We Need To Talk About These 2024 ACM Awards Nominations
Every year as the nominations for country music awards come and go, it’s hard to not fall into a perfunctory attitude about them due to the cyclical and predictable nature of the nominees.
This is made a measure worse now that the meaningless CMT Awards have gone from a passing notion to CBS’s flagship country presentation since they kicked the ACMs to the curb, and the ACMs now broadcast via Amazon Prime. And now the new “People’s Choice Country Awards” bring NBC into the picture, giving country music a ludicrous four awards shows each year.
Even remarking on the ACM Award nominations runs the risk of giving them more attention than they deserve, though they probably deserve more attention than the video-based CMTs, or the upstart People’s Choice Country Awards. Historically, the CMA Awards and the ACMs have been country music’s 1A and 2B awards shows.
But there is a newer category and some interesting wrinkles to the 2024 ACM Awards nominations that deserve comment as the Academy clearly tries to tackle the new reality in country music where independent artists not heard on the radio continue to increase their market share and popularity.
First and foremost, we need to discuss the ACM’s newest category, the “Artist-Songwriter of the Year” that was established in 2022, and seems to have been moved from the “ACM Honors” presentation to the proper ACM Awards for 2024. On it’s face, this could be an excellent category to cover an often overlooked sector of the country music industry.
Whether it was the past greats like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Lucinda Williams and others, or more present artist-songwriters such as Lori McKenna, Caitlyn Smith, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall, or even folks like Jason Isbell, there are artists who also happen to write songs that others make into major hits that never seem to get the proper recognition they deserve.
One cool thing about the Canadian Country Music Association is they have all the big mainstream categories as the CMAs do, but they also have a “Best Alternative Country Album” category, and a “Best Roots Artist” category. This includes the opportunity to highlight artists that aren’t on mainstream radio themselves.
But the nominees for the ACMs “Artist-Songwriter of the Year” award couldn’t be worse. Instead of highlighting the overlooked, it basically reinforces the top names of the genre and gives them even more nominations/awards.
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Zach Bryan
Ernest
Hardy
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Sure, you could kind of see someone like Zach Bryan qualifying for this category since he wrote all the songs for his latest self-titled album himself and fits the mold of a pure “songwriter.” Perhaps you could even slip Ernest in there as well since he’s probably more successful as a songwriter than a performer at this point.
But do Entertainer of the Year nominees Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton really need to compete for yet another award? As an arena draw himself with major hits on the radio, does Hardy really fit this mold either? Also, Morgan Wallen, Ernest, and Hardy were nominated for this same award last year, and Hardy won it. Are we just going to nominate and award these three dudes indefinitely as long as Morgan Wallen’s at #1?
This was a good idea by the ACMs that was completely squandered by the execution.
The rules for the new artist-songwriter category don’t really stipulate what the ACMs are looking for when it comes to this category. They simply spell out eligibility, which makes such a wide field of possible nominees, basically anybody could get nominated, facilitating the biggest names in the mainstream swooping in for yet another award.
This award is presented to an individual known both as an artist and a songwriter who was the predominate recording artist on at least one song that charted in the top 20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or Mediabase Country charts during the eligibility period. Nominees will be selected by a Professional Panel of judges whose members are approved by the ACM officers composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization (PRO) representatives. The Panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the final ballot once approved by the Board.
The factors to be considered include, but are not limited to, a commercially released song crediting the songwriter that achieved its highest position in the Top 50 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or Mediabase Country charts during the eligibility period. If the single was released prior to the eligibility period but achieved its highest charted position during the current eligibility period, it is eligible, unless it appeared on a final ACM ballot.
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The second fail of the 2024 ACM Awards is their New Duo or Group of the Year category. Sometimes this category doesn’t come up at all, but this year it does, while only including three nominees.
NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Neon Union
Restless Road
Tigirlily Gold
No offense to any of these groups, but this is just the ACMs working to reinforce the Nashville system. Since you have two more spots, why not also nominate The Castellows who are a quick rising group of dynamic sisters? There’s perhaps no hotter up-and-coming band in country music right now than 49 Winchester, and since their earlier albums were independently released, they still qualify under the ACM’s rules. They’re not exactly 100% country, but the Red Clay Strays are absolutely on fire right now. Why not add them to the category?
Both the ACMs and the CMAs have a bigger problem when it comes to these Group of the Year and Duo of the Year categories. These fields are so incredibly thin right now, they’re filling them in with duos and bands that aren’t even currently active. That’s also how Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion continue to win these awards year after year, despite their lack of cultural relevance. Combining the Duo and Group categories like they did in the “New Artist” realm would not be a bad idea.
