Toting trophies and trumpeting tens of millions in economic impact, the Academy of Country Music Awards show is returning to MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 16, 2027.
ACM officials, Dick Clark Productions and streaming platform Prime Video confirmed the show’s return to MGM last week. We reported this reality just after the May 17 show concluded. The production team reportedly has options for additional years.
Shania Twain hosted the 61st installment of the awards show for the first time this year. Blake Shelton closed with a Las Vegas-centric spin of “The Gambler.” Miranda Lambert debuted her latest single, “Crisco.”
Cody Johnson won the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, his first. Ella Langley led the night in total wins with seven, followed by Johnson, Lambert and Stephen Wilson Jr. with two wins. Other winners included Avery Anna, Brooks & Dunn, Jessie Jo Dillon, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays and Tucker Wetmore.
This year’s show ran just a week before the American Music Awards, which we also expect to return to MGM Grand Garden Arena. The venue is undergoing a major overhaul beginning in the fall, replacing all of 13,500 seats. But the 18-month project won’t significantly alter programming for these shows.
The ACMs returned after a three-year absence. Officials report an estimated $53 million economic impact for the show in Las Vegas.
According to the economic analysis consulting firm Greyhill Advisors, the event generated $15.7 million in increased employee earnings and supported approximately 290 full-time equivalent jobs across industries ranging from television production and event operations to hospitality and transportation.
Visitor spending reportedly accounted for $24.3 million of the total economic impact, and generated $7.8 million in worker earnings and 147 full-time equivalent jobs
The ACM team also reports an 85 percent, year-over increase in economic impact from its 2025 show in Frisco, Texas.
The week of related concerts, meals, pre- and after-parties, and fan and industry events generated an additional $4.5 million in economic activity for hotels, restaurants, clubs, venues and businesses throughout the city.
And, according to analytics platform Listenfirst, the ACM Awards social accounts amassed more than over 153 million video views (an 35-percent year-over-year increase) across Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads and Facebook.
These results were about as surprising as Shelton standing ovation for “The Gambler,” and why the ACMs are coming back.
Cool Hang Alert
Mala Vida Fridays at The Pool at Sahara run weekly. The popular Latin nightlife experience showcases DJs Moy, Muñeco and Beto to a torrid — torrid, I tell you! — party on the Strip. You must be 21-over to attend. Doors are at 10 p.m. RSVP for free admission at saharalasvegas.com.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.