You’ve got your boots, your favorite worn-in flannel, and maybe a cold drink in hand. But then it hits you—the awards show is tonight and you have no idea where to find the channel. It’s annoying, right? One year it’s on network TV, the next it’s exclusive to a streaming app you forgot you even had. If you’re trying to figure out how to watch the country music awards, you aren’t alone in the confusion.
The "Country Music Awards" isn't just one single event. It’s a whole season. Between the CMAs, the ACMs, and the CMTs, the rights move around faster than a drum solo.
Where to Find the Big Shows This Year
First off, let’s talk about the big one: the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. For 2026, the 61st ACM Awards are heading back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Here is the thing about the ACMs—you won’t find them on CBS or ABC anymore. They made a massive jump to streaming a few years ago. To watch them live, you need Prime Video. Amazon has the exclusive rights, and they usually broadcast it globally to over 240 countries. If you don't have a Prime subscription, you can sometimes catch the livestream on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, which is a handy workaround.
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The CMA Awards: Nashville’s Biggest Night
The CMA Awards are the "grandaddy" of them all. Historically, these stay on ABC. If you’re a traditionalist with a pair of rabbit ears or a basic cable package, this is your easiest win.
Usually, the CMAs happen in November. For the most recent 2025 show, it aired on Wednesday, Nov. 19. If 2026 follows that pattern, expect a mid-November date. If you miss the live broadcast on ABC, Hulu is almost always the place to go the very next morning for the full replay.
Cutting the Cord? No Problem
Honestly, you don't need a $100 cable bill to see your favorite artists win. If the show is on ABC or CBS, you can use a live TV streaming service.
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- YouTube TV or FuboTV: These are basically cable but through your internet. They carry local channels like ABC and CBS.
- Hulu + Live TV: This gives you the live broadcast plus the on-demand library.
- Sling TV: A bit cheaper, but check if they carry your local ABC affiliate in your specific zip code first.
For the CMT Music Awards, which are fan-voted and usually a bit more "party-vibes," keep an eye on CBS and Paramount+. They’ve been the home for that show lately, usually airing in the spring.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of fans think that if they have the "app" for a channel, they can just watch live. That's not always true. For example, having the basic Paramount+ plan might not let you stream your local CBS station live unless you have the "Showtime" tier.
Always check your login 20 minutes before the show starts. There is nothing worse than seeing the "Sign In with Your TV Provider" screen five minutes after the opening performance has already begun.
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International Fans and VPNs
If you are trying to figure out how to watch the country music awards from outside the US, it gets a bit tricky. In the UK, the BBC sometimes picks up the CMAs for iPlayer. In Australia, it’s often Stan or 9Now.
If you’re traveling and find yourself "geo-blocked," some people use a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN to make it look like they are back home in the States. It’s a common trick, but just make sure you’re following the terms of service for whatever app you’re using.
Your Game Plan for Show Day
- Verify the date: Double-check if it's the ACMs (May) or CMAs (November).
- Check your subscription: Prime Video for ACMs; ABC/Hulu for CMAs.
- Update your apps: Don't let a "1.2 GB Update Required" message ruin your night.
- Audio check: If you’re watching the Amazon stream, they often have a "Red Carpet" pre-show on the Amazon Music app that starts an hour early.
To get the most out of the experience, download the official app for the specific award show. They often have "second-screen" experiences where you can see backstage photos or vote for "Best Dressed" in real-time while the main broadcast is happening on your TV.