The 61st ACM Awards are coming May 17 to MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and the Entertainer of the Year race is the most hotly contested category this season. Lainey Wilson is the defending champion, but she’s facing stiff competition from Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, and Morgan Wallen. Each artist has delivered incredible music, sold-out tours, and cultural moments in 2025-2026. Let’s break down the contenders and make our predictions for country music’s biggest award.
The Top Five Contenders
- Luke Combs: Reigning Country Music Association favorite with consistent chart dominance
- Jelly Roll: Prison-to-stardom story resonates; massive streaming numbers and award momentum
- Megan Moroney: Rising star with critical acclaim and strong industry support
- Morgan Wallen: Largest fanbase; touring dominance and massive 2026 momentum heading into ACM Awards
- Lainey Wilson: Defending champion with seven ACM nominations and Grammy success
Morgan Wallen’s Touring Dominance
Morgan Wallen’s Las Vegas dates at Allegiant Stadium on May 1-2 will be fresh in voters’ minds. Two sold-out stadium shows with Brooks & Dunn and Gavin Adcock demonstrate his unmatched live draw. Entertainer of the Year rewards touring presence, and Wallen is the current king of the road. His momentum heading into May 17 cannot be overlooked.
Lainey Wilson’s Defending Champion Status
Lainey Wilson won Entertainer of the Year in 2025 and remains a formidable contender at Stagecoach 2026. Her Saturday, April 25 headline at Empire Polo Club will showcase why she earned that crown. With seven ACM nominations, she’s not going anywhere. The question is whether voters reward back-to-back wins or spread the wealth.
Dark Horse: Jelly Roll’s Redemption Arc
Jelly Roll’s story—from incarceration to stadium sells-outs—resonates emotionally with the ACM voter base. His authenticity and cultural impact are undeniable. If voters prioritize meaningful narratives alongside commercial success, Jelly Roll could pull the upset on May 17.
Our Prediction for ACM Awards 2026
The Winner: We’re predicting Morgan Wallen to take Entertainer of the Year. His touring dominance, massive fanbase, and May 1-2 Allegiant Stadium momentum give him the edge. While Lainey Wilson is the defending champion and worthy favorite, the ACM Awards traditionally reward the artist with the biggest live presence. Wallen has that in spades heading into May 17.
The Entertainer of the Year race is wide open, and May 17 will deliver surprises. Keep following Sunset Country Fest for full ACM Awards coverage, live reactions, and exclusive interviews leading up to country music’s biggest night.