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Returning for the 51st (!!) time, the Academy of Country Music Awards — not to be confused with the CMAs — are this Sunday. If your music tastes veer a bit further south or west than Top 40 hits, you'll likely be watching the event over the iHeartRadio Music Awards, which are airing at exactly the same time.
Style at the awards tends to be more formal than the typical music awards show. Expect to see long gowns with plunging necklines and daring slits, plus plenty of sequins, ruffles, and sheer fabric.
Hosting this year's event is four-time host Luke Bryan, alongside Dierks Bentley. Other faces the casual country music fan may recognize will be nominees Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, and newbie Kelsea Ballerini, whose noted friendship with Taylor Swift implies she won't stay that way for much longer. Below, everything else to know before tuning in tonight.
Red Carpet
See what everyone is wearing right here.
The Performers
This year's performances will be about two people, and two people only: Dolly and Katy. The somewhat unlikely duo will take the stage for their first-ever duet, and though we're not sure what, exactly they'll be performing, one thing's for sure: these costumes are going to be incredible.
Also performing during the show are Jason Aldean with a new single, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Blake Shelton (no word on whether Gwen Stefani will be his plus-one, but it's likely), and Kelsea Ballerini with Nick Jonas (?!).
The Nominees
Fun fact: ACM Award winners receive a trophy shaped like a tall, skinny cowboy hat. In the top category, Entertainer of the Year, sole nominated female performer Miranda Lambert will face host Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, and others. She's also going head-to-head with Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Jana Kramer, and Kelsea Ballerini in Female Vocalist of the Year.
For Song of the Year, it'll be Little Big Town against Eric Paslay, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton and newcomer Cam.
How to Watch
When
The awards show will begin at 8 p.m. EST, but will be delayed for west coast viewers.
Where
Though the actual ceremony will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, it'll be broadcast live on CBS.