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The Academy of Country Music Awards are just around the corner, returning for their 60th annual ceremony on May 8.
The show, which honors the accomplishments of the year’s top country music artists, will take place live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas and stream on Prime Video.
Ella Langley leads the pack with eight nominations and is followed by other top-nominated stars Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Riley Green, Post Malone, Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Combs.
While the night’s biggest honor is the entertainer of the year award, we’re here to break down who could take another coveted award: Male artist of the year.
Who is nominated for ACM male artist of the year?
2025 ACM male artist of the year nominees include Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen.
The same group was nominated for the award in 2024. Last year, the honor went to Chris Stapleton, who also won album of the year and artist-songwriter of the year.
Here’s a breakdown of who could win and the accolades that could earn them this year’s trophy.
Luke Combs
Luke Combs performs at Category 10, April 15, 2025.
The 35-year-old “When It Rains It Pours” singer could be the one to take home the male artist of the year award.
The North Carolina-born singer-songwriter had a big year in 2024. He released his fifth studio album, “Fathers & Sons” and performed a groundbreaking rendition of “Fast Car” alongside the song’s original songwriter and performer, Tracy Chapman, at the Grammy Awards in February.
Combs hit the road on his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour” and was the subject of a new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In June, Combs will headline Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival’s first country music headliner.
Cody Johnson
Cody Johnson performs at Bridgestone Arena Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.
This year, the 37-year-old Texas-born country artist wrapped up his “Leather Tour” in celebration of his 2023 album of the same name.
In November, Johnson released the “Leather Deluxe Edition,” a 25-track version of the lauded record that housed “I’m Gonna Love You,” “The Painter” and “Dirt Cheap.” Johnson also celebrated the No. 1 status of the latter two songs.
In March, Johnson released a single with Carin Leon, “She Hurts Like Tequila.”
Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll performs at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
In 2024, the 40-year-old Nashville native — born Jason DeFord — released his tenth record, “Beautifully Broken.”
Jelly Roll was nominated for two Grammy Awards in February and took home three CMT Awards in April.
He appeared as the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live,” performed at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, and embarked on the “Beautifully Broken Tour” with ERNEST and Alexandra Kay. The tour wrapped up in Nashville in November.
In April, Jelly Roll released a single with Brandon Lake, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton performs with Mickey Raphael, at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.
It’s been yet another significant year for Chris Stapleton.
Last year, he took home four ACM Awards, where he performed a duet with Dua Lipa. He also garnered a CMA Award for his song “White Horse” and hit the stage at the ceremony, performing alongside Post Malone.
Stapleton continued his “All-American Road Show” tour with support from The War and Treaty, Lainey Wilson, Allen Stone and Marcus King. He’ll continue his tour in June, starting on another leg that will run through October.
Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen performs during his One Night at a Time Tour concert at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Morgan Wallen spent 2024 collecting more accolades.
The 31-year-old Sneedville, Tenn. native won entertainer of the year at the 2024 CMA Awards, took home four Billboard Awards and released the top song of the summer, “I Had Some Help,” with Post Malone. The song topped the charts for 14 weeks.
Recently, Wallen announced the tracklist for his upcoming album “I’m The Problem,” which drops on May 16. Singles from the forthcoming record have already began making waves, including “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem” and “I’m A Little Crazy.”
To stay up to date with the ACM Awards, visit acmcountry.com.
Audrey Gibbs is a music reporter with The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: ACM Awards: Who could win male artist of the year? See nominees
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