Last month, the Academy of Country Music revealed the nominees for the highly-anticipated 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, and the lineup was jam packed with some of the most talented artists in Music City.
Ella Langley is riding into the ACMs like a total boss with eight nominations (yes, EIGHT), making her the most-nominated artist this year. Her duet with Riley Green, “you look like you love me,” is cleaning up across the board with nods in Single, Song, Visual Media and Music Event of the Year. Can someone say breakout moment?!
Close behind her are Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson with seven noms each, and every single one of them is coming in hot. From Cody doubling up in Visual Media of the Year (he’s literally competing against himself) to Lainey scoring her first-ever Artist-Songwriter nom (hello, queen of country consistency), this race is tighter than your fave pair of cowboy boots.
Oh, and Post Malone — yes, the face-tatted genre-blender we all love — snagged five nominations, thanks to his collab with Wallen on the smash hit “I Had Some Help.”
This year, Kelsea Ballerini scored her first ever Entertainer of the Year nomination (!!) alongside noms for Female Artist and Music Event, while Luke Combs is one win away from joining the Triple Crown Club — aka country royalty. Chris Stapletonkeeps racking up with his 10th Male Artist of the Year nomination, and Shaboozey is officially that guy with noms for Best New Male Artist and Single of the Year for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”. Oh, and Rascal Flatts is BACK in the mix for Group of the Year for the first time since 2017
60th ACM AWARDS: COMPLETE COVERAGE
While we wish everyone can get a piece of the hardware, there is only one winner in each category and the CS Country team is weighing in on this year’s nominees (and snubs) by sharing our thoughts on who we think will bring home an award during the live telecast on May 8th.
Hosted by Reba McEntire with exciting performances, unprecedented collaborations, surprising moments and more, the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards air LIVE from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Thursday, May 8th @ 8 p.m. EDT/7 p.m. CDT/5 p.m. PDT — streaming exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Jelly Roll
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: Morgan Wallen is the kind of unstoppable force that defines what an Entertainer of the Year should be. With One Thing At A Time dominating the charts for what felt like forever, back-to-back stadium sellouts, and viral hits that everyone from Nashville to TikTok knows by heart, Morgan has truly gone from superstar to country kingpin. He’s polarizing, powerful, and packing in more fans than anyone else right now. Say what you want — but you can’t say he didn’t earn it.
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Kacey Musgraves
- Lainey Wilson
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: It’s Lainey’s world, and we’re all just living in it (preferably in bell bottoms). Lainey Wilson has had a career-defining year with Whirlwind, and she’s proven time and time again that she’s not just the moment — she is the movement. Between her chart-topping hits, signature style, and unwavering authenticity, Lainey’s become a role model, a radio darling, and a red carpet favorite all in one. Yeehaw to that!
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Jelly Roll
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: When you talk about consistency and power in country music, you talk about Luke Combs. From his soulful rendition of “Fast Car” to headlining some of the biggest stages across the globe, Luke’s emotional vocals and everyman appeal make him the artist fans connect with again and again. He’s country’s heart — and heartthrob — and we don’t see that changing anytime soon.
DUO OF THE YEAR
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Muscadine Bloodline
- The War And Treaty
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: Legends only. Even decades into their career, Brooks & Dunn are still serving up boot-stompin’ hits and electric live shows that rival any act half their age. Their legacy is unmatched, and their influence continues to shine through a new generation of country artists. This is more than a nostalgia vote — it’s a well-earned nod to two icons who helped define the genre.
GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Flatland Cavalry
- Little Big Town
- Old Dominion
- Rascal Flatts
- The Red Clay Strays
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Rascal Flatts might’ve taken a break from the spotlight, but their music is timeless, their fanbase is loyal, and their impact? Unmatched. Their legacy hits like “Bless the Broken Road” and “What Hurts the Most” are still anthems, and let’s be real — a Flatts resurgence is exactly what country needs right now. Comeback kings? We think yes.
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Kassi Ashton
- Ashley Cooke
- Dasha
- Ella Langley
- Jessie Murph
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: Don’t sleep on Ella Langley — she’s the gritty, gorgeous voice shaking up the scene. With her fearless lyrics, raw delivery, and buzzworthy collabs (hi, Riley Green ), Ella’s proving she’s not just here to play the game — she’s here to rewrite the rules. From viral hits to breakout stages, 2025 is shaping up to be her breakout year. Nashville’s got its next wild child, and we’re here for it.
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Gavin Adcock
- Shaboozey
- Zach Top
- Tucker Wetmore
- Bailey Zimmerman
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: If 2024 was Beyoncé’s country crossover moment, 2025 is the year Shaboozey turns the genre on its head — and makes it his own. From his viral collabs with Queen Bey on Cowboy Carter (“SPAGHETTII” and “SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’”) to his solo smash “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” tearing up both TikTok and country radio, Shaboozey is genreless, fearless, and totally undeniable. He’s bringing a fresh sound, diverse perspective, and major swagger to the country scene — and we think voters will (finally) take notice.
NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Restless Road
- The Red Clay Strays
- Treaty Oak Revival
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: They’ve been hustling hard and harmonizing even harder — and it’s finally their time to shine. Restless Road has gone from TikTok fan-faves to touring with Kane Brown and dropping hits that blend modern country with nostalgic boy-band charm (yes, we said it). With standout tracks like “Last Rodeo” and a loyal fanbase that shows up loud, this trio is putting the “future” in the future of country music. Consider this their official glow-up moment.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
- Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) – Megan Moroney
Producer: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Columbia Records / Sony Music Nashville
- Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
Producers: BazeXX, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Charlie Handsome, Ben Johnson, mgk, The Monsters & Strangerz, Austin Nivarel, SlimXX, Ryan Tedder, Isaiah Tejada, Alysa Vanderheym
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Republic Records
- Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
- F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
- Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: This is a tough one. Each project deserves an award in its own right thanks to honest storytelling, strong vocals and top-notch production, but this year, we think the award will go to Megan Moroney‘s Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine). The rise of Megan Moroney’s stardom within the last year is something that needs to be recognized. Her pop-country, emo cowgirl aura has been captivating listeners around the world, and we saw it first hand when she sold out two nights at Radio City Music Hall last month. The sophomore effort has both an equal amount of poetic heartbreak and glittery strength. From the intricate storytelling to her smoky-sweet vocals, this album made us cry, scream, and put on eyeliner in the mirror like we were in a music video.
If the Academy feels the same way that millions of others that have been streaming Megan’s music, we’re confident that the Georgia native will be snagging yet another ACM Award this year.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
- A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry
Record Company-Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE
- Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville
- I Had Some Help – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
- White Horse – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton
Record Company-Label: Mercury Nashville
- you look like you love me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: After multiple snubs at the CMA Awards and The Grammys in past months, we have faith that the Academy of Country Music will give Shaboozey the recognition he deserves with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” This track was everywhere — and music fans of all genres and ages were into it — and is hands down country music’s “Single of the Year.” “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” isn’t just a song… it’s a cultural moment.
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
- 4x4xU – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
Publishers: Louisiana Lady; One Tooth Productions; Reservoir 416; Songs of One Riot Music; Sony/ATV Accent
- The Architect – Kacey Musgraves
Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne
Publishers: Songs for Indy and Owl; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing
- Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson
Songwriter: Josh Phillips
Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing; Write or Die Music; Write the Lightning Publishing
- I Had Some Help – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters, Ryan Vojtesak
Publishers: Bell Ear Publishing; Master of my Domain Music; Poppy’s Picks; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing; Universal MusicCorporation
- you look like you love me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Publishers: Back 40 Publishing International; Langley Publishing; One Tooth Productions; Sony/ATV Tree; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: Lyrically stunning and sonically rich, “The Architect” by Kacey Musgraves is a slow burn that leaves a lasting impression. Kacey’s pen is pure poetry, and this track proves she’s still one of the best storytellers in the game.
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
- Cowboys Cry Too – Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan, Alysa Vanderheym
Record Company-Label: Black River Entertainment
- I Had Some Help – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
- I’m Gonna Love You – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
Producer: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville
- we don’t fight anymore – Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce
Record Company-Label: Big Machine Records
- you look like you love me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: After countless teasing about their union on social media, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen redefined what the “song of the summer” was when they dropped “I Had Some Help” last May, all while telling the world that they were the country duo that no one knew they needed… until now. The genre-bending track was an absolute phenomenon, as it racked in billions of streams and high placements on both Country and All-Genre charts. We’d be very surprised if “I Had Some Help” didn’t win “Music Event of the Year” at the ACMs next month.
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
- 4x4xU – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jennifer Ansell
Director: Dano Cerny
- Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson
Producer: Dustin Haney
Director: Dustin Haney
- I’m Gonna Love You – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
Producers: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney
- Think I’m In Love With You – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Wes Edwards, Angie Lorenz, Jamie Stratakis
Director: Running Bear (Stephen Kinigopoulos, Alexa Stone)
- you look like you love me – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Whale Tale Music
Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: Southern drama, cinematic vibes, and on-screen chemistry that could start a wildfire. The music video for Ella Langley and Riley Green’s “You Look Like You Love Me” feels like a moody, modern country movie — and we are hooked. Between the stunning visuals and that emotional tension, this is more than a video — it’s a moment. We’ll take a full-length feature next, please.
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Luke Combs
- ERNEST
- HARDY
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: The mastermind behind some of country’s biggest hits — and he’s a killer artist in his own right? HARDY is the blueprint. From writing for others to owning his own sound, he’s proven he can truly do it all while shattering stereotypes that come with the genre.
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Jessi Alexander
- Jessie Jo Dillon
- Ashley Gorley
- Chase McGill
- Josh Osborne
WHO WE THINK WILL WIN: This category has Ashley Gorley‘s name written all over it. With over 80 No. 1’s in his discography, we won’t be surprised if this prestigious honor goes to one of the biggest hitmakers on Music Row.
