Women thoroughly dominate the nominations for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, announced Thursday morning (April 9).

This year’s four most-nominated artists are all women: Megan Moroney leads with nine nods, followed by Miranda Lambert (eight) and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson (seven each).

It’s the second year in a row that a female solo artist has led the nominations. Langley was out front last year with eight nods.

Miranda Lambert has made ACM history again, becoming the most awarded artist ever with 33 wins.

She also received her highest number of nominations since 2017, including her 17th nomination for Female Artist of the Year, passing Reba McEntire’s record in that category.

Lambert and McEntire are both nominated for Music Event of the Year for “Trailblazer,” along with Lainey Wilson.

McEntire also earned two nominations for the project, her first ACM nods since 2021.

Megan Moroney got her first Entertainer of the Year nomination with other nominees include Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, and Lainey Wilson.

Lainey Wilson, who has already won twice, could make history by becoming the first woman to win Entertainer of the Year three times in a row.

Carter Faith’s “Cherry Valley”has been nominated for Album of the Year, making it the first debut album to earn a spot in 10 years, since Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller.”

It will compete with albums from Morgan Wallen, Zach Top, Riley Green, and Parker McCollum.

Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo” received three nominations: Single, Song, and Visual Media of the Year.

The song also led to posthumous nominations for its original writers because it uses “Over the Rainbow.” Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” and Zach Top’s “I Never Lie” were also nominated in both Single and Song of the Year.

For new artists, Gavin Adcock, Shaboozey, and Tucker Wetmore are all nominated again for Male New Artist of the Year, while Dasha repeats in the Female category.

The ACM also removed the New Duo/Group of the Year category because there weren’t enough entries.

Big country music stars have received more ACM Award nominations this year, adding to their long records.

Brooks & Dunn lead the way with 26 nominations for Duo of the Year, the most ever in that category.

Rascal Flatts got their 14th nomination for Group of the Year, while Brothers Osborne reached 12 nominations for Duo of the Year, and Old Dominion now has 11 nominations for Group of the Year.

Chris Stapleton received 11 nominations for Male Artist of the Year, and is the most-nominated male artist overall with six nods this year.

Kelsea Ballerini earned her ninth nomination for Female Artist of the Year. If she doesn’t win, she will be one of only a few artists to lose nine times in that category.

Stapleton is also close to breaking major records, and one more win could tie him with George Strait for the most ACM Awards by a male artist.

Another Male Artist of the Year win would match Merle Haggard’s record.

Behind the scenes, producers and songwriters also got nominated with Carson Chamberlain leads with three nominations, while several others, including Dann Huff and Jessie Jo Dillon, have two each.

A married duo, Thelma & James (MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge), also made history with a nomination for Duo of the Year.

The ACM also announced awards for producers and audio engineers, recognizing top talent working behind the music.

The 2026 ACM Awards will be presented at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17 and will stream live on Prime Video for the fifth consecutive year.