Women, Traditionalists, and Independent Artists Rise in 2026 ACM Noms
It’s always important to take the ACM Awards with a grain of salt. As the most block voted/horse traded of the country awards and a distant 2nd in importance to the CMAs (which shouldn’t be taken too seriously either), the ACMs are ultimately just a way for the industry to push an agenda forward for preferred artists as opposed to a true measure of merit.
But there are some interesting things to glean from the nominations for the 2026 ACMs that were revealed on Thursday (4-9). This includes the continued rise of Megan Moroney with her whopping nine nominations, the continued rise of women in the top spots in country, including Miranda Lambert earning eight nominations, and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson getting seven each. Women aren’t just back in mainstream country. They’re back in a big way.
You also have the continued rise of traditional country, as well as more independent, non-radio country, evidenced by the five nominations for Zach Top, four for Cody Johnson including Entertainer of the Year, as well as nominations for 49 Winchester, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Thelma & James, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Muscadine Bloodline. And except for Muscadine Bloodline, these were all 1st year nominations.
There is also plenty to side eye and complain about. But let’s not take for granted the positive trajectory that mainstream country music, and even things like the ACM Awards continue to evidence.
Specific observations on the nominations below.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Whoever wins this, you can almost guarantee it will be a safe pick. Morgan Wallen is not winning. It’s not safe. Megan Moroney isn’t either. It’s too early for her. Cody Johnson would be the bold pick, and you feel like he deserves one of these Entertainer trophies at some point. But since it would be a bit bold, it probably won’t happen. Jelly Roll would be a bold pick too, and foolish. It’s probably more likely than Johnson, but still not very.
It will be either Lainey Wilson again, or maybe Luke Combs even though he’s kind of out of cycle, or maybe even Chris Stapleton just to be safe. And that’s why it won’t really matter who wins, unless it’s Cody Johnson to the positive, or Jelly Roll to the negative.
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
It’s cool to see Miranda Lambert right back in the mix for this, and in part due to her strong work with another nominee, Ella Langley via “Choosin’ Texas”—a song Miranda co-wrote and co-produced. Ella could be in the cat bird’s seat for this since her album Dandelion drops during the voting, and “Choosin’ Texas” still dominates. But it could still be Lainey Wilson’s to lose, or maybe Moroney since she’s also been elevated to preferred status in the industry. Kelsea Ballerini feels like the outlier in a moment in country music that’s more country.
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Hard to not grin when you see a traditionalist like Zach Top right here in the mix as one of the top names in the mainstream, even if he feels like the least likely winner. Could Riley Green ironically get a boost via his affiliation with Ella Langley? Luke Comes is just now entering his new album cycle, so it could be an off year for him. This leaves Cody Johnson as a strong contender, and of course, you can never count Stapleton out for anything.
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
GROUP OF THE YEAR
For years we complained about the weakness of this category, and how it was scandalous they wouldn’t open it to more independent bands. Now these independent bands are dominating it, and The Red Clay Strays have to be considered premier front runners, and Rascal Flatts clearly bringing up the caboose. Nonetheless, major label status is still playing a role here. This list is incomplete without the Turnpike Troubadours who should of taken the Rascall Flatts spot, and should have won this outright.
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
DUO OF THE YEAR
It’s easy to complain about the continued weakness of this category, but hard to find any worthy replacements. Thelma & James is an interesting project worth checking out. Brooks & Dunn might win this yet again by default.
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Big nominations for Zach Top and Carter Faith here, even though it’s unlikely either will win, or if Zach Top really deserves it. But if Zach Top does win, it would mean more for him and traditional country than it will mean for any of the other performers. ACM Voters did a decent job rewarding merit here, at least in some respect. People seem really being Parker McCollum’s self-titled album, so don’t be surprised if that wins.
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
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“Choosin’ Texas” will win of course, and should. It’s a little sad it will overshadow Zach Top’s “I Never Lie” which also was a monster track, but feels a little too old at this point anyway.
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
SONG OF THE YEAR
The Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton selection is terrible, and an embarrassment to even mention here. As much as you root for Single of the Year and Song of the Year to be different, “Choosin’ Texas” probably walks away with this, and probably should.
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
It should be a really simple rule of thumb when it comes to these “New” awards: Did the artist rise to prominence in the last year? If the answer is “no,” don’t give them a nomination, let alone the award. Dasha’s moment was via “Austin,” which was a hit in late 2023/ early 2024. Emily Ann Roberts has been around for a while, but maybe it has been her year. Either way, it’s cool to see her with a nomination. But how did Carter Faith get a nomination for her album Cherry Valley, but no consideration here?
Avery Anna
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
We’ve been hating on Gavin Adcock for too long for him to be considered in a “New” category, and Shaboozey has been established for years now too. They both will also be the strong front runners. This is a pretty terrible list of nominees except for Vincent Mason, who will not win. It really speaks to how the women are rising and leading in country, and the men are following. Tucker Wetmore is terrible. Hudson Westbrook could be one to root for, but appears to have been co-opted by the industry.
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Just stop with this category. Either eliminate it, or actually use it for its intended purpose. Otherwise, it’s insulting to actual artist-songwriters. The only nominee here that deserves it is Megan Moroney. Just because you abscond with a songwriting credit on most of your songs doesn’t make you an “artist-songwriter.” Better names here might have been Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours, Carter Faith since she also received an Album of the Year nomination, someone like Brent Cobb who’s contributed to mainstream projects, or maybe Stephen Wilson Jr.
This award should go to a songwriter and performer whose singular voice primarily comes through in their songwriting, not just another superstar who won’t even benefit from it.
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
Remember, Musical Event of the Year and Visual Media of the Year awards are simply also-ran song awards and consolation prizes handed out pre-telecast. Don’t take them too seriously.
