ACM Entertainer of the Year 2026: See All 7 Nominees
The Academy of Country Music Awards—or ACM Awards—are quickly approaching, airing live on May 17 at 8 p.m. EST on Prime Video. This ceremony honors the biggest names in country music who have left their mark on the genre and industry over the last year, and one of the most coveted awards of the night is Entertainer of the Year. At the 2024 ceremony, Lainey Wilson took home that night’s trophy, and at this year’s award show, she finds herself nominated yet again alongside a handful of accomplished musicians. Here, take a look at the nominees for Entertainer of the Year—and vote for your favorite below!
Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton’s gravelly, soulful voice and stellar songwriting skills have cemented his place in the country music world, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that he’s amongst those nominated for Entertainer of the Year. The “Tennessee Whiskey” singer is also nominated for Male Artist of the Year, and his track with Miranda Lambert, “A Song to Sing,” is nominated for Song of the Year, Music Event of the Year and Visual Media of the Year.
Cody Johnson
Cody Johnson shines brightly in the country music sphere, the “‘Til You Can’t” singer preparing to release a new album on June 26, Banks of the Trinity. Johnson is also nominated for Male Artist of the Year, and his song “The Fall” is nominated for Single of the Year and Visual Media of the Year.
Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll’s unique approach to the genre has earned him tons of praise as he’s risen to country music fame, and in addition to Entertainer of the Year, his song “Amen” with Shaboozey is nominated for Music Event of the Year.
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson has been putting in the work for years, and the previous Entertainer of the Year winner is back amongst her country music peers in this category again. Wilson is unsurprisingly nominated for a handful of other awards this year, one being Female Artist of the Year.
Luke Combs
Folks love Luke Combs for his captivating voice and tunes both catchy and heartfelt, which is why he’s earned himself nominations this year for Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
Megan Moroney
Megan Moroney might be newer to the scene, but she’s proving she’s here to stay. Her recently released album, Cloud 9, features both fun and upbeat tracks as well as introspective songs about her rise to fame and previous relationships. In addition to Entertainer of the Year, see if she takes home a trophy for Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and more.
Morgan Wallen
From auditioning for The Voice to being one of the biggest names in country music, Morgan Wallen has established himself as a serious player in the genre. This year, see if he takes home the award for Entertainer of the Year, as well as Artist-Songwriter and Album of the Year.
How to get tickets to the ACM Awards
You can buy tickets for the ACM Awards and its events at this link right here. Tickets range from $170 to $1,500, plus fees. The dress code is “country cocktail.”
Those watching the show at home can stream it on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Twitch channel on Sunday, May 17 at 8 p.m. EST.
Copyright 2026 A360 Media
This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM.