The Academy of Country Music has officially pulled back the curtain on the nominees for the 61st ACM Awards, and the message echoing through the halls of Nashville is loud and clear: the women of country music aren’t just participating—they are leading the charge.
Leading the pack with a staggering nine nominations is the “Emo Cowgirl” herself, Megan Moroney. In what is being described as a career-defining moment, Moroney has landed her first-ever nod for the night’s biggest prize: Entertainer of the Year. It is a testament to her meteoric rise over the last 24 months, proving that her unique blend of vulnerable songwriting and polished Nashville production has resonated far beyond a niche audience.
But Moroney isn’t alone in this historic surge. The nominations list reads like a “Who’s Who” of female powerhouses. Lainey Wilson continues her “Bell Bottom Country” dominance with multiple nods, while Miranda Lambert adds to her record-breaking career total. Perhaps most exciting is the inclusion of newcomer Ella Langley, whose breakout year has earned her a seat at the table with the genre’s titans.
On the men’s side, the competition remains fierce and rooted in tradition. Chris Stapleton continues his streak of excellence with multiple nods for Male Artist and Album of the Year. Meanwhile, the “Neo-Traditionalist” movement is well-represented by Zach Top, who has become the frontrunner for New Male Artist by bringing a 90s-country flair back to the mainstream.
The awards are set to air live from Frisco, Texas, on May 17, 2026. With a lineup that balances global superstars with gritty, traditional talent, the 61st ACMs are shaping up to be a pivotal night that defines the direction of the genre for the rest of the decade.
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