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
“Cuckoo” -Stephen Wilson, Jr.
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass
April 9, 2026 @ 11:00 am
Say what you will about Miranda Lambert but she knows how to stay relevant. Her hit making days are long over, but she’s smart enough to keep her name out there with collaborations and writing for/with other artists. Unpopular opinion, but she is slowly building the case that she is one of the most important and respected female artists in country music history.
April 9, 2026 @ 11:38 am
I met Lambert at a Sony function right after she signed her record deal. She was all business and fire, there was no doubting her commitment to music; she worked the room like a pro. She is one of those artists who would be doing music whether or not she ever got a record deal. It’s good to see her still in the mix. I disagree that she is one of the most important female artists in country music history, but I certain agree she is one of the most respected.
April 9, 2026 @ 11:30 am
The Group of the Year category is the most insane, by far. Very happy to see RCS and 49 on there, I hope either one win, but wtf are we doing here with Rascal Flats and Old Dominion? I’m pretty sure both groups could disappear into a parallel universe tomorrow and they’d still be included next year. Totally agree with your TPT recommendation. Add Clay Street Unit to it as well.
April 9, 2026 @ 11:31 am
Been saying for years that they need to re-combine the Duo and group categories.
April 9, 2026 @ 11:40 am
The New Male Artist of the Year paragraph is just phenomenal curmudgeonly literature. Thanks!
April 9, 2026 @ 11:45 am
I hope Ella cleans up, she’s breathing life into the dead corpse that is mainstream country music despite being more pop country than traditional.
I’m thinking Jelly Roll will win ETOY simply because e it seems like nearly everybody has been swing off his ass lately. I mean, they inducted him into the Opry ffs (I was really hoping you would have done one of your famous rants on his induction, Trigger).
I’ve never heard of any of the New Female Artists on the list. I’ve heard two names on the New Male Artist list, but haven’t heard any music for any of the nominees. These two categories seem like label creations.
April 9, 2026 @ 12:40 pm
For the record, I address Grand Ole Opry inductions when they’re invited, not when they’re inducted.
I did address Jelly Roll’s invitation/induction here:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/despite-n-words-grand-ole-opry-grammy-voters-embrace-jelly-roll/
April 9, 2026 @ 2:50 pm
> I’ve never heard of any of the New Female Artists on the list
Emily Ann Roberts is worth getting to know, talented vocalist, maybe hasn’t yet, but if she gets her pitch it’ll be way long gone.
April 9, 2026 @ 11:50 am
My guess (like yours) is Parker McCollum wins album of the year. Mainstream enough to please the ACM voters, but with a couple of songs (My Blue, Chris Knight’s Enough Rope) with enough “songwriter heft” to push it over Riley Greene.
April 9, 2026 @ 11:56 am
I also want to say how incredibly happy I am to see women dominating these nominations. For far too long, country music as “chosen” one or two women to put out front. Now we have FOUR women leading the nominations. Feels like real change. Hope it lasts.
April 9, 2026 @ 12:06 pm
Tyler Childers not listed.
More proof his Grammy was bullshit and that Snipe Hunt sucked.
April 9, 2026 @ 1:13 pm
Regardless of your opinions on it I’m not taking the lack of turnpike here as evidence the price of admission sucked
April 9, 2026 @ 12:42 pm
These slates aren’t perfect, of course, but (as Trigger alluded to) I’d like to just positively reflect for a minute on how much better they are than they would have been just 5-10 years ago.
For example, Florida Georgia Line utterly dominated the 2019 awards. Nothing like that kind of travesty is going to happen this year.
April 9, 2026 @ 1:57 pm
Isn’t it wonderful? It appears bro country is finally dead.
April 9, 2026 @ 3:16 pm
I wouldn’t count it out yet. That rotting corpse could still try to claw its way out of the grave like a zombie.
April 9, 2026 @ 1:08 pm
Are rascal Flatts still a thing? Do they tour? Are they releasing music? That’s wild to me
April 9, 2026 @ 1:43 pm
They got back together last year and collaborated with pop has-beens the Jonas Brothers on a mind-numbingly nondescript piece of barely country called “I Dare You,” which peaked at No.8 in sales/streams but only at No. 24 in airplay. There’s no way they win anything.
April 9, 2026 @ 1:20 pm
Thelma & James getting nominated for Duo of the Year was a pleasant surprise. Lots of talent with those two.
April 9, 2026 @ 1:51 pm
Trigger, are you concerned that mainstream country is souring on Zach Top? He seems to have lost a lot of momentum since “I Never Lie.” “Good Times & Tan Lines” was only a middling hit, and his current single (a far superior song), “South of Sanity,” is plummeting in airplay over the past week after barely cracking the top 25 on MediaBase. Do you think he and his label are OK with him transitioning to a non-mainstream career, or will he give in to pressure to make his sound more pop?
April 9, 2026 @ 2:01 pm
I definitely think Zach Top is trailing off to a degree. The new album didn’t have a clearly defined single, they need to develop his songwriting beyond the retread neotraditional mold, and he needs to be able to stand on his own two feet. The good news is he is still young both in age and in his career, and hopefully they figure it out for his next release as opposed to going to the same well.
April 9, 2026 @ 2:39 pm
Zach Top needs to be like George Strait and find great songs, regardless if he wrote them or someone else. He is a talented guy that can take the next step but he needs great songs too. His sophomore album just didn’t do it for me.
April 9, 2026 @ 3:22 pm
I try to like Zach but my thought when I first heard him was Alan Jackson clone. He seems more like a 90s throwback than an important original artist. He’s still better than most of the 20-somethings in Nashville but I question his ability to stand out in the crowd.
April 9, 2026 @ 4:10 pm
Ella will sweep it.