2026 Academy of Country Music Awards: A Celebration of Female Talent and Diversity
Get ready for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, as they are set to take place on May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Shania Twain will be hosting the awards for the first time, replacing Reba McEntire. The event will be streamed on Prime Video, the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, and the Amazon Music app at 5 p.m. on May 17. This year, the nominations are dominated by women, with Megan Moroney leading with nine nominations, followed by Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson.
In addition to Moroney, other artists with multiple nominations include Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Cody Johnson. The entertainer of the year category features a diverse lineup of nominees, including Wilson, Stapleton, Johnson, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen. The album of the year category includes works from Wallen, Top, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, and Carter Faith. Several first-time nominees are also making their mark at this year's awards.
The increased representation of women in the nominations is a positive sign for the country music industry, with artists like Ashley McBryde expressing excitement about the shift. The focus on female talent is evident in the nominations, showcasing a diverse range of artists and songs. Unlike previous years, there isn't a single dominating song, with various tracks competing for the single of the year award. 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" are among the contenders for the award.
The 2026 ACM Awards promise to be an exciting event, highlighting the talent and diversity within the country music genre. With a new host, a change in location, and a strong representation of female artists, this year's awards ceremony is set to be a memorable one. Don't miss out on the live stream of the event to see who takes home the top honors and enjoy performances from some of the biggest names in country music.