The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by the legendary Shania Twain, promises to be a star-studded affair, with a record-high membership of over 5,000 voters. The ceremony, streaming exclusively on Prime Video, will see the industry's finest gather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. With Megan Moroney leading the pack with nine nominations, the awards are set to be a close race. But who will take home the top honors? Let's dive into the nominees and explore the potential winners in each category.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Luke Combs
- Jelly Roll
- Cody Johnson
- Megan Moroney
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
This category is a tough one to predict. Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen are established stars, but Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson are rising quickly. Cody Johnson, with his unique style, could surprise. Megan Moroney, with her versatility, is a strong contender. Chris Stapleton, a veteran with a rich history, is always a force to be reckoned with. It's a battle of the greats, and the winner will be a true entertainment powerhouse.
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Miranda Lambert
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Lainey Wilson
This category is a close race between established stars and rising talents. Kelsea Ballerini and Miranda Lambert are veterans, but Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson are making waves. Megan Moroney, with her unique sound, is a dark horse. The winner will be a testament to the power of female country music artists, each bringing their own unique flair.
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Luke Combs
- Riley Green
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Zach Top
The male artists category is a battle of the greats. Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton are established stars, but Riley Green and Zach Top are rising quickly. Cody Johnson, with his distinct style, could be a surprise winner. The winner will be a true representation of the diverse talent in country music.
GROUP OF THE YEAR
- 49 Winchester
- Flatland Cavalry
- Old Dominion
- Rascal Flatts
- The Red Clay Strays
This category is a celebration of the power of collaboration. Each group brings its own unique sound and style. 49 Winchester and Flatland Cavalry are rising stars, while Old Dominion and Rascal Flatts are established names. The Red Clay Strays, with their unique blend, could be a dark horse. The winner will be a testament to the unity and creativity in country music.
DUO OF THE YEAR
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Muscadine Bloodline
- Thelma & James
Duos bring a special dynamic to the genre, and this category is no exception. Brooks & Dunn and Dan + Shay are established names, but Brothers Osborne and Muscadine Bloodline are rising quickly. Thelma & James, with their unique sound, could be a surprise winner. The winner will be a testament to the power of collaboration and the diverse talent in country music.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top
- Cherry Valley – Carter Faith
- Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) – Riley Green
- I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
- Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum
The album category is a celebration of creativity and production. Zach Top's 'Ain’t In It For My Health' is a unique and innovative album. Riley Green's 'Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)' is a strong contender. Morgan Wallen's 'I’m The Problem' is a powerful statement. Carter Faith's 'Cherry Valley' is a rising star. Parker McCollum's self-titled album is a testament to his talent. The winner will be a true representation of the year's best country music offerings.
SONG OF THE YEAR
- A Song To Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
- Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
- Choosin’ Texas – Ella Langley
- I Never Lie – Zach Top
- Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson
The song category is a celebration of songwriting talent. 'A Song To Sing' by Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton is a powerful collaboration. 'Am I Okay?' by Megan Moroney is a heartfelt ballad. 'Choosin’ Texas' by Ella Langley is a rising star. 'I Never Lie' by Zach Top is a catchy tune. 'Somewhere Over Laredo' by Lainey Wilson is a rising star. The winner will be a testament to the power of storytelling in country music.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
- 6 Months Later – Megan Moroney
- Choosin’ Texas – Ella Langley
- I Never Lie – Zach Top
- Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson
- The Fall – Cody Johnson
The single category is a celebration of catchy tunes and powerful performances. '6 Months Later' by Megan Moroney is a heartfelt ballad. 'Choosin’ Texas' by Ella Langley is a rising star. 'I Never Lie' by Zach Top is a catchy tune. 'Somewhere Over Laredo' by Lainey Wilson is a rising star. 'The Fall' by Cody Johnson is a powerful statement. The winner will be a testament to the power of a memorable single.
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
- A Song To Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
- Amen – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
- Don’t Mind If I Do – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
- Trailblazer – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
- You Had To Be There – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
The music event category is a celebration of collaboration and performance. 'A Song To Sing' by Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton is a powerful collaboration. 'Amen' by Shaboozey & Jelly Roll is a rising star. 'Don’t Mind If I Do' by Riley Green feat. Ella Langley is a catchy tune. 'Trailblazer' by Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson is a powerful statement. 'You Had To Be There' by Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney is a memorable performance. The winner will be a testament to the power of a memorable event.
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR
- 6 Months Later – Megan Moroney
- A Song To Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
- Cuckoo -Stephen Wilson, Jr.
- Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson
- The Fall – Cody Johnson
The visual media category is a celebration of creativity and storytelling. '6 Months Later' by Megan Moroney is a heartfelt ballad. 'A Song To Sing' by Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton is a powerful collaboration. 'Cuckoo' by Stephen Wilson, Jr. is a rising star. 'Somewhere Over Laredo' by Lainey Wilson is a rising star. 'The Fall' by Cody Johnson is a powerful statement. The winner will be a testament to the power of visual storytelling.
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Jessie Jo Dillon
- Ashley Gorley
- Charlie Handsome
- Chase McGill
- Blake Pendergrass
The songwriter category is a celebration of talent and creativity. Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Chase McGill, and Blake Pendergrass are rising stars. Each brings their own unique style and flair. The winner will be a testament to the power of songwriting in country music.
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Luke Combs
- Riley Green
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Morgan Wallen
The artist-songwriter category is a celebration of talent and creativity. Luke Combs, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Morgan Wallen are rising stars. Each brings their own unique style and flair. The winner will be a testament to the power of being both an artist and a songwriter in country music.
In conclusion, the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards are a celebration of the diverse talent in country music. With a record-high membership and a star-studded lineup, the awards are set to be a memorable event. The winners will be a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and storytelling in the genre. It's a battle of the greats, and the outcome will be a true representation of the year's best country music offerings.
