Top 2026 ACM Awards Nominees: Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert & Ella Langley Lead This Year’s Top Nominees
- All Country News
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
The race for the 61st Annual ACM Awards is officially heating up, and this year’s nominations prove country music is having a major moment led by powerhouse women and a new generation of rising stars.
Leading the pack is Megan Moroney with an impressive nine nominations, making her the most-nominated artist at this year’s ACM Awards. The breakout star earned nods in some of the night’s biggest categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
Right behind her is ACM legend Miranda Lambert with eight nominations. Already the most-awarded artist in ACM history, Lambert continues proving why she remains one of the genre’s most respected names. Her nominations include Song of the Year for “A Song To Sing” with Chris Stapleton and Music Event of the Year for “Trailblazer” alongside Reba McEntire and Lainey Wilson.
One of the biggest breakout stories this year belongs to Ella Langley, who earned seven nominations following a massive year in country music. Langley landed nominations in Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year, continuing her rapid rise as one of Nashville’s hottest new stars.
Defending Entertainer of the Year winner Lainey Wilson also scored seven nominations this year, further cementing her place as one of country music’s leading forces. Wilson once again finds herself competing for the night’s top honor while also earning recognition for “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
Among the men, Chris Stapleton leads the way with six nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. Stapleton continues one of the most dominant award-show runs in modern country music, adding yet another year of major nominations to his already stacked career.
Meanwhile, Zach Top continues his breakout momentum with five nominations this year. After winning New Male Artist last awards season, Top now finds himself nominated for Male Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “I Never Lie,” and Album of the Year for Ain’t In It For My Health.
This year’s nominations also showcase how much country music’s next generation is taking over. First-time nominees include artists like Avery Anna, 49 Winchester, Hudson Westbrook, Stephen Wilson Jr., and more.
The 61st ACM Awards will stream live from Las Vegas on May 17 on Prime Video, with Shania Twain hosting the show for the very first time.
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