The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards airs April 18th on CBS

The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM), hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton, is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The event has added even more star power to the show, airing live on Sunday, April 18th from 8-11 pm ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Ingrid Andress, Blanco Brown, Amy Grant, Leslie Jordan, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker and Clay Walker have been added as presenters to Sunday’s prestigious show.

The 56th ACM Awards will feature an unprecedented number of world television premiere performances including Elle King and Miranda Lambert opening the show with “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Dierks Bentley performing U2’s poignant classic “Pride (In The Name of Love)” with husband and wife duo The War and Treaty, Brothers Osborne (“I’m Not For Everyone” and “Dead Man’s Curve”), Kenny Chesney (“Knowing You”), Eric Church (“Bunch Of Nothing”), Luke Combs (“Forever After All”), Dan + Shay (“Glad You Exist”), Mickey Guyton (“Hold On”), Alan Jackson with “You’ll Always Be My Baby” and a special mashup for “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” Miranda Lambert with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall (“In His Arms”), Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd (“Chasing After You”), Thomas Rhett premiering “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again,” Blake Shelton celebrating the 20th Anniversary of his first hit single “Austin” as well as “Minimum Wage,” Chris Stapleton (“Maggie’s Song”), and Chris Young and Kane Brown (“Famous Friends”).

Additional powerful collaborations include recently named “Music Event of the Year” winners Carly Pearce and Lee Brice duetting on “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” Carrie Underwood performing a medley from her new album of gospel hymns, My Savior, which will also feature a duet with CeCe Winans, and Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney performing together for “Half of My Hometown.”

Exciting performances previously announced include recently revealed New Male Artist of the Year, Jimmie Allen, and New Female Artist of the Year, Gabby Barrett, Lady A, Little Big Town (minus Philip Sweet who recently tested positive for COVID), Ashley McBryde, and Keith Urban.

Ahead of the show, listen to SiriusXM’s The Highway (channel 56), the official ACM Awards Radio, now through Sunday, April 18th. Hear exclusive ACM Awards content on-air including backstage and pre-show interviews, culminating in a live simulcast of the big event on April 18th at 8 pm ET.

The unforgettable evening showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in country music will take place from three iconic country music venues in Nashville for the second consecutive year: the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe, as well as performances at legendary locations across the city including the Station Inn, Bridge Building and on Broadway.

Official 56th ACM Awards sponsors include 1000 Stories Bourbon Barrel-Aged Wine, Ford, Security Benefit and T-Mobile.