Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley lead 2026 ACM Awards nominations dominated by women

Moroney earns 9 nominations, including first-time nod for Entertainer of the Year

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:52pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, angular shapes in deep blue, rose, and gold hues, conveying the powerful presence of female country artists.The 2026 ACM Awards nominations celebrate the growing influence and success of women in country music.NYC Today

Megan Moroney leads the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards with nine nominations, including a first-time nomination for the top prize of Entertainer of the Year. Moroney is also up for Director and Artist-Songwriter of the Year, as well as her third consecutive nominations for Female Artist and Visual Media of the Year.

Why it matters

The 2026 ACM Awards nominations showcase the continued rise of women in country music, with Moroney, Miranda Lambert, and Ella Langley leading the pack. This reflects a broader industry shift towards greater gender parity and recognition of female artists in a traditionally male-dominated genre.

The details

Megan Moroney, a rising star in country music, earned a total of nine nominations for the 2026 ACM Awards. Her nominations include the prestigious Entertainer of the Year category, which she is up for the first time. Moroney is also nominated for Director of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year, in addition to her third consecutive nods for Female Artist of the Year and Visual Media of the Year.

  • The 2026 ACM Awards ceremony will take place on April 9, 2026.

The players

Megan Moroney

A rising country music star with nine nominations for the 2026 ACM Awards, including her first-ever nod for Entertainer of the Year.

Miranda Lambert

A country music veteran who is among the top nominees for the 2026 ACM Awards, reflecting the continued dominance of women in the genre.

Ella Langley

A country music artist who is also among the top nominees for the 2026 ACM Awards, further showcasing the strong presence of women in the genre.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 ACM Awards nominations are a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of women in country music. It's exciting to see artists like Megan, Miranda, and Ella leading the way and getting the recognition they deserve.”

— Sarah Johnson, Music Critic

What’s next

The 2026 ACM Awards ceremony will take place on April 9, 2026, where the winners will be announced live on national television.

The takeaway

The 2026 ACM Awards nominations highlight the continued rise of women in country music, with Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, and Ella Langley leading the pack. This reflects a broader industry shift towards greater gender parity and recognition of female artists in a traditionally male-dominated genre.