ACM Voter's Guide 2024

ENTERTAINER

KANE BROWN

Two-time Entertainer of the Year nominee; ACM Video of the Year winner. International artist, songwriter, live performer, actor, host. Seventh artist in country music to achieve diamond status (‘Heaven’).

“One of the 100 most influential people in the world.” –Time 100

“An artist who will assuredly have a lasting, even multi-decade career” –American Songwriter “Kane Brown didn’t fit the country music mold. So he made his own.” –New York Times

LUKE COMBS

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.” –Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

JELLY ROLL-

The award-winning, Grammy nominated multi-genre phenomenon’s debut, Whitsitt Chapel, earned the biggest country debut album in Billboard consumption chart history. “Outlaw superstar … one of the biggest stars in country music … across America this summer and fall, from Madison Square Garden in New York to LA’s Crypto.com Arena.” –GQ

CODY JOHNSON

Known for his explosive live shows and electrifying stage presence, CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville platinum recording artist Cody Johnson has established a following of passionately loyal fans who regularly sell out shows across the country, including setting the record for most tickets sold by a male country artist in their Bridgestone Arena (Nashville) debut. He has 17 career RIAA certifications, a Pandora Billionaire Award, more than six billion global streams and two No. 1 singles.

CHRIS STAPLETON

“If you want to set the bar, start – as always – with Chris Stapleton.” –HITS

“... an arena-conquering giant.” –Stereogum

“In an age rife with division, he’s maybe the only thing Americans all agree on … one of the most reliable hit makers in music.” –GQ

“Stapleton is the rare country star with both traditional bona fides and broad commercial appeal.

He has an outlaw soul and a pop star’s capacity for inescapable hooks.” –The New Yorker

MORGAN WALLEN

“Morgan Wallen dominated the American music industry in 2023 like no one else could.” –Forbes

“The biggest country star of the 2020s.” –New York Times

In 2023, Wallen dominated Billboard’s year-end charts and took home 11 Billboard Music Awards, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Album, Top Country Airplay Artist and Top Country Tour.

Reigning ACM Male Artist of the Year

LAINEY WILSON

“Wilson has undeniably been one of the hardest-working, and most visible, artists over the past year.” –Billboard

“Wilson is special, and the country music world has adored the breakthrough performer, who writes music that is relatable and real.” –THR

“Lainey Wilson is the future of country music.”–Vulture

“Lainey Wilson’s rock-tinged country songs are taking Nashville – and beyond – by storm.” –Wall Street Journal

“Country singer Lainey Wilson thrives on being a rulebreaker.” –USA Today

FEMALE

KELSEA BALLERINI

“Kelsea Ballerini is definitely one of the most influential women in country right now … she’s defining the sound of the genre.” –NPR

Coined Billboard’s Artist-Songwriter of the Year (2023) and one of MusicRow’s Top 100 Songwriters of 2023, the multi-faceted, four-time Grammy-nominated entertainer boasts more than 6.5 billion career streams as she continues to pave her way as “one of Nashville’s finest” (Vulture).

ASHLEY MCBRYDE

“Ashley McBryde has forged a reputation as one of Nashville’s boldest, most keen-eyed songcrafters … those visceral lyrics are embedded into the kinds of contemporary, rock-tinged country sounds that set the stage for star-making performances.” –Billboard

MEGAN MORONEY

“Not since Taylor Swift has a young woman told the truth so cleverly and completely.” –Hits Daily Double

“Country musician Megan Moroney says she writes sad songs for sad people. It’s making her a star.” –Associated Press

KACEY MUSGRAVES

“Kacey brings a type of Joni Mitchell artistry to the forefront of modern popular music … nothing short of remarkable.” –Brooklyn Vegan

“Musgraves really did knock it out of the park with her sixth studio album, a heartfelt and gorgeously constructed collection of music that revolves heavily around nature and all its magic.” –Consequence

