ACM Awards Nominations Led by Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson

The Academy of Country Music and Dick Clark Productions announced in Los Angeles on Thursday that rising star Megan Moroney leads the nominations for the 2026 ACM Awards with nine nods, followed by established icon Miranda Lambert with eight, and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson with seven each, highlighting a significant shift toward female dominance in the genre's major awards. The announcement sets the stage for the ceremony to be held later this year, recognizing the year's most impactful contributions to country music. This year's nominations mark a historic moment, as the top four spots are all occupied by female artists, with the first male artist appearing further down the list. This represents a notable evolution from previous years and reflects broader industry trends celebrating the creative and commercial success of women in country music. Megan Moroney's leading position, particularly with nominations spanning major categories like Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year, signals her rapid ascent from breakout newcomer to awards season frontrunner. The full list of nominees underscores a diverse and vibrant year for the genre, blending established superstars like Miranda Lambert, a consistent awards favorite, with powerful newer voices such as Ella Langley and the critically acclaimed Lainey Wilson. Industry analysts suggest this slate not only rewards artistic excellence but also mirrors the changing demographics and tastes of the country music audience. The upcoming ceremony will now be closely watched to see if this nomination dominance translates into a record-breaking night for these leading artists.