The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has unveiled the nominations for the highly anticipated 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, which are set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17, 2026. This year’s awards ceremony will be streamed live on Prime Video and Amazon Music, providing fans with direct access to the event from their own homes.
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Megan Moroney stands out in this year’s nominations, leading the field with an impressive nine nods, including prestigious categories such as Entertainer of the Year and Single of the Year for her song “6 Months Later.” Following her are fellow artists Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley, who received eight and seven nominations, respectively. Lainey Wilson also garnered significant recognition, with seven nods to her name.
Among the other prominent nominees are Chris Stapleton, who received six nominations, while Zach Top and Cody Johnson earned five and four, respectively. The diverse range of talent reflects a thriving country music scene, with women artists making significant waves in the nominations this year.
The coveted Entertainer of the Year award will see fierce competition from nominees including Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen, alongside Moroney, Wilson, Stapleton, and Johnson. Wilson won this award at the previous ceremony, setting a high standard for contenders this year.
Adding to the excitement of the event, this year’s performances will feature an array of top artists, including Lambert, Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town and Riley Green. Notably, Musgraves will be debuting a new track from her upcoming album, “Middle of Nowhere,” while Wilson is expected to premiere her song “Can’t Sit Still” and Green will present his hit “Change My Mind.”
As anticipation builds for the ACM Awards, fans are eager to see who takes home the night’s top honours. The host for this year’s ceremony has yet to be announced, leaving room for speculation and excitement as the date approaches.
The awards will start at 8 p.m. ET, with fans able to experience the event in real time. The ceremony highlights the achievements of country music artists and songwriters across various categories, setting the stage for memorable performances and collaborations.
In addition to the major categories, this year’s nominations include New Female Artist of the Year and New Male Artist of the Year, showcasing the rising stars in country music. First-time nominees that have made their debut include 49 Winchester, Avery Anna, and Mackenzie Carpenter, representing a new generation of talent that is poised to make an impact on the industry.
The nominations list is filled with exceptional songs and artists, covering a wide range of themes and styles that resonate with listeners. “A Song To Sing” by Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton stands out as a contender for Song of the Year, alongside tracks from Megan Moroney and Ella Langley, highlighting the creativity and storytelling that country music embodies.
As the date draws near, the 61st ACM Awards promise to be a significant event that continues the tradition of celebrating the best in country music while amplifying the voices of both established and emerging artists. Fans eagerly await the chance to see their favourite stars and the surprises that the night will bring.