We break down the full list of the ACMs 2021 nominations, including our thoughts and predictions for the coming awards show.
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Come on ACMs, do better, we’re disappointed to see the obvious lack of women on this list. In a year of demands for change, we’re disappointed in this all male line-up.
Prediction: Luke Combs
Female artist of the year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce
We’re so glad to see Carly Pearce get the recognition that she deserves and being a part of this list and to see the likes of Maren Morris on the list too – an artist who consistently advocates for change. We’d be happy for any of these ladies to win.
Prediction: Carly Pearce
Male artist of the year
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Eric Church
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Another strong list of talent, we’d still like to see Kip Moore get some recognition that we think is overdue, but this is a strong list.
Prediction: Luke Combs
Duo of the year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Given TJ Osborne’s recent announcement and the depth and quality of their latest record, we are hoping that Brothers Osborne pip this, it would make a powerful statement for the genre and would be well-deserved.
Prediction: Dan + Shay
Group of the year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three
The Highwomen
Prediction: Old Dominion
New female artist of the year
Ingrid Andress
Tenille Arts
Gabby Barrett
Mickey Guyton
Caylee Hammack
Prediction: Ingrid Andress
New male artist of the year
Jimmie Allen
Travis Denning
HARDY
Cody Johnson
Parker McCollum
Prediction: Jimmie Allen
Album of the year
Born Here Live Here Die Here – Luke Bryan
Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
Mixtape Vol. 1 – Kane Brown
Producers: Andrew Goldstein, Charlie Handsome, Dann Huff, Lindsay Rimes
Record Label: RCA Nashville
Never Will – Ashley McBryde
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: EMI Records Nashville
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb
Record Label: Mercury Nashville
Prediction: Starting Over
Single of the Year
“Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville
“I Hope” – Gabby Barrett
Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
“I Hope You’re Happy Now” – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
Producers: busbee
Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records
“More Hearts Than Mine”– Ingrid Andress
Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
“The Bones” – Maren Morris
Producer: Greg Kurstin
Record Label: Columbia Nashville
Prediction: “I Hope You’re Happy Now”
Song of the year
“Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
Songwriter(s): Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
Publishers: Emileon Songs; Little Louder Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs of Universal, INC; Sony ATV Tree Publishing; Wrucke for You Publishing
“One Night Standards” – Ashley McBryde
Songwriter(s): Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
Publishers: Canned Biscuit Songs; Smackworks Music; Smack Blue, LLC; Smackstreet Music; Tempo Investments; Warner Geo Met Ric Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
“Some People Do” – Old Dominion
Songwriter(s): Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally
Publishers: Carrot Seed Songs; EMI Blackwood Music INC; Smackville Music; Songs of ROC Nation; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp; Smack Hits; Tempo Investments; Warner Gro Met Ric Music
“Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton
Songwriter(s): Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Straight Six Music; WC Music Corp
“The Bones” – Maren Morris
Songwriter(s): Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
Publishers: Big Machine Music, LLC; Extraordinary Alien Publishing; International Dog Music; Oh Denise Publishing; Round Hill Songs; Warner-Tamerlane
Publishing Corp.
Prediction: “The Bones”
