The 2026 ACM Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, showcased a mix of familiar faces and unexpected winners, leaving some artists feeling snubbed and others celebrating surprises. Here's a breakdown of the highlights and lowlights, with a focus on the snubs and surprises that made this year's ceremony memorable.
Cody Johnson's Double Win
Cody Johnson's victory for Male Artist of the Year was expected, but his additional win as Entertainer of the Year came as a pleasant surprise. With stiff competition from the likes of Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, and newcomers like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, and Megan Moroney, Johnson's win was a testament to his versatility and appeal to a wide audience. His previous win for Song of the Year in 2024 for "Dirt Cheap" further solidifies his place in the country music industry.
Megan Moroney's Snub
Megan Moroney, the top nominee with nine nominations, left the ceremony empty-handed. Her absence from the ceremony, citing a wedding commitment, only added to the disappointment. Moroney's snub highlights the competitive nature of the ACM Awards, where even the most nominated artists can fall short. Her previous win for New Female Artist of the Year in 2024 might be a distant memory, but her talent and dedication will undoubtedly lead to future success.
Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Top's Snubs
Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Top all experienced the bitter taste of snubs, going 0-7, 0-6, and 0-5, respectively. The dominance of Ella Langley's "Choosin’ Texas" and the repeat wins by Riley Green and Ella Langley for Music Event of the Year further emphasized the competitive landscape. Stapleton's pursuit of George Strait's record as the most awarded male artist in ACM history will have to wait, as he fell just one award short.
Ella Langley and Riley Green's Repeat Win
The surprise of the evening was the repeat win by Ella Langley and Riley Green for Music Event of the Year. Their song "Don’t Mind If I Do" beat out strong contenders like Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton's "A Song To Sing" and Reba McEntire, Lambert, and Lainey Wilson's "Trailblazer". This win continues a trend of collaborative efforts in country music, echoing the success of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's back-to-back wins in the 1990s.
Parker McCollum's Breakthrough
Parker McCollum's win for Album of the Year for his fifth studio album was a significant breakthrough. With only one nomination, McCollum's win showcased the power of critical acclaim and the potential for newcomers to make a lasting impact. His previous wins for New Male Artist of the Year and Visual Media of the Year further solidify his place in the country music scene.
Morgan Wallen's Snub
Morgan Wallen's highly successful album "I’m the Problem" was overlooked for Album of the Year, despite topping the all-genre Billboard 200 for 13 weeks. This snub mirrors the experience of Garth Brooks, one of the best-selling album artists of all time, who also had limited success with the ACM Awards. Wallen's only win in the category to date, "Dangerous: The Double Album" in 2022, highlights the competitive nature of the awards.
Kelsea Ballerini's Persistent Snub
Kelsea Ballerini's ninth nomination for Female Artist of the Year ended in another snub, joining Anne Murray as the only artists to go 0-9 in that category. Ballerini's persistence in the face of repeated snubs is a testament to her resilience and talent. Her continued nominations and the potential for future wins demonstrate the ACM Awards' commitment to recognizing diverse talent.
Shaboozey, Gavin Adcock, and Dasha's Snubs
Shaboozey, Gavin Adcock, and Dasha all experienced the disappointment of losing the New Artist Awards for the second year in a row. Their snubs highlight the competitive nature of the ACM Awards and the challenges faced by newcomers in the industry. The two-chance rule for New Artist categories means these artists will have another opportunity to shine in the future.
In conclusion, the 2026 ACM Awards were a showcase of talent, competition, and unexpected twists. From Cody Johnson's double win to the persistent snubs of established artists, the ceremony left a lasting impression. As the country music industry continues to evolve, the ACM Awards remain a platform for celebrating excellence and pushing boundaries.
