The 2026 ACM Awards predictions are in, and the excitement is palpable. With women leading the nominations, the show promises to be a celebration of talent and diversity. But who will take home the top honors? Let's dive into the predictions and explore the possibilities.
Entertainer of the Year
The battle for Entertainer of the Year is fierce, with a mix of established stars and rising talents. Luke Combs, with his global stadium tours and previous wins, is a strong contender. However, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson are also in the running, with Wilson having the potential to make history by becoming the first woman to win consecutively three times. If Wilson wins, she would join the ranks of country music legends like Carrie Underwood. But it's a close call, as Combs and Morgan Wallen are also in the mix, with their own impressive track records.
Winner: Morgan Wallen
Female Artist of the Year
This category is a toss-up between Ella Langley and Megan Moroney. Langley's album "Dandelion" and hit single "Choosin' Texas" have been making waves, while Moroney's "Cloud 9" topped the Billboard 200. Both artists have had stellar years, but Langley seems to have the edge with her recent successes. However, Wilson could extend her winning streak to four, making it a nail-biter.
Winner: Ella Langley
Male Artist of the Year
The competition is fierce, with a mix of established stars and rising talents. Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, and Chris Stapleton are all in the running. But it's a surprise that Morgan Wallen was left out, and even more surprising that Combs has only won once and Johnson has never won. Stapleton, a five-time winner, is a strong contender, but it's a tough call with so many talented artists.
Winner: Cody Johnson
Group of the Year
Old Dominion and The Red Clay Strays are the front-runners, with Old Dominion having won eight times and The Red Clay Strays making a strong case with their recent success. However, the newcomers Flatland Cavalry and 49 Winchester are also in the running, adding an element of surprise to the category.
Winner: The Red Clay Strays
Duo of the Year
Dan + Shay and Brothers Osborne are the favorites, with both duos having multiple wins under their belts. However, the reigning champs Brooks & Dunn are also in the running, with their impressive 17 wins. The newcomers Muscadine Bloodline and Thelma & James are making a strong case, but it's a tough call with so many talented duos.
Winner: Dan + Shay
Album of the Year
The competition is fierce, with a mix of established stars and rising talents. Morgan Wallen's "I'm The Problem" is a strong contender, but Zach Top's "Ain't In It For My Health" is also in the running, with its neo-traditionalist style. Carter Faith's "Cherry Valley" and Riley Green's "Don't Mind If I Do (Deluxe)" are also making a strong case, but it's a tough call with so many talented albums.
Winner: I'm The Problem
Song of the Year
The songs are all strong contenders, with a mix of established stars and rising talents. Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton's "A Song To Sing" and Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" are favorites, but Megan Moroney's "Am I Okay?" and Zach Top's "I Never Lie" are also in the running. It's a tough call with so many talented songs.
Winner: Choosin' Texas
Single of the Year
Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" is a runaway hit, making history and entrenching itself at the top of the Hot 100. However, Megan Moroney's "6 Months Later" and Lainey Wilson's "Somewhere Over Laredo" are also strong contenders, with their own unique styles and commercial success.
Winner: Choosin' Texas
The 2026 ACM Awards predictions are a testament to the diversity and talent in country music. With women leading the nominations and a mix of established stars and rising talents, the show promises to be a celebration of the genre's best and brightest. But only time will tell who will take home the top honors and make history.
