The 2026 ACM Awards predictions are in, and the excitement is palpable. With women leading the nominations, the stage is set for a historic night. Megan Moroney and Miranda Lambert are up for multiple awards, while Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson are also in the running. The Entertainer of the Year category is a hotly contested affair, with Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen all in the mix. If Combs wins, he'll secure a triple crown, but Wilson, if victorious, would join Carrie Underwood as the only woman to win the Entertainer of the Year trophy three times. Early winners include Tucker Wetmore, Avery Anna, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Jessie Jo Dillon. Shania Twain will host the show, which will be streamed live via Prime Video for the fifth consecutive year.
The Female Artist of the Year category is a stacked affair, with Wilson, Lambert, Langley, and Moroney all in the running. Langley is on a powerhouse streak, with her album Dandelion topping the Billboard 200 and her hit "Choosin' Texas" dominating the charts. Wilson, who has won the title three consecutive years, is also in the running. The Male Artist of the Year category is a tough one, with Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Top all in the mix. Stapleton, a five-time winner, is a strong contender, but Johnson, who has just notched his most recent No. 1 with "The Fall," is also in the running. The Group of the Year category is a toss-up between Old Dominion and The Red Clay Strays, while the Duo of the Year category is a battle between Brooks & Dunn, Dan + Shay, and Brothers Osborne.
The Album of the Year category is a celebration of new talent, with three of the five nominees celebrating their first nomination in the field. Wallen's "I'm The Problem" is the biggest-seller of the year, but Faith's "Cherry Valley" and Top's "Ain't In It For My Health" are also strong contenders. The Song of the Year category is a showcase of artistic expression, with each song showcasing a new or different facet of the performer. Lambert's "A Song to Sing" and "Choosin' Texas" are strong contenders, while Wilson's "Somewhere Over Laredo" is a light interpolation of the classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The Single of the Year category is a commercial success, with Langley's "Choosin' Texas" dominating the charts and making history.
In my opinion, the ACM Awards 2026 will be a historic night, with women leading the nominations and breaking barriers. The Entertainer of the Year category will be a close call, with Combs and Wallen both in the running. The Female Artist of the Year category will be a battle between Langley and Wilson, while the Male Artist of the Year category will be a celebration of new talent. The Group of the Year and Duo of the Year categories will be a toss-up, with seasoned veterans and new blood competing for the top spot. The Album of the Year and Song of the Year categories will be a showcase of artistic expression, with each nominee bringing something unique to the table. The Single of the Year category will be a celebration of commercial success, with Langley's "Choosin' Texas" dominating the charts and making history.
