Women rule 2026 ACM noms-Megan Moroney leads with 8, but snubs like Miranda Lambert steal headlines. Full breakdown inside!

The 2026 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards nominations dropped today, sparking buzz across Nashville with women artists leading the charge in a historic shift. Megan Moroney tops the list with a whopping eight nods, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Single of the Year for "6 Months Later." Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, and Ella Langley also shine bright, grabbing key spots in Female Artist and beyond, making females the majority in top categories-a refreshing "pleasant surprise" as noted by Billboard analysts.

Entertainer of the Year contenders include heavy-hitters like Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and breakout Megan Moroney, setting up an epic showdown. In New Female Artist, fresh faces like Avery Anna, Dasha, and Mackenzie Carpenter compete fiercely.

Pleasant Surprises:

  1. Shaboozey's strong debut in New Male Artist, blending country with genre-bending hits like his collab "Amen" with Jelly Roll (nominated for Music Event).
  2. Zach Top's "I Never Lie" earning Song and Single nods-pure traditional country rising fast.
  3. Crossovers like Post Malone influences and deluxe albums from Riley Green shaking the Album of the Year race.

Notable Snubs:

  • Miranda Lambert, despite her powerhouse duet "A Song To Sing" with Chris Stapleton (nodded in Song and Music Event), misses Entertainer-a shocker for fans.
  • Limited love for some 2025 chart-toppers, with Morgan Wallen getting just one Album nod for "I'm The Problem."

Other highlights: Artist-Songwriter race features Ella Langley, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen, while Jessie Jo Dillon snags Songwriter of the Year. The ceremony airs live May 8, hosted by Reba McEntire. Full list at ACMCountry.com .


Image Via: https://www.instagram.com/megmoroney/