ACM Awards Nominations Led by Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert

The 2026 ACM Awards are shaping up to be an exciting event, with Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson leading the pack with multiple nominations. Moroney, in particular, has secured nine nods, making her the top contender for this year’s awards. Lambert follows closely behind with eight nominations, while Langley and Wilson each have seven. Chris Stapleton is the first male artist to appear on the list of top contenders, with six nominations.

The ACM Awards are set to take place on May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Prime Video will once again have exclusive rights to the live airing of the event, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and the Amazon Music app.

Moroney’s nine nominations include her first-ever nod for the coveted entertainer of the year award. She will be competing against reigning title-holder Lainey Wilson, as well as Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen in this category. Lambert, known as the most decorated artist in ACM Awards history, received a boost in her nominations count this year for her work as a songwriter and producer on Ella Langley’s hit song “Choosin’ Texas.”

Luke Combs continues his streak as a perennial nominee for entertainer of the year, earning his seventh consecutive nomination in the category. One of the biggest surprises of this year’s nominations comes in the album of the year category, where newcomers Carter Faith and Parker McCollum are recognized for their critically acclaimed albums. Faith’s “Cherry Valley” and McCollum’s self-titled album are up against albums from Zach Top, Riley Green, and Morgan Wallen.

Fans may be wondering why Moroney’s latest album is missing from the album of the year category. The answer lies in the eligibility cutoff date of December 31, 2025, which means her album released in early 2026 was not eligible for this year’s awards. Additionally, the ACM Awards count nominations separately for artists who may be involved as an artist, songwriter, and/or producer on the same track, leading to higher nomination counts for some honorees.

With a star-studded lineup of nominees and exciting categories, the 2026 ACM Awards promise to be a memorable night for country music fans and artists alike. Stay tuned for the live broadcast on Prime Video to see who will take home the top honors at this year’s event. The 2026 nominations for the Country Music Awards have been announced, and there are some familiar names among the list of nominees. One interesting trend this year is that artists who have a single placed in the Song of the Year category are also nominated as songwriters for that track, earning them two nominations for the same song.

In the Entertainer of the Year category, we have nominees such as Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson. Female Artist of the Year includes Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson. Male Artist of the Year features Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Top.

Group of the Year nominees are 49 Winchester, Flatland Cavalry, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts, and The Red Clay Strays. Duo of the Year includes Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline, and Thelma & James. New Female Artist of the Year nominees are Avery Anna, Mackenzie Carpenter, Dasha, Caroline Jones, and Emily Ann Roberts. New Male Artist of the Year features Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason, Shaboozey, Hudson Westbrook, and Tucker Wetmore.

Album of the Year nominees include “Ain’t In It For My Health” by Zach Top, “Cherry Valley” by Carter Faith, “Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)” by Riley Green, “I’m The Problem” by Morgan Wallen, and “Parker McCollum” by Parker McCollum.

In the Song of the Year category, we have songs such as “A Song To Sing” by Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton, “Am I Okay?” by Megan Moroney, “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley, “I Never Lie” by Zach Top, and “Somewhere Over Laredo” by Lainey Wilson.

For Single of the Year, nominees include “6 Months Later” by Megan Moroney, “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley, “I Never Lie” by Zach Top, “Somewhere Over Laredo” by Lainey Wilson, and “The Fall” by Cody Johnson.

Lastly, in the Music Event of the Year category, we have collaborations such as “A Song To Sing” by Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton, and “Amen” by Shaboozey & Jelly Roll.

The 2026 Country Music Awards promise to be an exciting event with a diverse range of talented artists and songs up for recognition. Fans can tune in to see who takes home the awards in these different categories. The Country Music Association Awards (CMA) always bring excitement and anticipation to the music industry. This year, the list of nominees is filled with talented artists and songwriters who have made a significant impact on the country music scene. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top contenders in various categories.

In the category of Album of the Year, we have standout artists like Carter Faith and Parker McCollum, who have delivered exceptional work that has resonated with fans and critics alike. Their albums showcase their talent and versatility as musicians, earning them well-deserved recognition.

The Songwriter of the Year category is always highly competitive, with names like Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, and Chase McGill in the running. These individuals have a gift for crafting compelling and relatable lyrics that have helped shape the landscape of country music.

One of the most exciting categories is Artist-Songwriter of the Year, where artists like Luke Combs, Riley Green, and Ella Langley are vying for the top spot. These artists not only excel in performing their own music but also have a knack for writing songs that connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Visual Media of the Year is another category that showcases the creativity and artistry of music videos. From Megan Moroney’s “6 Months Later” to Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo,” each video is a visual feast that complements the music in a unique and captivating way.

Overall, the list of nominees for this year’s CMA Awards is a testament to the talent and diversity within the country music genre. Fans can look forward to an exciting event that celebrates the best and brightest in the industry.