Month: May 2026

The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards came to a close with Blake Shelton delivering one of the night’s most memorable moments, honoring beloved Nashville songwriter Don Schlitz, who passed away on April 16, 2026, at age 73 following a “sudden illness.”

The tribute unfolded with an electrifying performance of Kenny Rogers’ classic “The Gambler,” the GRAMMY-winning song penned by Schlitz. As Shelton stepped onto the stage, the screen lit up with vibrant neon signs, perfectly capturing the energy of Las Vegas while setting the tone for a powerful finale.

Shelton came dressed for the moment as he took the stage and strummed his guitar, filling the entire arena with the iconic song. It was impossible for the fans and fellow artists not to get on their feet and sing along until the very last note.

Released on November 15, 1978 as the title track to Rogers’ album of the same name, the song climbed its way to the top of the country charts and also crossed over onto the pop charts.

Following rehearsals at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Shelton had reflected on just how meaningful the song has been throughout his life.

“That particular song is like two legends came together and made one of the most important pieces of music in country music history…I would say it’s in the top 10, at least it’s in my top 10 of all time.”

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Shelton previously recorded his own version of “The Gambler” in 2006 while working in the studio with renowned producer Bobby Braddock. Leading up to the ACM Awards, he also released a cover of the song exclusively on Amazon Music in honor of the performance.

The Oklahoma native, who is currently in the midst of his Las Vegas residency, brought the night to a memorable close with the tribute that celebrated the lasting legacy of both Schlitz and Rogers.

His residency will pick back up at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for the final shows on May 21 and 24.

2026 ACM Awards Performance Lineup

The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards also featured performances by Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top.

Other highlights include collaborations between Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis and Parker McCollum and Lee Ann Womack.

Ashley McBryde, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Michael Bublé, Shaboozey, The War And Treaty, and TJ Osborne were among the night’s many presenters.

Shania Twain hosted the nearly 2.5 hour event, which streamed live to a global audience in over 240 countries and territories exclusively on Prime Video. The show returned to Las Vegas and aired from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

A complete list of winners can be found HERE. 

The post Blake Shelton Closes ACM Awards With Show-Stopping Tribute Performance of ‘The Gambler’ appeared first on Country Now.

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Riley Green delivered a standout performance of his single “Change My Mind” on the stage of MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada as part of the 61^st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Following several standout moments from his fellow country acts, it was Green’s turn to step into the spotlight and it’s safe to say he delivered. The singer/songwriter stepped out in true country style, sporting a cowboy hat and a denim-on-denim look as he took the ACM stage with his guitar in hand. The song, which arrived at country radio in January, went on to mark the biggest first-week add date of his career, making it clear why he chose to bring it to life on the ACM stage.

The performance was against a laid-back, Southern-inspired backdrop, complete with a cozy, rustic setup, wood paneling and an antler chandelier. As the crowd cheered him on, he moved closer to the audience, flashing a bright smile and tipping his hat in appreciation before making his way off stage.

The catchy, sing-along-ready track leans into the push-and-pull of a relationship that’s hard to walk away from, even when the man at hand swears he’s finally done for good. With emotionally charged lines like, “Girl, the second that you lose that dress / that’s the second that I second guess” and “I kinda like when you wreck everything and change my mind,” the Alabama native fully leaned into the song’s unfiltered honesty in front of a live audience.

“Change My Mind” was written by Green alongside Erik Dylan and Randy Montana and appeared on his album Don’t Mind If I Do.

In addition to performing, Riley Green also went into the star-studded night with multiple nominations, including Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), Music Event of the Year for “Don’t Mind If I Do” featuring Ella Langley, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year (which has since been claimed by Langley).

Aside from his music, Green has also continued to expand his career in other areas. He was recently announced as a coach for Season 30 of NBC’s hit singing competition series, joining previously confirmed coaches Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine. Season 30 of The Voice is expected to premiere this fall on NBC, although an official premiere date has not yet been announced.

On top of that, he stepped into the acting world earlier this year, making his television debut on CBS’ Marshals, where he plays Garrett, a former Navy SEAL with a troubled past.

Green’s performance on the 2026 ACM Awards aired during the live show on Sunday, May 17.

2026 ACM Awards Performance Lineup

Throughout the night, viewers will also see epic performances by Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top.

Highlights also include collaborations between Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum and Lee Ann Womack and unforgettable moments like Blake Shelton performing a rendition of “The Gambler” as a tribute to the late Don Schlitz.

Ashley McBryde, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Michael Bublé, Shaboozey, The War And Treaty, and TJ Osborne are among the night’s many presenters.

The top-selling female country-pop artist of all time, Shania Twain is hosting the star-studded event for the very first time. 

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How to Watch

The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards is streaming live exclusively on Prime Video for a global audience across more than 240 countries and territories beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT. Returning to Las Vegas, the show takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

More details can be found HERE.

The post Riley Green Brings ‘Change My Mind’ to Life with Standout ACM Awards Performance appeared first on Country Now.

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