51st Annual ACM Awards – What To Expect

Tonight’s the night! “Country Music’s Party of the Year,” the 51st Annual ACM Awards will air LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 8/7c! While we’re counting down the hours until the big opening, we’ve complied a list of what to expect from the show, from the performers and presenters to the most anticipated moments. Check ‘em out below!

The Hosts:

Luke Bryan has a new partner in crime this year after Blake Shelton stepped down from his role as co-host. Instead, Bryan is teaming up with “Somewhere On A Beach” singer Dierks Bentley for what’s sure to be a good time. We can’t wait to see what high-jinx these two get into!

The Performers:

We are sure to see some amazing performances from the lineup at this year’s ACMs. With performances from Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Cam, Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Chis Young with Cassadee Pope, Brett Eldredge Blake Shelton, Little Big Town, Charles Kelley, Old Dominion, Jason Aldean, Cole Swindell, Kelsea Ballerini with Nick Jonas, Dolly Parton with Katy Perry, and Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, it’s sure to be good!

The Presenters:

Garth Brooks, Darius Rucker, Von Miller, Miss America Betty Cantrell, Chris Janson, Jana Kramer, Martina McBride, Kip Moore,Kacey Musgraves, Nancy O’Dell, Jake Owen, Chase Rice, Kiefer Sutherland, Tom Hiddleston, Maddie & Tae and Cole Swindell have been added as presenters for the ceremony.

Most Anticipated Moments:

There are sure to be some great moments during the live broadcast, but if we had to pick a few, here are our most anticipated moments…

• The Collaborations: This year’s show is stacked with what’s sure to be some great mash-ups! For crossover appeal, Kelsea Ballerini will be strutting her stuff with pop royalty Nick Jonas and Dolly Parton will join forces with Katy Perry. Chris Young will perform his latest single with Cassadee Pope, while Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban join ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons for a cover of “Tush.” Additionally, Little Big Town will collaborate with musician/actor/producer Trombone Shorty.
• A Remembrance of Joey Feek: The ACMs will take a moment to acknowledge the late Joey Feek, of Joey + Rory, who passed away following her heroic battle with stave IV cervical cancer. The journey was well-documented in the blog kept by her husband and duet partner, Rory Feek. Better keep the tissues handy for this, folks!
• The Red Carpet Glam: After shopping with our red carpet host Mickey Guyton for her perfect dress, we couldn’t be more excited to see the rest of the glitz & glam that steps foot on the carpet! Plus it’s Las Vegas, so anything goes!
• The New Tunes: Five acts will be debuting new music during the show. From Keith Urban’s “Wasted Time” to Carrie Underwood’s “Church Bells,” we can’t wait to hear all the great new music!

What ACM moment are you most looking forward to?