Women are leading the charge at this year’s 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, with Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson topping the nominations — a powerful moment for female artists and a storyline that will resonate strongly with UK fans who’ve watched these acts rise on both sides of the Atlantic.
The ceremony returns to Las Vegas on 17 May 2026, streaming live in the UK on Prime Video and via the Amazon Music app.
⭐ Megan Moroney Leads the Pack with Nine Nominations
Megan Moroney continues her meteoric rise, earning nine nominations, the most of any artist this year. Her nods span major categories including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Single of the Year. She also earns her first-ever nomination as a director for the video for 6 Months Later.
“Megan Moroney leads with the most nominations… including her first nomination for Entertainer of the Year”
Her collaboration with Kenny Chesney, You Had To Be There, also scores a Music Event of the Year nomination.
⭐ Miranda Lambert Returns in Force
Miranda Lambert — already the most decorated artist in ACM history — earns eight nominations, her strongest showing in a decade. UK fans who saw her headline The Long Road Festival will be thrilled to see her recognised again for both artistry and songwriting.
“Miranda Lambert… receives eight nominations, the most she’s received in a single year since 2016.”
She’s nominated twice in Song of the Year, including for her duet with Chris Stapleton, A Song To Sing.
⭐ Ella Langley & Lainey Wilson Tie with Seven
Two artists who’ve built passionate UK followings — Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson — each earn seven nominations.
Langley’s breakout year continues with nods for Female Artist, Song of the Year, Single of the Year, and her first-ever Artist-Songwriter of the Year nomination.
Wilson, the reigning Entertainer of the Year, secures nominations in both Entertainer and Female Artist, plus recognition for Somewhere Over Laredo in Song, Single, and Visual Media of the Year.
“Lainey Wilson… receives seven nominations… her fourth consecutive nomination for Female Artist of the Year.”
⭐ UK Fan Favourites Also Shine
Several artists with strong UK touring histories and streaming audiences feature prominently:
- Chris Stapleton earns six nominations, including Entertainer and Male Artist of the Year.
- Zach Top, who’s been gaining traction with UK traditional-country fans, earns five nominations including Album of the Year for Ain’t In It For My Health.
- Cody Johnson returns with four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year.
- Luke Combs is once again up for Entertainer and Male Artist, and a win could secure him the ACM’s prestigious Triple Crown Award.
- Riley Green earns his first-ever nominations for Male Artist and Album of the Year.
⭐ First-Time Nominees to Watch
A fresh wave of rising talent also breaks through — names UK fans will want to keep an eye on as they inevitably make their way across the Atlantic:
“FIRST TIME NOMINEES INCLUDE: 49 Winchester, Avery Anna, Mackenzie Carpenter, Carter Faith, Caroline Jones, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts, Thelma & James, Hudson Westbrook, Stephen Wilson Jr.”
Expect several of these artists to appear on UK festival bills and intimate venue tours in the coming year.
⭐ How to Watch in the UK
The ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video on 17 May 2026 from 1am local time, with additional viewing available via the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and the Amazon Music app.
“The 61st ACM Awards will stream live on Amazon Prime Video. Fans will also be able to watch on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.”
⭐ Major Categories: Key Nominees
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Female Artist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
Male Artist of the Year
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
⭐ Why This Year Matters for UK Fans
The 2026 nominations reflect a moment where the artists most beloved by UK audiences — Moroney, Wilson, Langley, Stapleton, Combs — are not just present but dominating. It’s a sign of how aligned UK and US country tastes have become, and how deeply these artists now resonate internationally.
With more UK tours, festival appearances, and cross-Atlantic fanbases than ever, this year’s ACM Awards feel especially connected to the UK country community.
Declaration: Countrymusic.co.uk is an Industry member of the ACM and as such voted in this awards process.
