A grand musical event is set to unfold this evening in Frisco, marking a significant moment for the country music scene. At 7 p.m., the Ford Center at The Star will host an extravagant ceremony, led by the legendary Reba McEntire, who returns as the emcee for the 18th time. Before the main festivities begin, attendees will grace the red carpet, where correspondents from The Dallas Morning News will engage with top figures in the industry and document their striking appearances. Streaming of the pre-show activities will be available on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel from 6 to 7 p.m.

Texas artists are prominently featured among the nominees, including Post Malone, whose journey from Grapevine rapper to country singer has captivated audiences, and Kacey Musgraves, beloved in East Texas. Malone is in contention across five categories, notably for album of the year with his groundbreaking project, F-1 Trillion. Meanwhile, Musgraves competes for female artist of the year and song of the year with her hit track “The Architect.” This marks the sixth decade of the Academy of Country Music Awards, which first graced Texas soil in Arlington’s AT&T Stadium for its 50th edition in 2015. Since moving to Frisco in 2023, the locale has become a permanent home due to its ideal facilities and vibrant fanbase enthusiasm.

The celebration reflects not only on the achievements of today's stars but also honors the rich history of country music. Damon Whiteside, CEO of ACM, anticipates a special segment dedicated to celebrating legends past, present, and future, highlighted by a medley of iconic songs spanning six decades. Over thirty artists, ranging from emerging talents like Jelly Roll and Shaboozey to seasoned veterans such as Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, are scheduled to perform. For those unable to attend in person, the show will be accessible via live stream on Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel. This milestone event promises to bring joy and inspiration, showcasing the enduring spirit of country music and its ever-growing community.