Michael Bublé is embracing his country era.

The Grammy-winning artist, known for his signature jazz vocals, confirmed at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards that he’s working on a country project in Nashville, Tennessee. Bublé, 50, hinted at his upcoming record when he presented an award during the show, and confirmed to The Tennessean on the red carpet that it’ll be “a love letter to country.”

“You know, in country music, it always comes back to one thing, a great song,” Bublé said as he presented the Song of the Year award at the show on Sunday evening (May 17). The singer-songwriter shared on the MGM Grand Garden Arena stage, “I’ve loved the storytellers, the voices, and the heart of this music for as long as I can remember. Their influence hasn’t just stayed with me, but it’s even brought me to Nashville, where I’ve been recording my next album.”

Bublé went on to honor late songwriting legend Don Schlitz, who was known for writing “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and many other classic country hits. Schlitz died last month “at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness,” per a press release at the time. He was 73. Bublé spotlighted Schlitz and his “timeless songs,” including beloved Randy Travis ballads that won the Song of the Year award. Ella Langley won the 2026 ACM Song of the Year honor for her viral single, “Choosin’ Texas,” written with Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor.

Bublé has previously talked about his appreciation for country music, including on The Voice and with fellow artists. He’s collaborated with Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson on stage and on holiday music over he years. Bublé has not shared additional details about his country album — including a projected release date — as of publication time on Monday (May 18).

Denise Plante