Reba, Miranda, and Lainey's 'Trailblazer' Earns ACM Nomination

The country superstar trio's collaboration is up for Music Event of the Year.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:22pm

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring a dramatic, high-contrast composition of luxurious country music award show materials like sparkling sequins, plush velvet, and shimmering rhinestones, conveying the celebratory mood of the ACM Awards.The glamorous textures and high-energy visuals of country music's biggest awards show set the stage for the celebration of collaborative hits like 'Trailblazer'.Frisco Today

Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson's song 'Trailblazer' has been nominated for Music Event of the Year at the upcoming ACM Awards. The trio debuted the song together at last year's ACM ceremony, and now it's up for one of the show's top honors. Reba and Miranda are also competing against each other in the category, with Miranda's 'A Song to Sing' with Chris Stapleton also nominated.

Why it matters

The ACM Awards are one of the most prestigious country music honors, and a nomination for 'Trailblazer' recognizes the collaborative efforts of three of the genre's biggest stars. The song's journey from debut to award nomination also highlights the cyclical nature of the country music industry and the continued influence of veteran artists like Reba.

The details

Reba, Miranda, and Lainey co-wrote 'Trailblazer' with Brandy Clark, who later performed a new version of the song with Reba and Lukas Nelson at the 2026 Grammys. The trio first debuted the track together at the 2025 ACM Awards, which Reba hosted live from Frisco, Texas. Now, the song is up for Music Event of the Year at the 2026 ACM Awards, which will stream live on Prime Video on May 17 from Las Vegas.

  • Reba, Miranda, and Lainey debuted 'Trailblazer' at the 2025 ACM Awards.
  • Brandy Clark, Reba, and Lukas Nelson performed a new version of 'Trailblazer' at the 2026 Grammys.
  • The 2026 ACM Awards will stream live on May 17.

The players

Reba McEntire

A Country Music Hall of Famer and one of the genre's most iconic artists, who hosted the 2025 ACM Awards.

Miranda Lambert

A multiple ACM Award winner and one of country music's biggest stars, who is also nominated in the Music Event of the Year category for 'A Song to Sing' with Chris Stapleton.

Lainey Wilson

A rising country star who collaborated with Reba and Miranda on 'Trailblazer'.

Brandy Clark

A Grammy-nominated songwriter who co-wrote 'Trailblazer' and later performed a new version of the song with Reba and Lukas Nelson at the 2026 Grammys.

Lukas Nelson

A singer-songwriter who performed 'Trailblazer' with Reba and Brandy Clark at the 2026 Grammys.

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What they’re saying

“From debuting the song together at last year's #ACMawards, to now being nominated, #Trailblazer has had such an amazing ride. So thrilled to receive this @acmawards nomination alongside @mirandalambert & @laineywilson!”

— Reba McEntire

What’s next

The 2026 ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video on May 17, where the winner of the Music Event of the Year category will be announced.

The takeaway

The nomination of 'Trailblazer' for Music Event of the Year at the ACM Awards highlights the continued influence and collaborative spirit of country music's biggest stars. The song's journey from debut to award recognition showcases the cyclical nature of the industry and the ability of veteran artists like Reba to uplift the next generation.