One bright spot is the weak Group of the Year field facilitated Flatland Cavalry finally getting a nomination, which has to feel like sweet validation for a band that started in the Texas/Red Dirt scene.
Another bright spot is the nomination of Zach Bryan with Kacey Musgraves for the song “I Remember Everything.” With the impact this collaboration had and the love Musgraves receives from awards, it will be a strong contender for Music Event of the Year.
But once again, the ACMs are leery of nominating Zach Bryan for Entertainer of the Year, or even Male Artist of the Year. He’s far and away the 2nd biggest artist in country music for the third straight year, and still these awards treat him like the new kid on the block because he’s not on mainstream radio. Zach doesn’t need the plaudits, but the ACMs might need to include artists like Zach Bryan if they want to remain relevant moving forward.
It was also heartening to see Tyler Childers and his video for “In Your Love” nominated for Visual Media of the Year. You just wish Childers would be recognized when there wasn’t an inclusivity box to check off by doing so. Similar to Zach Bryan, Childers continues to be discounted by these awards institutions.
As country music fans continue to diversify their listening habits and favor more independent and non radio-supported artists, these awards shows must follow suit. Otherwise they risk losing their relevancy. Opening up new lanes for songwriters, traditional country artists, up-and-coming artists can help, but not if they get clogged by the same cast of characters from the mainstream.
2024 ACM AWARDS NOMINEES
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Ashley McBryde
Megan Moroney
Kacey Musgraves
Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Flatland Cavalry
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kassi Ashton
Ashley Cooke
Hannah Ellis
Kylie Morgan
Megan Moroney
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ernest
Kameron Marlowe
Dylan Scott
Conner Smith
Nate Smith
NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Neon Union
Restless Road
Tigirlily Gold
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
– Gettin’ Old – Luke Combs
– Higher – Chris Stapleton
– Leather – Cody Johnson
– One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen
– Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) – Kelsea Ballerini
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
– “Burn It Down” – Parker McCollum
– “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
– “Last Night” – Morgan Wallen
– “Need A Favor” – Jelly Roll
– “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
SONG OF THE YEAR
– “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
– “Heart Like A Truck” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson
– “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
Songwriters: Chase McGill, Greylan James, Jordan Davis, Josh Osborne
– “The Painter” – Cody Johnson
Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
– “Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Ben Williams, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
– “Can’t Break Up Now” – Old Dominion, Megan Moroney
– “Different ‘Round Here” – Riley Green (feat. Luke Combs)
– “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan (feat. Kacey Musgraves)
– “Man Made A Bar” – Morgan Wallen (feat. Eric Church)
– “Save Me” – Jelly Roll (with Lainey Wilson)
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR
– “Burn It Down” – Parker McCollum
– “Human” – Cody Johnson
– “In Your Love” – Tyler Childers
– “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
– “Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon
Ashley Gorley
Hillary Lindsey
Chase McGill
Josh Thompson
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Zach Bryan
Ernest
Hardy
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
April 15, 2024 @ 9:08 am
Odd how just one of the nominees in either the Songwriter of the Year category or the Artist-Songwriter of the Year category had a hand in writing one of the nominees for Song of the Year. Something doesn’t add up there.
April 15, 2024 @ 9:15 am
A few observations.
First off, this is the first time in 20 years neither Miranda Lambert nor Carrie Underwood are nominated for female artist of the year. A true end to an era. I am perplexed at Kacey’s nomination here and think both Carrie and Carly Pearce have better cases.
I was excited to see the artist/writer category…until I saw the nominations. Seems like just another way to wedge in awards for Hardy (who won last year over better nominees).
You are so right that the group/duo awards are ridiculous. They should be combined into one category. It’s a joke that Old Dominion is one of the most awarded acts in country music based solely on the fact that they have zero competition.
Finally, I wonder if the ACMs will fall in line behind the CMAs and give their highest honor to Lainey Wilson. Stapleton won last year and I honestly doubt Wallen will get many votes after the chair incident. The fact that Jelly Roll and Kane Brown are nominated is an insult. Combs should win. He deserves it, but the industry is so intent on crowning Wilson I suspect she will probably come out on top undeservedly again.
The worst part of all this is that I don’t care. Aside from a few bright spots, these nominations are abominations.
April 15, 2024 @ 12:05 pm
How is a lightweight like Megan Moroney up for Female Artist of the Year and “New” Female Artist of the Year? (What’s the difference?) This coming off her abysmal performance at the CMT awards where she sang completely off key.
April 16, 2024 @ 10:24 am
While I can’t defend the CMT performance, Megan Moroney has released some of the best (and actually country) mainstream songs of the past few years. She’s a legitimate talent.