“Musgraves’ stellar songwriting has always remained the North Star of her craft.” –Billboard

LAINEY WILSON

“To talk to Wilson is to witness a bona fide storyteller at work.” –Glamour

“Lainey Wilson is undoubtedly part of a historical moment for the genre.” –Whiskey Riff

“Taking the time to hone her craft, she’s drilled down on the art of songwriting, telling relatable stories while forging ahead on a unique path paved entirely on her own terms.” –Forbes

“Everything about her is a breath of fresh air.” –Variety

LUKE COMBS

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.” –Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

“This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

JELLY ROLL

“For everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen.” –Variety

“A force to be reckoned with in the music industry.” –American Songwriter

CODY JOHNSON

Platinum-selling country music recording artist Cody Johnson has built a passionate loyal fan base with his music, electrifying stage presence and overall explosive live show. The Tennessean exclaims, “Johnson wears his heart on his sleeves and bears his soul for the world to witness.” Cody has 17 career RIAA certifications, a Pandora Billionaire Award, more than six billion global streams and two No. 1 singles.

CHRIS STAPLETON

“Country’s most distinctive and emotional voice.” –Billboard

“His leaps, quavers and evasions of the beat can be traced to Al Green. But Stapleton brings his own drama and grit to the style.” –New York Times

“There are but a few voices to reach iconic status in recent years, but Chris Stapleton’s is undoubtedly one of them.” –Cowboys & Indians

“There’s Chris Stapleton’s voice, and then there’s everybody else’s.” –Whiskey Riff

MORGAN WALLEN

“Morgan Wallen dominated the American music industry in 2023 like no one else could.” –Forbes

“The biggest country star of the 2020s.” –New York Times

In 2023, Wallen dominated Billboard’s year-end charts and took home 11 Billboard Music Awards, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Album, Top Country Airplay Artist and Top Country Tour.

Reigning ACM Male Artist of the Year

DUO

BROOKS & DUNN

“The voices of the crowd were so loud it nearly overtook the singers themselves.” –Variety

“The dream of the ‘90s country was alive and well, successfully passed down to a new generation of singers and fans alike.” –Fort Worth Star Telegram

“The crowd went absolutely wild when the spotlights lit them up side-by-side at center stage. Everyone in attendance knew right then and there, this was going to be a special night.” –All Music Magazine

BROTHERS OSBORNE

“With TJ’s intoxicating baritone and John’s guitar fireworks, Brothers Osborne has become one of Nashville’s most beloved duos.” –Garden & Gun

“Groundbreaking sonic work is commonplace for the duo …” –Tennessean

“Their sound is instantly recognizable and fully their own.” –Nashville Scene

“One of the key qualities that has driven Brothers Osborne to success is their ability to write songs that are as clever and unapologetically real as they are.” –American Songwriter

DAN + SHAY

Three-time Grammy-winning duo Dan + Shay continue to etch a permanent mark on country music – and beyond – with their highly anticipated fifth studio album, Bigger Houses, which features the No. 1 smash hit “Save Me The Trouble.” In the 10 years since they formed, Dan + Shay have become global superstars, amassing more than 11 billion streams globally, multiple international No. 1 singles and 49 total RIAA platinum and gold certifications in the U.S. alone.

MADDIE & TAE

“Symbiotic harmonies and endlessly catchy melodies.” –American Songwriter

“They stand alone when it comes to current female duos. No other has come close to their success.” –Houston Chronicle

“With 10 years in the industry, the dynamic duo has formed a bond that shines through their music.” –Baltimore Sun

“Powerhouse country duo.” –Today

THE WAR AND TREATY

This Nashville couple is as good as it gets. There are no finer singers, nor more emotional interpreters in our world. Their soul-ripping voices can make the angels in Heaven weep for joy. –MusicRow

In context and talent, they are unlike any other act in music. –The Tennessean

GROUP

FLATLAND CAVALRY

Since their 2015 debut, Flatland Cavalry have released two EPs and three full-length studio albums, including 2021’s Welcome to Countryland, which has garnered more than 290 million streams to date. Known for their electric live performances, the band has toured relentlessly the past several years including numerous sold-out headline dates, as well as shows with Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Midland and more.

