The 2026 ACM Awards predictions are in, and the excitement is palpable. This year's ceremony promises to be a celebration of country music's diverse talent, with a focus on the rise of women artists and the emergence of new stars. The predictions, made by Billboard's executive editor, Melinda Newman, and associate editor, Jessica Nicholson, offer a glimpse into the potential winners in various categories. Here's a breakdown of the anticipated winners and the reasons behind them.
Entertainer of the Year
The category is a tight race, with Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson up against established acts like Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen. Newman predicts that if Wilson wins, she'll become the first woman to win consecutively three times. However, she acknowledges the stiff competition, especially from Combs and Wallen, who are global stadium acts yet have not won despite multiple nominations. Nicholson, on the other hand, believes that Combs, with his recent album release and stadium tour, is poised to take home his first win.
Winner: Morgan Wallen (Nicholson's prediction)
Female Artist of the Year
This category is a testament to the strength of women in country music. Wilson, Lambert, and Langley are up against Moroney. Newman highlights the race between country music's newest stars, Langley and Moroney, with Langley emerging as the favorite. Nicholson agrees, praising Langley's recent successes, including her Billboard 200-topping album and hit single.
Winner: Ella Langley (Both predictions)
Male Artist of the Year
The competition is fierce, with Combs, Riley Green, Johnson, Stapleton, and Zach Top in the running. Newman notes the surprise omission of Morgan Wallen and the stunning fact that Combs has only won once and Johnson has never won. Stapleton, a five-time winner, is a strong contender. Nicholson highlights the top performances of each nominee and believes Johnson might be the one to take home the trophy.
Winner: Cody Johnson (Nicholson's prediction)
Group of the Year
Old Dominion and The Red Clay Strays are the favorites, with the latter having won at the CMA Awards in November. Newman and Nicholson both predict The Red Clay Strays to upset Old Dominion's winning streak.
Winner: The Red Clay Strays (Both predictions)
Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn, Dan + Shay, Brothers Osborne, Muscadine Bloodline, and Thelma & James are in the running. Newman highlights the dominance of Brooks & Dunn, who have won 17 times, but predicts Dan + Shay as the winners due to their multiple wins and recent projects.
Winner: Dan + Shay (Nicholson's prediction)
Album of the Year
The nominees include 'Ain't In It For My Health' by Zach Top, 'Cherry Valley' by Carter Faith, 'Don't Mind If I Do (Deluxe)' by Riley Green, 'I'm The Problem' by Morgan Wallen, and 'Parker McCollum' by Parker McCollum. Newman praises the diverse talent among the nominees, with Wallen's album standing out in terms of consumption. Nicholson predicts Wallen's album will take home the honor due to its juggernaut success.
Winner: I'm The Problem (Nicholson's prediction)
Song of the Year
The nominees are 'A Song To Sing' by Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, 'Am I Okay?' by Megan Moroney, 'Choosin' Texas' by Ella Langley, 'I Never Lie' by Zach Top, and 'Somewhere Over Laredo' by Lainey Wilson. Newman highlights the unique aspects of each song and the fact that the performers are also the songwriters. Nicholson praises the artistic challenges each artist faced, with 'Choosin' Texas' emerging as the favorite.
Winner: Choosin' Texas (Both predictions)
Single of the Year
'6 Months Later' by Megan Moroney, 'Choosin' Texas' by Ella Langley, 'I Never Lie' by Zach Top, 'Somewhere Over Laredo' by Lainey Wilson, and 'The Fall' by Cody Johnson are up for this award. Newman notes the commercial success of all the songs, with 'The Fall' carrying emotional weight. Nicholson agrees, predicting 'Choosin' Texas' to win.
Winner: Choosin' Texas (Both predictions)
The 2026 ACM Awards predictions showcase the depth of talent in country music, with a mix of established and emerging artists. The ceremony is set to be a celebration of the genre's evolution, with a focus on the power of women in music and the rise of new stars. As the predictions indicate, the awards will honor the best of the best in the country music industry.
