The ACM Awards return this Thursday (May 8), and Fandom Daily is breaking down top categories, highlighting the most-nominated stars, and sharing our predictions for country music's biggest winners.
The ACM Awards are back this Thursday (May 8), and Fandom Daily is here to break down the biggest categories, spotlight this year’s most-nominated stars, and deliver our Fan Of View predictions on who will take home country music’s top honors.
Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Ella Langley are some of the top contenders of the night. Hosted once again by country icon Reba McEntire, the 60th ACM Awards will be broadcast live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on May 8 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT, streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
It’s a competitive year across the board, with several fan-favorite collaborations, genre-blurring projects, and record-breaking tours reflected in the nominees. Let’s get into our Fan Of View on who we think should win — and who might get snubbed.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Fan of View: Lainey Wilson has had an unforgettable year, making a strong case for herself as the true entertainer of the year. From her standout performances to her magnetic presence, she’s got the full package. While many are rooting for her, a part of us thinks that the legend status of Stapleton could still edge her out.
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Kacey Musgraves
Lainey Wilson
Our Fan of View: We feel as though Ella Langley is poised to take home Female Artist of the Year. Her powerful voice, incredible songwriting, and her hit “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green have solidified her place in country music. Fans have been rallying behind her all year, and this win is practically in the bag.
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Our Fan of View: Luke Combs’ dominance in the country music scene is undeniable, and he’ll be hard to beat in this category. However, Jelly Roll’s rise and emotional storytelling have turned heads, making him a fierce contender. Still, we’re putting our bet on Luke for the win.
DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
The War And Treaty
Our Fan of View: We would love to see The War And Treaty grab this with their deep Americana roots and magnetic chemistry on stage. That said, we can’t count out the iconic Brooks & Dunn, who are always a strong contender for this award.
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Flatland Cavalry
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
Red Clay Strays
Our Fan of View: Flatland Cavalry’s unique sound and loyal fanbase make them a top contender, and we think they deserve to take home the win. But given Old Dominion’s commercial success and popularity, they could still take the trophy here.
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (ANNOUNCED)
Kassi Ashton
Ashley Cooke
Dasha
Ella Langley
Jessie Murph
Our Fan of View: No surprise here — Langley was already announced as the winner for New Female Artist, and we couldn’t be happier for her! Her year has been nothing short of spectacular, and her win is a reflection of her undeniable talent.
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (ANNOUNCED)
Gavin Adcock
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Bailey Zimmerman
Our Fan of View: Zach Top is our pick for New Male Artist of the Year and was also The Academy's. With his authentic country sound and smash hit “I Never Lie,” he’s definitely made his mark. Fans are excited to see what he does next!
NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Restless Road
Red Clay Strays
Treaty Oak Revival
Our Fan of View: Red Clay Strays are definitely the ones to watch here. Their Americana-infused country sound has been turning heads, and we think they’ve got what it takes to win.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) – Megan Moroney
Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Our Fan of View: Malone's debut country crossover record is a contender, but Wilson's Whirlwind is likely to take the win with its deep emotional resonance and smash singles.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
"A Bar Song (Tipsy)" – Shaboozey
"Dirt Cheap" – Cody Johnson
"I Had Some Help" – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
"White Horse" – Chris Stapleton
"You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Our Fan of View: Langley and Green's “You Look Like You Love Me” has been a fan favorite all year. With its infectious energy and relatable lyrics, it’s sure to take home this win. If there’s any song that’s going to top the competition, it’s this one.
SONG OF THE YEAR
"4x4xU" – Lainey Wilson
"The Architect" – Kacey Musgraves
"Dirt Cheap" – Cody Johnson
"I Had Some Help" – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
"You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Our Fan of View: As much as we all love Wilson’s "4x4xU," we’re calling it for Post Malone and Morgan Wallen with “I Had Some Help.” The song’s blend of raw emotion and star power makes it a standout. Still, "You Look Like You Love Me" is a close contender.
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
"Cowboys Cry Too" – Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan
"I Had Some Help" – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
"I’m Gonna Love You" – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
"We Don’t Fight Anymore" – Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton
You Look Like You Love Me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Our Fan of View: If Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton don’t take the win for "We Don’t Fight Anymore," we think Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan could be strong contenders. Their chemistry and the track’s emotional impact could make it a tough race.
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR (ANNOUNCED)
"4x4xU" – Lainey Wilson
"Dirt Cheap" – Cody Johnson
"I’m Gonna Love You" – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
"Think I’m In Love With You" – Chris Stapleton
"You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Our Fan of View: Ella Langley and Riley Green’s “You Look Like You Love Me” video is absolutely stunning, and was a clear winner. With breathtaking cinematography and their undeniable chemistry, it had all the makings to take home the win.
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
ERNEST
HARDY
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Our Fan of View: HARDY’s gritty songwriting and crossover appeal are hard to ignore, but Wallen's new releases make him another a strong contender. This could be a tough one to call, but we’re leaning towards HARDY for his standout year.
Photo Credit: @acmawards on Instagram.
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