LADY A

“They continue to put forth the authentic artistry they have promised their listeners since 2008.” –American Songwriter

“Lustrous harmonies are still part-and-parcel of their long-formulaic sound.” –Variety

LITTLE BIG TOWN

“Little Big Town uses harmonizing and honesty to get themselves through the high times and the low moments.” –Entertainment Weekly

“Little Big Town are beacons of hope.” –American Songwriter

“Little Big Town continues to be brave enough to make their lyrics matter.” –Tennessean

“Little Big Town’s mesmerizing harmonies soar.” –Billboard

OLD DOMINION

Old Dominion’s skyscraping anthems and electrifying live shows have put the multi-platinum band prominently at the forefront of country music. Their No Bad Vibes Tour saw them headline sold-out arenas throughout 2023, while the title track from their latest album, “Memory Lane,” scored them their ninth No. 1 at Country radio. Their Group of the Year nomination marks their ninth consecutive nomination in the category. Old Dominion is the sixtime reigning ACM Group of the Year.

ZAC BROWN BAND

A multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning, Southern rock group led by front man, Zac Brown. Throughout their career spanning more than a decade, Zac Brown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and five consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has won three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 2010, sold more than 30.5 million singles, 9.3 million albums, amassed more than 11.2 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 No. 1 radio singles and are the second act to top both the Country and Active Rock formats.

NEW FEMALE

KASSI ASHTON

“With a voice that can belt and break with the bluesy propulsion of Adele, emote like Beyoncé and capture the heartbreak of Patsy Cline, she’s breaking the mold of what it means to work within the Nashville system.” –Rolling Stone

“Ashton is a force to be reckoned with. Her voice is packed with soul, power and all of the other facets that make for a striking vocalist, and paired with her songwriting gift, her talent is undeniable.” –Taste of Country “Kassi Ashton is in line for Nashville domination, and she’ll do it her way – unapologetically.” –People

ASHLEY COOKE

Cooke is “in the right place, at the right time” (Tennessean) indeed. Fresh off winning her first CMT Award, the “promising Nashville up-and-comer” (Los Angeles Times) continues to captivate fans and industry alike with her Top 15 and climbing Country radio single “Your Place.” Billboard notes its “real potential at becoming her first radio hit” as she tours nationwide with Jordan Davis.

HANNAH ELLIS

50 million career streams.

Debut album That Girl “Wine Country” top 50 at Country radio.

“[Ellis’] debut album puts her on the trajectory to be a much-buzzed-about artist in her own right.”

–American Songwriter

KYLIE MORGAN

“Authentic and natural storytelling ability paired with her unique sound.” –American Songwriter

“With a classic Southern twang and plenty of sass, Kylie Morgan is a force to be reckoned with.”

–Wide Open Country

“Further along her creative path as a fully realized adult and nearer to golden acclaim than ever.”

–Tennessean

MEGAN MORONEY

Recently featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30, MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2024, and Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music, Megan Moroney is cementing her status as one to watch.

“Country’s hottest rising star.” –People

“The most exciting country mainstream record of the first half of 2023 belongs to the Georgia-raised Megan Moroney.”

–Rolling Stone

“One of country music’s most notable newcomers.” –Billboard

DYLAN SCOTT

NEW MALE

ERNEST

Over one billion global on-demand streams.

Highly anticipated sophomore album Nashville, Tennessee  is out now featuring collaborations with Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Lukas Nelson, and Ernest’s son, Ryman.

Double platinum single “Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen).”

“Capable of eclipsing multi-diamond level sales certification.” –Tennessean

“Creates a sound all his own” –Pollstar

KAMERON MARLOWE

With 938 million-plus streams, gold and platinum-certified singles and countless sold-out headlining shows, Marlowe is a country music triple-threat. His “vocal conviction is what makes him a star” praises Music Row, and he’s got “the songs to back it up” (Holler). “He’s made a name for himself with his signature smoky voice, while making sure his music is a true reflection of who he is,” Grammy.com notes. Meanwhile, “his fanbase can be seen singing every word” at live shows (Chattanoogan).

DYLAN SCOTT

Three billion career streams.

Four No. 1 singles.

Eight million RIAA certified units.

CONNER SMITH

“Conner Smith is the future of country music.” –Morning Hangover

“One of the premiere acts in country music.” –Country Central

“An unstoppable force to be reckoned with.” –CMT

“One of the most exciting new artists …” –Country Swag

NATE SMITH

Record-breaking 10-consecutive-week No. 1 with “World On Fire.”

Currently has two songs in the Top 25 at Country radio.

“Smith’s powerhouse tenor is perhaps country music’s fastest-rising beloved voice.” –Tennessean

“A strong voice that grips a lyric with ferocity.” –Billboard

“[Nate’s] personal experiences and hardships have inspired his heartfelt songs and honest performance style.” –American Songwriter

“He’s a vocal powerhouse, but his pitch has a gruff, ragged edge.” –Stereogum

NEW DUO/GROUP

NEON UNION

Leo Brooks is a first-gen American from a Honduran family and a Grammy winning former bass player/musical director for Pitbull. Joining with Andrew Millsaps – who hails from Andy Griffith’s Mayberry, NC – the duo charted debut single “Bout Damn Time,” and released the Dann Huff-produced Double Wide Castle Sessions EP. They performed at ACM Week and CMA Fest in 2023 while opening for Pitbull, Hardy, Riley Green and more. “[Neon Union are] creating sonic ties between mainstream pop and their own rooted interests in preserving classic country’s sounds.” –Tennessean

RESTLESS ROAD

Restless Road has accumulated more than 240 million cumulative career streams and more than 4.2 million on social media. They have sold out venues across the country, as well as toured alongside Kane Brown, Russell Dickerson and Tim McGraw. They’ve performed on ABC’s The Bachelor, been featured by CMT, Extra and Today, and were named as one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists To Watch. Their debut album, Last Rodeo, is out now.

TIGIRLILY GOLD

The North Dakotan sister duo grew up crisscrossing the Midwest and growing a fierce fan base across the region. Moving to Nashville, they landed a residence at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, playing four-hour sets threeplus nights a week. Signing to Monument Records, their top 40 debut Country single “Shoot Tequila” found viral success. Much anticipated follow-up single “I Tried A Ring On” is at Country radio now. After getting nominated for two CMT Awards and garnering their first ACM nomination, Tigirlily Gold is ready to bring girl group energy back to country music.

ALBUM

GETTING OLD, LUKE COMBS

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.” –Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

“This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

HIGHER, CHRIS STAPLETON

“Higher feels at once both timeless and of the moment.” –Billboard

“Higher puts him where he always really was – in that classic kind of rock and soul, Tom Petty, Eagles, going beyond the confines of the genre” –NPR

“His best project yet. Higher finds Stapleton once again raising his bar. How lucky that we get to watch him continue to climb.” –Spin

“Chris Stapleton blew our collective minds with his fifth solo album Higher, a fiery showcase of his virtuosic talents” –The Scene

LEATHER, CODY JOHNSON

CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville platinum artist Cody Johnson’s new 12- song album Leather includes the gold-certified smash hit “The Painter,” which landed at No. 1 at Country radio, and the current single at Country radio, “Dirt Cheap,” which has already garnered 55 million global streams touting an average of 3.4 million streams per week.

ONE THING AT A TIME, MORGAN WALLEN

Currently holds the record for longest-running No. 1 country album in chart history at 19 non-consecutive weeks.

