2026 ACM Awards Preview: Megan Moroney Leads Nominations in Competitive Race
The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards season is dominated by Megan Moroney, who leads with nine nominations, surpassing Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson. Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Cody Johnson also have significant nominations, setting the stage for a competitive race among a select group of artists.
Lainey Wilson, the reigning entertainer of the year, is back in the running alongside Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, and Moroney. This lineup establishes a clear top tier for the awards show, highlighting the talent and achievements of these artists before any trophies are awarded.
The ACM Awards are moving from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the 2026 telecast. Shania Twain will host the show for the first time, bringing a fresh perspective to the event and marking a shift in location and overall tone.
The presence of top female artists like Moroney, Lambert, Langley, and Wilson adds an exciting dynamic to the night. Ashley McBryde expressed her enthusiasm for the increased representation of women in country music, highlighting the collaborative efforts to create a more inclusive industry.
Viewers can catch the ACM Awards on Prime Video, the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, and the Amazon Music app on May 17 at 8 p.m. EDT. With the show no longer tied to Frisco, and a new host in Shania Twain, the 2026 ACM Awards promise to be a memorable and diverse celebration of country music talent.