ACM Awards 2026: Every Winner and Nominee Revealed, Plus the Night’s Biggest Surprises

Shania Twain ran point on the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, and yes, she made it a party. The 60-year-old icon hosted for the first time on Sunday, May 17, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with the show streaming live on Prime Video. Big night, big room, and a slate of nominees that leaned hard into rising stars alongside the usual heavy-hitters.

"I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home," Twain said in April. "It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating country music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night."

Who was out front

Megan Moroney led the ballot with nine nominations, followed by Miranda Lambert with eight. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson were right there too with seven apiece. If you felt a theme coming from Twain’s quote, that’s why.

Onstage lineup

Beyond the trophies, the Prime Video broadcast packed in performances from Miranda Lambert (42), Ella Langley (27), Lainey Wilson (33), Blake Shelton, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lee Ann Womack, Riley Green, Thomas Rhett, and more. It was a nice mix of veteran names, chart anchors, and a few artists you’re probably going to be hearing a lot from over the next year.

One quick note

If you scan the nominees and do a double take at a couple names, you’re not alone. Yes, Rascal Flatts pops up in Group of the Year, and Brooks & Dunn are in Duo. Country loves a comeback and a legacy slot, and this ballot shows it.

The 2026 ACM Awards nominees

Every category and every name, all in one place. Winners were not provided in the materials below.

• Entertainer of the Year: Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson
• Female Artist of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson
• Male Artist of the Year: Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top
• Group of the Year: 49 Winchester, Flatland Cavalry, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays
• Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline, Thelma & James
• New Female Artist of the Year: Avery Anna, Mackenzie Carpenter, Dasha, Caroline Jones, Emily Ann Roberts
• New Male Artist of the Year: Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason, Shaboozey, Hudson Westbrook, Tucker Wetmore
• 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)
• Song of the Year: "A Song to Sing" (Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton), "Am I Okay?" (Megan Moroney), "Choosin' Texas" (Ella Langley), "I Never Lie" (Zach Top), "Somewhere Over Laredo" (Lainey Wilson)
• 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)
• Music Event of the Year: "A Song to Sing" (Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton), "Amen" (Shaboozey and Jelly Roll), "Don't Mind If I Do" (Riley Green feat. Ella Langley), "Trailblazer" (Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson), "You Had to Be There" (Megan Moroney and Kenny Chesney)
• Visual Media of the Year: "6 Months Later" (Megan Moroney), "A Song to Sing" (Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton), "Cuckoo" (Stephen Wilson Jr.), "Somewhere Over Laredo" (Lainey Wilson), "The Fall" (Cody Johnson)
• Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Luke Combs, Riley Green, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Morgan Wallen
• Songwriter of the Year: Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Chase McGill, Blake Pendergrass

That’s the field. If you’re keeping score at home, Moroney, Lambert, Langley, and Wilson are the names to watch across multiple lanes, and Twain’s first hosting turn set them up with a very Vegas victory lap kind of night.