2026 ACM Awards: Shania Twain to Host, Megan Moroney Leads Nominations
Get ready for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards as they are set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17. Shania Twain will be hosting the event for the first time, replacing Reba McEntire. The awards ceremony will be available for streaming on Prime Video, the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, and the Amazon Music app at 8 p.m. EDT.
Leading the nominations this year is Megan Moroney with nine nods, followed closely by Miranda Lambert with eight nominations. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson also received seven nominations each. The entertainer of the year category features a competitive lineup with artists like Wilson, Stapleton, Johnson, Combs, Jelly Roll, and Wallen vying for the top prize.
In the album of the year category, Wallen's "I'm the Problem" will be up against Top's "Ain't In It For My Health," Green's "Don't Mind If I Do," McCollum's self-titled album, and Faith's "Cherry Valley." This year's nominations showcase a mix of established artists and newcomers, including first-time nominees like 49 Winchester, Avery Anna, and Mackenzie Carpenter.
The 2026 ACM Awards highlight the dominance of female artists in the nominations, with Moroney, Lambert, Langley, and Wilson leading the pack. This shift raises questions about the industry's support for female talent and the dynamics of competition among women in country music. Despite the competitive nature of the industry, artists like Ashley McBryde are optimistic about the progress made in creating more opportunities for women in country music.
Unlike previous years, there isn't a single standout song dominating the nominations. The single of the year category features a diverse range of tracks, including Lambert and Stapleton's "A Song to Sing," Moroney's "Am I Okay?," Langley's "Choosin' Texas," Top's "I Never Lie," and Wilson's "Somewhere Over Laredo." The lineup of performers for the event includes a mix of established and emerging artists, promising an exciting night of country music celebration.