The 2026 ACM Awards predictions are in, and it's a fascinating look into the future of country music. As an expert commentator, I'm here to break down the predictions and offer my own insights. The ACM Awards, hosted by Shania Twain at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, are a celebration of the best in country music. This year, women are leading the nominations, with Megan Moroney at the top of the list with nine nods. But who will take home the top honors? Let's dive in.
Entertainer of the Year
In this category, the competition is fierce. Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen are all up for the coveted award. Personally, I think that if Combs wins, he'll secure the ACM's triple crown. However, if Wilson wins, she would join Carrie Underwood as the only woman to win the entertainer of the year trophy three times, and would be the first woman to win it three consecutive years. It's a tough call, but I predict that Morgan Wallen will take home the award.
Female Artist of the Year
Ella Langley and Megan Moroney are the front-runners in this category. Langley is on a powerhouse streak right now, thanks to her Billboard 200-topping album Dandelion and her Hot 100 juggernaut "Choosin' Texas." In my opinion, she seems to have the wind in her sails right now. I predict that she will win the award.
Male Artist of the Year
Zach Top and Cody Johnson are the favorites in this category. Top earned a top 20 Country Airplay hit with "Good Times and Tan Lines," and released the album "Ain't In It For My Health." Johnson just notched his most recent No. 1 with "The Fall" and continues to headline to sold-out crowds. I predict that Cody Johnson will take home the award.
Group of the Year
The Red Clay Strays are the favorites in this category, with Old Dominion and Rascal Flatts as the seasoned winners. The Red Clay Strays took home the award at the CMA Awards in November, and I predict that they will continue their winning streak at the ACM Awards.
Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn are the reigning champs in this category, but they face strong competition from Dan + Shay and Brothers Osborne. I predict that Brooks & Dunn will add another win in this category.
Album of the Year
The nominees in this category are all outstanding, but I predict that "Ain't In It For My Health" by Zach Top will take home the award. The album towers over the others in terms of consumption, and it's gratifying to see new talent like Carter Faith's "Cherry Valley" garner a nomination.
Song of the Year
Each song in this category showed a new or different facet of the performer. If "Somewhere Over Laredo" by Lainey Wilson wins, the songwriters of 1939's "The Wizard of Oz"'s "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" will become ACM Award winners. I predict that "Choosin' Texas" by Ella Langley will win the award.
Single of the Year
"Choosin' Texas" by Ella Langley has been a runaway hit this year, making history and entrenching itself at the top of the Hot 100. I predict that she will win the award.
In conclusion, the 2026 ACM Awards predictions are a fascinating look into the future of country music. The competition is fierce, and the winners will be determined by the voters' preferences. But one thing is for sure: the ACM Awards are a celebration of the best in country music, and the winners will be a testament to the talent and hard work of the artists and songwriters.
