AceShowbiz - Avery Anna delivered a standout performance during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17, 2026.

The new female artist of the year winner captivated the audience with a dynamic set that began with a cover of Cher’s 1966 hit Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down), a song also famously covered by Nancy Sinatra. This opening choice set a powerful tone and showcased her rock influence.

Following the cover, Avery Anna transitioned into her original track Blood Runs Thicker, featured on her EP Forgive, Forget, which was released earlier in 2026. During the performance, she delivered the chorus with both intensity and emotion: "Blood runs much thicker than water/ I am my father's daughter," before adding, "But you're such a toxic talker/ So what do you do when you're torn between the two, no?"

Her appearance on stage reflected the gritty energy of her music. Wearing a strapless black leather corset paired with matching pants, Avery Anna brought a rock ’n’ roll edge not only through her outfit but also through her stage presence. At one point, with her blonde hair flying, she grabbed drumsticks and energetically played alongside the band’s drummer, amplifying the raw vibe of the show.

The ceremony, hosted for the first time by Shania Twain, was broadcast live on Prime Video. Megan Moroney led all nominees with nine nods, highlighting the competitive field among country music’s rising stars.

The ACM Awards, now in their 61st year, are produced by Dick Clark Productions, a partnership under Penske Media Eldridge, which is jointly owned by Eldridge Industries and Billboard’s parent company Penske Media.

Avery Anna’s performance at the 2026 ACM Awards solidified her status as a rising force in country music, blending rock influences with heartfelt lyricism and commanding stage presence.