Keith Urban to Headline ACM Next Wave: Country's Beach Bash

Official Announcement | Published: Apr 15, 2026 1:21 PM EDT

(SSM&L) The Academy of Country Music (ACM) announced additional performers and new event details for this year's ACM Awards Week lineup, which will take place in the lead-up to the highly anticipated 61st ACM Awards on Sunday, May 17th at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

2025 ACM Triple Crown Award recipient and 14-time ACM Award-winning Country superstar Keith Urban will headline "ACM Next Wave: Country's Beach Bash" at Mandalay Bay Beach, Saturday, May 16. Urban joins previously announced performers including Flatland Cavalry, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Braxton Keith, and Tucker Wetmore, as well as Opry NextStage Live featuring members of the Class of 2026 - Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts, and Hudson Westbrook. Tickets are available starting at $150 for VIP and $75 for General Admission at AXS.com.

Additionally, Avery Anna, The Band Perry, Jenna Paulette and Caroline Jones were announced today as performers for the "Whiskey Jam Welcome Party." A long-standing Nashville staple for live music, Whiskey Jam is headed to Las Vegas on Thursday, May 14, from 8-11 p.m. for a free ACM Awards welcome party open to both fans and industry alike held at Ole Red Las Vegas. Additional performers to be announced.

"Whiskey Jam Welcome Party" joins the previously announced ACM Awards Week events including the aforementioned "ACM Next Wave: Country's Beach Bash" and "ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends" at Topgolf Las Vegas on Friday, May 15th. The event will feature an unforgettable, up-close concert experience with headliner Riley Green, alongside Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins, and Randy Houser. Tickets are available at $200 for VIP Early Access to General Admission doors and $150 for General Admission at AXS.com. Proceeds benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.

The 61st ACM Awards will stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT from the world-renowned MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans will also be able to watch the broadcast on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, as well as in the Amazon Music app.