The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards nominations have highlighted a remarkable shift in the country music scene, with women leading the way through powerful songs that celebrate strong women. The 2026 nominations feature top female artists such as Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, and Miranda Lambert, who are setting new standards in the industry.
Megan Moroney leads all nominees with nine nods, followed closely by Miranda Lambert with eight nominations. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each received seven nominations, underscoring their significant influence in country music today. While male artists like Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson also earned multiple nominations, it is clear that women are dominating this year’s awards.
The Entertainer of the Year category includes notable female talent alongside major male stars. Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson stand out among nominees like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen. The Female Artist of the Year category is especially competitive, featuring Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson—all of whom have delivered inspiring music celebrating female strength and resilience.
Newcomers are also making their mark. First-time nominees such as Avery Anna, Mackenzie Carpenter, Caroline Jones, Emily Ann Roberts, and Hudson Westbrook represent a promising new generation of artists ready to carry forward the legacy of empowering songs about women.
Songs nominated for Song of the Year and Single of the Year reflect this focus on strong women. Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?”, Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas”, and Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo” are all recognized for their storytelling about women’s experiences and empowerment. Collaborations like Miranda Lambert’s “A Song To Sing” with Chris Stapleton and the all-female “Trailblazer” featuring Reba McEntire, Lambert, and Wilson further emphasize the theme.
The 61st ACM Awards will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17. The event promises performances from some of country music’s biggest names including Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, and Little Big Town.
This year marks a defining moment for women in country music. From established stars to rising talent, female artists are leading the industry with songs that celebrate strength, independence, and resilience. The 2026 ACM Awards not only recognize their achievements but also highlight a broader cultural shift toward honoring stories of strong women through music.