And while it’s not meant to be a popularity award, we can’t ignore that popularity does factor into things. This is a mainstream awards show after all. And in that sense, she’s more of a “people’s champion” at the moment. Whereas certain segments of the industry are forcing (the incredibly talented but way overrated) Lainey Wilson down everyone’s throat as the face of women’s country, there are indications that Megan may be connecting better. The non-single that is No Caller ID put up monster streaming numbers out of the gate, and I feel l like “I’m wearing Tennessee Orange for him” is a more ubiquitous country social media caption than anything outside of “Last night, we let the liquor talk.”
To me, the far bigger problem is including Kacey Musgraves here, as she’s not even releasing country music anymore.
April 15, 2024 @ 9:26 am
It seems like the ACM’s definition of “artist-songwriter” is “commercial artist who happens to have written a couple songs”.
That being said, I think Stapleton is also a worthy nominee here. His involvement in the songwriting side of his albums is at a different level than most mainstream artists and that’s something worthy of recognition.
April 15, 2024 @ 9:51 am
I think from a pure logistical standpoint, sure, Stapleton could be considered an artist-songwriter, though he better played that role earlier in his career than today when he was writing hits for others, which I believe this award looks to embody.
But Stapleton is literally the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year. He’s nominated again this year as well. He’s won scores of awards. Does he really need another one? If we’re going to open a whole new category, how about have it cover artists that aren’t going to win over and over again in other categories? Just my thought. Another win is not going to appreciably change the direction of his career.
April 16, 2024 @ 10:25 am
The ACMs have basically taken the “Billboard Songwriter Chart” approach, where artists who have credits on their own music qualify. That leads to the songwriter chart basically being dominated by the big pop singer-songwriters and hip-hop stars, and doing little to actually boost the career of true “songwriters.”
Not saying it was perfect, but the Grammys approach of focusing on people better known for writing than performing led to a more interesting race.
April 15, 2024 @ 9:28 am
I usually pay no attention to these things because I just have no interest, but what about Silverada (Mike & the Moonpies) or The Wilder Blue for groups of the year? 2 well deserving groups!
April 15, 2024 @ 9:53 am
Two really good names that I love personally, though I’m not sure how much of a national narrative is behind them yet. That might change by the end of this summer though, esp. with The Wilder Blue out on tour with Luke Combs. That’s how Flatland Cavalry took such a big leap forward, validated by their nomination.
April 15, 2024 @ 9:45 am
This is where I kind wish the folks who read what’s in the envelope would all join together and do a mass burning before even opening the envelope.
April 15, 2024 @ 10:47 am
Looks like a real snooze fest. I will say that the new Ernest album is pretty interesting. Took the predictable turns for the worst in a few spots, but pretty darn country.
April 16, 2024 @ 6:54 am
Agreed! Program the album to play front to back minus a handful of skips and it still makes for a great full album in my opinion.
April 15, 2024 @ 10:50 am
The three nominees for New Duo or Group haven’t made any impact anywhere — concerts, sales, streaming or radio. At least the New Artist nominees are people whom mainstream country listeners will know of, or at least be familiar with songs by.
Mainstream vs. non-mainstream debate set aside, the Album of the Year nominees are all in my mainstream comfort zone, even the Ballerini EP, which to me sounds just as good as Carly Pearce’s similar woe-is-me breakup album of two years ago, “29.” If country radio has to follow a mainstream path dictated by Nashville, this is the kind of music I’d like to hear it playing more of.
Biggest surprise:no “Whitsitt Chapel.” It came out in June 2023, so what’s the deal there? Not that I like it more than any of the other AOTY nominees — although certainly more than Trigger does — but given the impact of the whole Jelly Roll phenomenon, the AOTY snub is puzzling. You’d think that, as a full album, it would be a more logical nominee than a six-song EP, right?
Also, which Brooks and Dunn are up for Duo? Kix and Ronnie, who haven’t charted in years, or Garth and Ronnie, whose song is rising up the airplay chart right now?
April 15, 2024 @ 10:56 am
We really need someone to grow a pair and give Morgan Wallen’s envelope the Charlie Rich treatment
April 15, 2024 @ 11:39 am
You need an award for the weirdest handle of all time.
April 15, 2024 @ 1:03 pm
CCH Pounder is an acclaimed actress, although this may not be her. 🙂
April 15, 2024 @ 1:11 pm
Janet, I was a fan of hers on The Shield! She’s a great actor. In fact, I regularly rewatch the scene with her and Aceveda talking about the dog poop. It’s a weird handle though!
April 15, 2024 @ 11:10 am
The way I see it pop country and the music covered in this blog are different genres.
