2026 ACM Awards Winners: Surprises and Standouts
The 2026 ACM Awards winners have been revealed, with some surprises already emerging. Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore won the New Female and New Male Artist of the Year awards, respectively. Stephen Wilson Jr. and songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon were also among the early winners. Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson were the most-nominated artists, with Moroney leading with nine nominations, followed by Lambert with eight, and Langley and Wilson tied with seven.
The winners in various categories include Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley, Riley Green, Zach Top, 49 Winchester, Flatland Cavalry, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline, Thelma & James, Avery Anna, Mackenzie Carpenter, Dasha, Caroline Jones, Emily Ann Roberts, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason, Shaboozey, Hudson Westbrook, and more.
Album of the Year nominees include Zach Top, Carter Faith, Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, and Parker McCollum. Song of the Year nominees include Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, Zach Top, and Lainey Wilson. Single of the Year nominees include Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, Zach Top, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson. Music Event of the Year nominees include Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll, Riley Green feat. Ella Langley, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Kenny Chesney.
Visual Media of the Year nominees include Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, Stephen Wilson Jr., Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson. Jessie Jo Dillon won the Songwriter of the Year award, while Ella Langley won the Artist-Songwriter of the Year award. The list of winners will be updated in real time as more awards are announced.
In conclusion, the 2026 ACM Awards have brought forth some unexpected winners and showcased the talent and diversity within the country music industry. Stay tuned for more updates on the winners and highlights from the awards ceremony.