The Academy of Country Music Awards are here, and Fandom Daily is breaking down everything you need to know.

Starting out with the pack's leader: Luke Combs, vying for his first Entertainer of the Year award on his fifth nomination, leads all artists with eight nods. A victory would earn him the ACM Awards’ Triple Crown, an honor given to acts who have won New Artist and Artist of the Year in their eligible categories.

Following closely, Megan Moroney leads female nominees with six nods, and reigning male artist of the year Morgan Wallen also garnered six nominations. Cody Johnson, reigning Entertainer of the Year Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson each secured five nominations. Last year, Wilson emerged as a big winner alongside HARDY, each taking home four awards. Notably, Jelly Roll was nominated for four awards, becoming the first artist since Billy Ray Cyrus 32 years ago to receive an Entertainer of the Year nomination in his first year. He shares four nominations with Jordan Davis, while Kelsea Ballerini and Zach Bryan each received three nods.

Tracy Chapman earned her first ACM nomination for her songwriting on the Song of the Year nominee “Fast Car.”

Reba McEntire will return to host the show for a record 17th time and will also perform. The event will stream live for free on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, starting at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT. The eligibility period for nominations spans from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023.

Here are the Fan Of View predictions for the winners of the 2024 ACM Awards:

Entertainer of the Year

Nominees: Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson

Fan Of View: Jelly Roll

Why Jelly Roll: This category is highly competitive, with each contender having a remarkable year filled with chart-topping singles, sold-out shows, and high-profile appearances. While Luke Combs has made significant strides with his stadium tours and hit songs like “Fast Car,” the meteoric rise of Jelly Roll, who delivered three No. 1 Country Airplay hits and became a dominant media presence, sets him apart. The passion and authenticity in Jelly Roll’s performances resonate deeply with fans, making him a strong contender for this coveted title.

Female Artist of the Year

Nominees: Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson

Fan Of View: Lainey Wilson

Why Wilson: Lainey Wilson continues to rise meteorically in the country music scene. Building on her success from last year, she has delivered powerful performances and chart-topping hits. Wilson’s authentic style and relatable lyrics resonate deeply with fans, making her a standout choice. Her ability to blend traditional country with contemporary elements underscores her potential to win Female Artist of the Year again.

Male Artist of the Year

Nominees: Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen

Fan Of View: Jelly Roll

Why Jelly Roll: Jelly Roll has had an exceptional year, captivating fans with his unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. His single “Need a Favor” dominated the charts, highlighting his storytelling abilities and emotional depth. Jelly Roll’s genuine connection with his audience and his rise to prominence makes him a top contender for Male Artist of the Year. His fresh perspective and significant media presence set him apart in the industry.

Duo of the Year

Nominees: Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Maddie & Tae, The War and Treaty

Fan Of View: Dan + Shay

Why Dan + Shay: Dan + Shay has had a remarkable year, with the success of their single “Save Me the Trouble” and their sold-out arena tour. Their involvement with The Voice has broadened their audience, solidifying their popularity. The duo’s harmonious vocals and heartfelt lyrics continue to captivate fans, making them strong contenders for Duo of the Year. Their consistent chart-topping performances and resilience highlight their potential to win.

Group of the Year

Nominees: Flatland Cavalry, Lady A, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Zac Brown Band

Fan Of View: Old Dominion

Why Old Dominion: Old Dominion is on track to secure its seventh group of the year trophy. Their sustained dominance in this category is well-deserved, given their consistent output of hits and strong fan following. The group’s ability to innovate while staying true to their roots keeps them at the forefront of country music. Their continued success and influence make them the clear favorites to win again. Their latest album, Memory Lane, and their collaborations have further cemented their status as leaders in the genre.

Album of the Year

Nominees:

Gettin’ Old – Luke Combs

Higher – Chris Stapleton

Leather  – Cody Johnson

One Thing at a Time — Morgan Wallen

Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) – Kelsea Ballerini

Fan Of View: One Thing at a Time – Morgan Wallen

Why One Thing at a Time: Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time is a record-breaking album, holding the title for the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 among country albums. Its singles dominated the radio, and the album’s widespread appeal significantly boosted country music's presence in mainstream culture. The collection’s mix of catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics resonates with a broad audience, making it the top contender for album of the year.

Single of the Year

Nominees:  

“Burn It Down” – Parker McCollum

“Fast Car” – Luke Combs

“Last Night” – Morgan Wallen

“Need a Favor” – Jelly Roll

“Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis

Fan Of View: “Need a Favor” – Jelly Roll

Why “Need a Favor”: Jelly Roll’s “Need a Favor” stands out for its raw emotion and powerful message. The song’s heartfelt plea, combined with its strong chart performance, makes it a top contender. Jelly Roll’s urgent vocal delivery and the song’s relatable themes resonate deeply with listeners. Its success on the Country Airplay chart underscores its impact, making it a deserving pick for single of the year.

Song of the Year

Nominees:

“Fast Car” – Luke Combs

“Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson

“Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis

“The Painter” – Cody Johnson

“Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney

Fan Of View: “Fast Car” – Luke Combs

Why “Fast Car”: Luke Combs’ rendition of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” breathes new life into a timeless classic. The song’s poignant storytelling and emotional depth continue to resonate with audiences. Combs’ heartfelt delivery and the song’s enduring relevance make it a standout choice. “Fast Car” captures the essence of country music with its tale of dreams and struggles, making it a deserving winner for song of the year.

The 2024 ACM Awards recognized several emerging talents in country music with awards before the ceremony. Tigirlily Gold won Best New Group or Duo of the Year. Megan Moroney took home the award for Best New Female Artist, and Nate Smith was honored as Best New Male Artist.

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