The 61st ACM Awards on May 17 are almost here. With Stagecoach 2026 complete and Morgan Wallen’s Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas shows creating final momentum, we’re ready to make our definitive predictions for country music’s biggest awards night. Here’s our category-by-category breakdown of who we think wins each major award.
Entertainer of the Year: Morgan Wallen
PREDICTION: Morgan Wallen. His touring dominance, Stagecoach performance, and Las Vegas stadium success give him momentum heading into May 17. Lainey Wilson remains competitive as defending champion, but Wallen’s live draw and commercial power position him as the favorite.
Female Artist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
PREDICTION: Lainey Wilson. Her Stagecoach headline and defending Entertainer of the Year status position her strongly. Her ACM recognition trajectory and consistent excellence make her the likely winner.
Male Artist of the Year: Luke Combs
PREDICTION: Luke Combs. His consistent excellence, chart dominance, and steady commercial success position him well. Wallen likely takes Entertainer, leaving this category for Combs.
Duo/Group of the Year: Little Big Town
PREDICTION: Little Big Town. Their Stagecoach 2026 performance, enduring excellence, and continued awards recognition make them favorites. The veteran group has earned consistent ACM support across their career.
The 61st ACM Awards on May 17 promise surprises, emotional moments, and celebration of country music’s finest. Keep following Sunset Country Fest for continued predictions, nominee analysis, and live award show coverage.
📌 Sources & References
Frequently Asked Questions
How are country music award nominees selected?
Nominees are selected by industry professionals or recording academy members depending on the specific award. Eligibility is based on music released within the qualifying calendar year.
Where can I watch the awards show live?
Major country awards shows air on major broadcast networks and are also available for streaming. Check the official show website for broadcast schedules and streaming options.
Can fans vote for their favorite artists?
Some awards categories are fan-voted. Check the official awards show website for voting eligibility, instructions, and deadlines during the voting period.
⚠️ Disclaimer — Important Notice
The information published in this article is based on publicly available data from official sources, press releases, and music industry publications available at the time of writing. Tour dates, ticket prices, venue details, setlists, album release schedules, award nominations, lineup announcements, and all other details referenced in this article are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Sunset Country Fest makes no representations or warranties — express or implied — regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained herein. All changes, cancellations, rescheduling, postponements, or modifications to any events, releases, tour dates, award results, or announcements referenced in this article are the sole responsibility of the artists, record labels, talent agencies, concert promoters, venues, and any other third parties involved.
Sunset Country Fest shall not be held liable for any decisions, travel arrangements, ticket purchases, or other actions taken by readers based on the information published here. We strongly encourage all readers to verify current details — including dates, venues, ticket availability, and event status — directly through official artist channels, venue box offices, and authorized ticketing platforms before making any plans or purchases.
Last updated: May 10, 2026 · Sunset Country Fest Editorial Team · Contact Us
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Sources & References
- Academy of Country Music — Official Website
- Billboard Country — Music News & Charts
- Taste of Country — Country Music News
- Rolling Stone — Country Music
Disclaimer — Important Notice
The information published in this article is based on publicly available data from official sources, press releases, and music industry publications available at the time of writing. Tour dates, ticket prices, venue details, setlists, album release schedules, award nominations, lineup announcements, and all other details referenced in this article are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Sunset Country Fest makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained herein. All changes, cancellations, rescheduling, postponements, or modifications to any events, releases, tour dates, award results, or announcements referenced in this article are the sole responsibility of the artists, record labels, talent agencies, concert promoters, venues, and any other third parties involved.
Sunset Country Fest shall not be held liable for any decisions, travel arrangements, ticket purchases, or other actions taken by readers based on the information published here. We strongly encourage all readers to verify current details, including dates, venues, ticket availability, and event status, directly through official artist channels, venue box offices, and authorized ticketing platforms before making any plans or purchases.
Last updated: May 20, 2026 · Sunset Country Fest Editorial Team · Contact Us