Lainey Wilson kicked off the 2026 ACM Awards with an energy-filled performance of “Can’t Sit Still” on Sunday, May 17 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The country superstar and reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year set the tone for a lively evening of country music with a show-stopping opening performance that had the crowd in the palm of her hand.
Wearing a black leather and silver fringe ensemble comeplete with a black cowboy hat, Wilson emerged as a silhouette against a lightning storm backdrop as she launched into the infectious track, putting her powerhouse vocals on full display.
Ten female dancers in matching white cowgirl ensembles then joined her onstage, moving in sync to the beat as scenes from the “Can’t Sit Still” music video played across the massive screens behind her. She then grabbed her acoustic guitar as she belted out the lyrics.
“I ain’t caught my breath since I took my first/ So I guess I’ll rest when I’m in the dirt/ It’s a sweet relief, it’s a bitter pill/ I’m an addict, it’s a habit I can’t kill/ It’s what brought me up, it’s what breaks me down/ Yeah, what got me here just might take me out/ It’s a sweet relief, it’s a bitter pill/ I’m an addict, it’s a habit I can’t kill/ I can’t sit stillllll,” Wilson sang on the track’s chorus.
As the song reached the bridge, the cameras swirled around her like a tornado while she sang the chant-like hook, “Running and gunning and running…”
“Thank you so much Vegas!” Wilson said as she concluded her performance before introducing the show’s host Shania Twain to the stage for her monologue.
Produced by Jay Joyce and co-written by Wilson alongside Aslan Freeman, Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson, “Can’t Sit Still” is an uptempo track that captures the fast-moving lifestyle that has come to define Wilson’s rise in country music. The lyrics channel a restless, on-the-go energy while weaving in relatable, everyday imagery that resonates with listeners.
“I’m always on the go — moving from city to city, celebrating exciting milestones, and getting the chance to hug y’all’s necks along the way,” Wilson previously explained of the song in a press release. “At times, that whirlwind felt like a lot. But over time, I realized there’s something about the madness that fuels me. The busy lifestyle inspires me. It pushes me, keeps me creating, and reminds me who I am.”
Lainey Wilson is among the most-nominated artists at this year’s ACM Awards with seven nods, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (Artist and Songwriter) for “Somewhere Over Laredo,” Single of the Year for “Somewhere Over Laredo,” Music Event of the Year for “Trailblazer” with Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert, and Visual Media of the Year for “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
Wilson arrived alongside her husband Devlin “Duck” Hodges, making their first official red carpet appearance as husband and wife since getting married last week. The newlyweds turned heads as they arrived hand in hand with big smiles on their faces.
The 2026 ACM Awards also featured performances from Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Zach Top and more, as well as ACM New Female Artist of the Year Avery Anna and ACM New Male Artist of the Year Tucker Wetmore.
The 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards also included a star-studded list of presenters, including Andrew Whitworth, Ashley McBryde, Carl Edwards, Corey LaJoie, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Michael Bublé, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Shaboozey, The War And Treaty, T.J. Osborne and more.
Female artists led this year’s nominations, with Megan Moroney earning nine nods, followed by Miranda Lambert with eight, and both Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson tied with seven. Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Cody Johnson also entered the night as top nominees.
The 2026 ACM Awards brought country music’s biggest night back to Las Vegas in a star-studded celebration hosted by legendary songwriter and best-selling female country artist Shania Twain, marking her first time leading the show. The broadcast streamed live exclusively on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories and aired Sunday, May 17, 2026, from the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena. The show was also available to stream via the Amazon Music app and Amazon Music channel on Twitch.
For country music fans that missed the live broadcast, the full show will also be available to stream on Prime Video the following day (May 18) at 8/7c.