One Thing At A Time was named No. 1 Billboard 200 Album and No. 1 Top Country Album on Billboard’s 2023 year end charts.

Wallen set the record for the most songs simultaneously charted on the Billboard Hot 100, as he sent 36 songs onto the survey (March 18, 2023) – the entirety of this album.

Named one of the Best Albums of 2023 by Billboard & New York Times.

ROLLING UP THE WELCOME MAT (FOR GOOD), KELSEA BALLERINI

Praised as “moving and intimate” (Rolling Stone), “unvarnished vulnerability and cathartic” (Billboard), “strikingly candid” (New York Times), and “the best music of her career” (MusicRow), Rolling Up The Welcome Mat earned Kelsea a spot on year-end lists by Billboard and Rolling Stone. With more than 300 million streams to date, the critically acclaimed album garnered a CMA nomination for “Album of the Year’’ and Grammy Award nomination in the category of “Best Country Album.”

“BURN IT DOWN,” PARKER MCCOLLUM

“[McCollum] cycles through the stages of grief on this hard-hearted kiss-off to a failed relationship. By the time he soars into the final refrain, that scorched-earth policy feels downright cathartic.”  –Rolling Stone

“The smoldering heartache song bursts into flame on its bridge and keeps on burning to its smoking-ashes finale. McCollum’s delivery is appropriately edgy and pained. The man is a star.” –Music Row

“From the simmering, modulated opening to the blazing wildfire that lets rip in the chorus, ‘Burn It Down’ is a heartbreak track with an edge.” –Holler

“FAST CAR,” LUKE COMBS

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.” –Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

“This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

“LAST NIGHT,” MORGAN WALLEN

Recent seven-time platinum “Last Night” remained on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 16 weeks, becoming the longest running No. 1 solo song in Hot 100 history.

“Last Night” has officially passed 1 billion global on-demand streams and is currently on track to be his most streamed song ever.

“NEED A FAVOR,” JELLY ROLL

Nominated for Best New Artist and Best Duo/Group Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, Jelly Roll’s multi-week Country and Rock No. 1 “Need A Favor” secured him as one of only three artists who scored three Country Airplay No. 1s in 2023.

For the second consecutive year, he swept at the CMT Music Awards, where “Need A Favor” won Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year and Performance of the Year.

“NEXT THING YOU KNOW,” JORDAN DAVIS

“Jordan Davis‘ music hits you right in your soul.” –Men’s Journal

“… extraordinary consistency at the pinnacle of country music‘s mainstream.” –Tennessean

“Jordan Davis is s must listen” –Music Row

“Jordan Davis’ new song ‘Next Thing You Know’ will knock the wind out of you.” –Taste of Country

SONG

“FAST CAR,” TRACY CHAPMAN

After Luke Combs introduced the song to a new audience, it topped charts across genres, garnered millions of streams, won two 2023 CMA Awards (Song of the Year for Chapman and Single for Combs) and was nominated for the Best Country Solo Performance Grammy. Fiirst released in 1988, “Fast Car” is one of music’s most influential and beloved songs. Combs performed it in concert over the past decade before releasing his own version last year, 35 years after Chapman’s version debuted.

“HEART LIKE A TRUCK,” DALLAS WILSON, LAINEY WILSON, TRANNIE ANDERSON

“‘Heart Like A Truck’ is the song from a strong woman who doesn’t back down or give in. A straight up country singer, she’s got people listening.” –Hits Daily Double

“’Heart Like a Truck’ has become a runaway fan-favorite.” –Taste of Country

“‘Heart Like a Truck’ … compares the singer’s emotional life to free-wheeling through a muddy field, replete with the rough ride and mucked-up mudflaps.” –Billboard

