step down in June, but not before overseeing this year's awards program, ensuring a smooth transition.

This year's ACM Awards are shaping up to be a showcase of top talent and a celebration of country music's evolving landscape. With established stars and rising artists confirmed, and a return to a beloved venue, the event is set to be a highlight of the music calendar, accessible to a global audience via Prime Video.

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