How to Watch the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards

Will you be tuning in?

Written by Lauren Laffer
How to Watch the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards
Keith Urban, host of the 55th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Russ Harrington/CBS ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

For the first time in its history, the Academy of Country Music has moved its annual awards show to Nashville, TN. The show, which typically takes place in Las Vegas in the spring, has had a number of setbacks this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

But despite all the challenges the ACM has faced, the show must (and will!) go on. Now scheduled for September 16, the 2020 ACM Awards will happen in three locations across Music City: the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry House and the Bluebird Cafe. Leading the charge is superstar Keith Urban, who is also expected to release his new album, The Speed of Now Part 1, just two days after hosting the show.

As we prepare for a much needed night of live music and celebration, Sounds Like Nashville has the rundown of how to watch this year’s awards show.

How to Watch: The 55th Annual ACM Awards will be broadcast on Wednesday, September 16 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and will be available to stream on demand on CBS All Access.

Host: For the first time, reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban will host the show. His role with the show was announced back in February and he admitted he was “so looking forward to it.” While everything shifted due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, Urban held on and will still host the show in September 16.

Performers: Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani, Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Jimmie AllenKelsea BalleriniGabby BarrettLuke Combs, Riley GreenMiranda LambertTim McGrawMaren MorrisOld DominionThomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi, Tenille Townes, Dan + ShayLuke BryanMickey GuytonFlorida Georgia LineEric ChurchKane Brown and Morgan Wallen are expected to take the stage.

Presenters: Lauren Alaina, Lily Aldridge, Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black, Bobby Bones, Cam, Darius Rucker, and Runaway June.

Nominees: Vying for the top honor of the night will be Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Eric Church. But they’re not the only ones on pins and needles awaiting the results. Plenty of other talented stars have earned their own nods. See the full list of nominations here.

The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards air live from Nashville on Wednesday, September 16 on CBS at 8/7c.