”NEXT THING YOU KNOW,” CHASE MCGILL, GREYLAND JAMES, JORDAN DAVIS, JOSH OSBORNE

“It’s not just the lyrics … it’s the way he summarizes life, love, family … so anyone … can be excused for feeling a bit breathless.” –Taste of Country “Jordan Davis’ music hits you right in your soul.” –Men’s Journal

“Jordan Davis shows the world the type of mature, meaningful and melodic songwriter he is.” –Entertainment Focus

“TENNESSEE ORANGE,” BEN WILLIAMS, DAVID FANNING, MEGAN MORONEY, PAUL JENKINS

Her double platinum debut “Tennessee Orange” was an immediate smash showcasing her true-to-life storytelling, unforgettable vocals and strong-minded yet fiercely sensitive point of view. Along with notching her first No. 1 and landing on coveted lists (LA Times’ “100 best songs of 2023”), rave reviews include:

“A sweet, swooning rumination on the allegiances that love can make us defy.” –Rolling Stone

“Stands as one of the best No. 1 singles the format has wrought recently.” –Variety

“A Gen Z songwriter with Taylor Swift-level acuity.” –Associated Press

“THE PAINTER,” BENJY DAVIS, KAT HIGGINS, RYAN LARKINS

Platinum-selling CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville recording artist Cody Johnson’s No. 1 song for Country radio, “The Painter,” is both gold-certified and the largest streaming single of his career with 200 million global streams to date.

VISUAL MEDIA

“BURN IT DOWN,” PARKER MCCOLLUM

“[McCollum] cycles through the stages of grief on this hard-hearted kiss-off to a failed relationship. By the time he soars into the final refrain, that scorched-earth policy feels downright cathartic.”  –Rolling Stone

“The smoldering heartache song bursts into flame on its bridge and keeps on burning to its smoking-ashes finale. McCollum’s delivery is appropriately edgy and pained. The man is a star.” –Music Row

“From the simmering, modulated opening to the blazing wildfire that lets rip in the chorus, ‘Burn It Down’ is a heartbreak track with an edge.” –Holler

“HUMAN,” CODY JOHNSON

Directed by Dustin Haney, who also filmed Cody’s “’Til You Can’t” music video that won Male Video of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. About “Human,” Cody Johnson says, “This video is a very candid look into my life behind the scenes and the journey to strike a balance. My favorite memory of the shoot was being on my horse, Booger, while filming in the river bottom. He worked really well down there and gave us some great footage. There are few feelings better than that.”

“IN YOUR LOVE,” TYLER CHILDERS

“The music video of compassion and caring we need right now.” –Rolling Stone

“Gripping, tender and essential.” –Billboard

“One of country music’s more interesting, boundary-pushing artists.” –Grammy.com

“An original artist dedicated to finding new ways to outdo himself.” –Associated Press

“Childers is the most essential mainstream country musician working right now.” –Paste

“NEXT THING YOU KNOW,” JORDAN DAVIS

“Jordan Davis‘ music hits you right in your soul.” –Men’s Journal

“… extraordinary consistency at the pinnacle of country music‘s mainstream.” –Tennessean

“Jordan Davis is s must listen” –Music Row

“Jordan Davis’ new song ‘Next Thing You Know’ will knock the wind out of you.” –Taste of Country

“TENNESSEE ORANGE,” MEGAN MORONEY

The “visuals for her intricate, heart-warming ballad,” as Holler notes, led to such triumphs as winning Breakthrough Female Video of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards

MUSIC EVENT

“CAN’T BREAK UP NOW,” OLD DOMINION, MEGAN MORONEY

Reigning and six-time consecutive ACM “Group of the Year” winner Old Dominion joins forces with one of country’s hottest breakout stars, Megan Moroney, for their sultry single, “Can’t Break Up Now.” Featured on the 13x platinumcertified band’s latest album, Memory Lane, the heartache ballad has amassed more than 47 million on-demand streams and is currently Top 20 at Country radio.

