CountryLine ACM Awards 2026 Predictions

The ACM Awards are always a little unpredictable, but after comparing notes across the CountryLine team, a few names kept coming up again and again.

There’s plenty of love for artists like Cody Johnson, Ella Langley and Zach Top this year, while Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton still feel like the safest bets in some of the biggest categories.

Here are our picks for some of the major awards heading into country music’s biggest night.

Entertainer of the Year: Luke Combs

It’s hard to look past Luke Combs.

Luke continues to sell out stadiums at a level very few artists in country music history have managed, and he’s doing it while balancing one of the busiest touring schedules in the genre. Cody Johnson has a very real shot here, but Luke still feels like the most complete all-around entertainer in the field.

Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley

This feels like Ella Langley’s moment.

She’s had a huge year, and “Choosin’ Texas” has become one of the most talked-about songs in country music. More than that, Ella feels like the center of a wider shift happening with women in country right now. The momentum is impossible to ignore.

Male Artist of the Year: Chris Stapleton

There’s an argument for Cody Johnson or Zach Top, but Chris Stapleton remains the gold standard.

Whether it’s live performances, songwriting or sheer consistency, Chris continues to operate on a different level.

Group of the Year: Old Dominion

Old Dominion just keep doing what they do.

They’ve become one of the most dependable groups in country music, and it would be no surprise to see them add another trophy to the shelf.

Duo of the Year: Dan + Shay

While there’s definitely a sentimental case for Brooks & Dunn, Dan + Shay still feel like the most likely winners.

That said, if Brooks & Dunn win, nobody will be complaining.

Album of the Year: Ain’t In It For My Health

Ain’t In It For My Health feels like the kind of album the ACMs love to reward.

Zach Top has had a massive breakout year, and this record has played a huge role in that. It taps into a classic country sound without feeling like an exercise in nostalgia, which is a big part of why Zach has connected so quickly with both fans and the wider industry.

There are plenty of strong contenders in the category, but if the ACMs want to put a stamp on one of country music’s most exciting new stars, this feels like the perfect place to do it.

Single of the Year: “Choosin’ Texas”

Choosin’ Texas feels like the obvious frontrunner here.

Ella Langley has had a breakout year, and “Choosin’ Texas” has been at the center of it all. It’s the kind of song that feels big from the first listen – catchy, confident and packed with personality.

More importantly, it’s become one of the defining country singles of the last year. If Ella walks away with Single of the Year, it’ll be a pretty fitting reward for a song that has helped turn her from rising artist into one of the most talked-about names in the genre.

Music Event of the Year: “Trailblazer”

When in doubt, never underestimate the power of a genuinely special collaboration.

Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Ella Langley

If Ella takes this one home, it would be another sign of just how significant her year has been.

Our Overall Take

If there’s one name that keeps coming up in our predictions, it’s Ella Langley.

Whether she sweeps or just picks up one or two trophies, it feels like this could be the awards show where her momentum turns into something even bigger.

At the same time, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson still loom large over the genre, which should make for a pretty interesting night.

One thing’s for sure – we’ll be covering all of it across CountryLine as the winners are announced.