Exploring the Gender Disparity in the 2026 ACM Awards Nominations
The 2026 ACM Awards nominations have highlighted the significant presence of women artists, with Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson leading the pack with six nominations each. Despite this recognition, the industry still poses challenges for women artists compared to their male counterparts. The upcoming 61st ACM Awards will be streamed on May 17 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Prime Video.
Brooks & Dunn, who last released music in 2024, are nominated for Duo of the Year again this year, while The War & Treaty, who released a new album in 2025, are notably absent. The Duo of the Year category has historically been puzzling, with new duo Thelma & James raising questions about their inclusion. The absence of a New Duo or Group of the Year category this year further complicates the landscape.
The New Male Artist of the Year and New Female Artist of the Year categories offer opportunities for emerging artists like Avery Anna, Vincent Mason, and Emily Ann Roberts to win an ACM trophy. However, the lack of a New Duo or Group of the Year category means artists like Kaitlin Butts, Carter Faith, and Brittney Spencer are left out due to specific chart requirements. The nominations reflect a mix of established and new names in the industry.
While artists like Riley Green, Parker McCollum, and Carter Faith receive nominations for their work, notable albums like Eric Church’s “Evangeline vs. The Machine” and Tyler Childers’ “Snipe Hunter” are overlooked. The criteria for nominations sometimes overlook groundbreaking albums in favor of commercial success, as seen in Green’s nod for a deluxe edition of his album. Carter Faith’s acclaimed “Cherry Valley” album highlights the absence of her name in the New Female Artist category.
The prestigious Entertainer of the Year award, which recognizes the best ambassador for country music, can sometimes lead to subjective wins due to vague criteria. Ella Langley’s impactful presence in country music with her hit “Choosin’ Texas” raises questions about her absence from the category. Langley, Moroney, Lambert, and Wilson lead the nominations, but radio play does not necessarily reflect their recognition, with only two women in the Top 20 on Mediabase currently.
The 61st ACM Awards showcase the dominance of women artists in nominations, but the industry's challenges persist in providing equal opportunities. The recognition of women artists by ACM voters is a positive step, but the disparity in radio play and industry support remains a significant issue that needs to be addressed for a more inclusive country music landscape.