“DIFFERENT ‘ROUND HERE,” RILEY GREEN f/ LUKE COMBS

The collaboration scored multi-platinum singer-songwriter Riley Green his third No. 1 single at Country radio. The reimagined single boasts more than 364 million total streams and is acclaimed by fans and critics alike. Holler praised the track’s “sense of sepia-tinged charm and heartfelt emotionality,” while American Songwriter raved that the duo delivers “jaw-dropping harmonies that are stadium-ready.”

“I REMEMBER EVERYTHING,” ZACH BRYAN f/KACEY MUSGRAVES

Oklahoma native Zach Bryan has gone from serving in the U.S. Navy to standing at the forefront of Country as a Grammy Award-winning storyteller, performer, and once-in-a-generation voice. To date, he has accrued over 14.2 billion streams and earned 30 total RIAA gold and platinum certifications, including the now seven-timeplatinum “Something in the Orange” and the double platinum “I Remember Everything.” The latter secured him a 2024 Grammy Award win for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

“MAN MADE A BAR,” MORGAN WALLEN f/ERIC CHURCH

Longtime friends and business partners Wallen and Church performed their hit “Man Made A Bar” at the 57th annual CMA Awards

“Man Made A Bar (f/Eric Church)” will go down as Wallen’s 13th No. 1 single at Country radio; the sixth from One Thing At A Time.

“SAVE ME,” JELLY ROLL w/LAINEY WILSON

Nominated for Best Duo/Group Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, Jelly Roll’s No. 1 hit single “Save Me” set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights and platinum certification from the RIAA. Debuting the song with Lainey Wilson at the 2023 ACM Awards on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, “Save Me” became his third consecutive No. 1 single in 2023.

Note: Voting in the following categories is not open to the full Academy membership.

ARTIST-SONGWRITER

STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS

BASS PLAYER

Tony Lucido • Steve Mackey • Lex Price • Jimmie Lee Sloas • Craig Young

ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYER

Fred Eltringham • Evan Hutchings • Greg Morrow • Jerry Roe • Nir Z DRUMMER

Todd Lombardo • Danny Rader • Bryan Sutton • Ilya Toshinskiy • Charlie Worsham

Jim “Moose” Brown • David Dorn • Charlie Judge • Billy Justineau • Alex Wright PIANO/KEYS PLAYER

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT PLAYER

Dan Dugmore • Paul Franklin • Josh Matheny • Justin Schipper • Bryan Sutton

Tom Bukovac • Kris Donegan • Jedd Hughes • Rob McNelley • Sol Philcox-Littlefield ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYER

AUDIO ENGINEER

Drew Bollman • Jeff Braun • Jim Cooley • Jason Hall • Buckley Miller • F. Reid Shippen

Charlie Handsome • Dann Huff • Joey Moi • Jon Randall •Derek Wells PRODUCER

Choctaw Grand Theater – Durant, OK • Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood, SD Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT • Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort – Thackerville, OK • Resorts World Theatre At Resorts World Las Vegas

CASINO –THEATER Carolina Country Music Fest –Myrtle Beach, SC • CMC Rocks – Ipswich, Queensland • Crash My Playa – Riviera Cancun, Mexico • Tortuga Music Festival – Fort Lauderdale, FL • Windy City Smokeout – Chicago

ROMEO TALENT BUYER Golden Nugget – Lake Charles, LA • Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – Atlantic City, NJ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis • Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT • Mystic Lake Casino Showroom – Prior Lake, MN

CASINO –ARENA Auburn Rodeo – Opelika, AL • Cheyenne Frontier Days

8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis • Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth • Georgia Theatre – Athens Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL • Mission Ballroom – Denver

Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville • Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO • St. Augustine (FL) Amphitheatre • Santa Barbara (CA) Bowl • The Wharf Amphitheater – Orange Beach, AL

Gil Cunningham • Andrew Fortin

Nicole More

Stacy Vee

Ed Warm