I know the Americana awards and Ameripolitan awards exist, but they both don’t seem well suited to the now arena level alt-country scene. I think if the Americana awards rebranded to include country in the title they could evolve to be this.
April 15, 2024 @ 12:05 pm
We need to talk bout how oj simpson was shut out any cou try music accolades way b4 he went a Killin n raping and well now its just 2 late.. sup with them judd gals man em ke tacky girls r f$@king cray cray
April 15, 2024 @ 12:55 pm
Jelly , CoJo, and Lainey have like three #1s songs to their names.
I’m sorry, but how can they effectively headline a tour with only 3 or 4 known songs?
I guess their album cuts have a lot of weight to them.
April 16, 2024 @ 6:00 am
I get what you’re trying to say, but Cody Johnson has like 10 albums. Plenty of other ‘known’ (at least to his fans) songs in his catalog.
April 15, 2024 @ 3:08 pm
I’m on the Cody Johnson train all the way. “Leather” is a fantastic album. After seeing him in concert earlier this year, EOTY is definitely in his future, if not now.
April 16, 2024 @ 7:23 am
Went to Lexington to see him Friday. Been a fan for years but this was my first time seeing him. Holy hell; what a show!
April 15, 2024 @ 9:47 pm
I had take notes to even make a comment! 7 noms for Entertainer of the Year and only 3 for New Duo or Group? Why not include The War & Treaty? Duo of the Year noms are a joke except for The War & Treaty. Brooks and Dunn, Bros Osborne, Maddie & Tae and Dan & Shay aren’t even relevant in this category. Hooray for The War & Treaty once again. As for group of the year, the only relevant nomination is Flatland Calvary. All the others haven’t done anything lately, unless you consider Old Dominion’s collaboration with MM. Great article Trig.
April 16, 2024 @ 6:50 am
Remarkable how they reach for nominees but they couldn’t be bothered to include Carly Pearce
April 16, 2024 @ 8:06 am
I *secretly* don’t hate Megan Moroney. If MM starts doin’ collabs with Megan Thee Stallion or Drake, I’ll take my words back. haha I prefer her over Carly Pearce.* I think CP would pull a Swift, if she thought she could. Where’s Sunny Sweeney? Love her! And I still will never figure out Jelly Belly. I think of his music kind of like Beyonce’s, hip hop w/ southern flair. If he wasn’t promoted in country music world, I’d probably respect what he does more.
April 16, 2024 @ 10:49 am
Where the hell is Eric Church on your list.
April 16, 2024 @ 8:25 pm
He released nothing in this past year. He did tour, so I suppose Entertainer would be a category he’d qualify for — possible Male Artist, but that generally goes to someone who’s had new music out, not someone who’s just performing catalog material on the road while writing songs for a future release. But without any new music in the time period under consideration, it would be hard to nominate him for Single or Song.
April 16, 2024 @ 11:05 am
Why is Lainey up for Entertainer of the year or Female singer of the year?? There are so many more country singers that deserves it. They’re shoving her down our throats. I’m sick of her.
April 17, 2024 @ 6:30 am
I’m really trying to like Lainey but her new song is awful and her last album barely held my attention. I’ll repeat what I said last year when she won entertainer at CMAs, it’s clear the powers that be are trying to create a superstar (like they did with Miranda) and I hope it doesn’t backfire because Lainey is still an unknown outside country music.
April 17, 2024 @ 9:01 am
It is indeed clear that the powers that be are trying to create a new female superstar.
The powers that be tried to make superstars out of Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, and Kelsea Ballerini, all of whom go out of their way to alienate many country fans with condescending political stances. Lainey Wilson’s music might be less than ideal, but I’ve never seen her intentionally alienate anyone of any political stripe. She’s someone that potentially everyone can get behind. Ha!
April 22, 2024 @ 4:48 pm
In what world is Dylan Scott a new artist? That dude’s been on radio since 2016!
April 23, 2024 @ 11:59 am
I want to know why Whiskey Meyers and Midland keep getting overlooked for these awards. Midland have been robbed of group of the year for far to long. Come ACM’s show Midland some love they are more country than Old Dominion by a Texas mile. It’s become the same nominations over and over. However I am glad Cody Johnson had been nominated in five categories and I believe he deserves all the recognition that comes his way. He is country to the bone and a working cowboy as in the tradition of George Strait. Well that’s my two cents about the group of the year category. #cojonation
April 29, 2024 @ 5:21 pm
I really tried Hard to like Like Laney Wilson music but I can’t. She really doesn’t do it for me. Without every country market place pushing her plus a TV show. I don’t think she would be where she is now. I really think country music needs to do a top to bottom review of it’s self