Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton Earn Pollstar Awards

Country stars recognized for live performances and tours at annual industry event.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:30pm

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring a high-contrast composition of sparkling sequins and shattered glass, conveying the glamour and excitement of country music awards and live shows.The Pollstar Awards celebrate the vibrant live music scene, honoring the country artists who captivate audiences with their dynamic performances.Austin Today

Country music artists Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Chris Stapleton were among the big winners at the 37th annual Pollstar Awards held in Hollywood on Wednesday. Wallen took home the first-ever fan favorite award for live performer of the year, while Wilson and Stapleton tied for country tour of the year honors. The Eagles, which includes Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill, won residency of the year for their show at Sphere Las Vegas. Other winners included Nashville's The Pinnacle as new concert venue of the year and the Austin City Limits Music Festival as music festival of the year.

Why it matters

The Pollstar Awards are a prestigious industry honor, recognizing the top live performers, tours, venues, and festivals in the music business as voted on by Pollstar's industry members. These wins highlight the continued popularity and success of country music artists, especially those with strong live shows and touring presences.

The details

At the awards ceremony, Morgan Wallen was awarded the first-ever fan favorite award for live performer of the year, reflecting his growing popularity and reputation as a must-see live act. Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton tied for country tour of the year, with Wilson's Whirlwind World Tour and Stapleton's All-American Road Show both earning the top honor. The Eagles, which includes Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill, were named residency of the year for their show at Sphere Las Vegas. Other winners included Nashville's The Pinnacle as new concert venue of the year and the Austin City Limits Music Festival as music festival of the year.

  • The 37th annual Pollstar Awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Morgan Wallen

A popular country music artist who was awarded the first-ever fan favorite award for live performer of the year at the Pollstar Awards.

Lainey Wilson

A rising country music star whose Whirlwind World Tour was named country tour of the year at the Pollstar Awards, tying with Chris Stapleton.

Chris Stapleton

A Grammy-winning country music singer-songwriter whose All-American Road Show tour was named country tour of the year at the Pollstar Awards, tying with Lainey Wilson.

The Eagles

The iconic rock band that includes Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill, and was named residency of the year for their show at Sphere Las Vegas.

The Pinnacle

A new concert venue in Nashville that was named concert venue of the year at the Pollstar Awards.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to be recognized by our peers in the industry for our live show and touring efforts.”

— Lainey Wilson, Country Music Artist

“Connecting with fans through our live performances has always been the most rewarding part of what we do.”

— Chris Stapleton, Country Music Artist

The takeaway

The Pollstar Awards highlight the continued dominance of country music artists, especially those who excel at live performances and touring. These wins showcase the genre's broad appeal and the ability of artists like Wallen, Wilson, and Stapleton to connect with passionate fanbases through their dynamic live shows.