The 59th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, held on May 16, 2024, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, marked a historic night for the genre. Lainey Wilson secured the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award, while Chris Stapleton and Jordan Davis earned top honors for Album and Song of the Year, respectively.
As we look back from the vantage point of 2026, the 2024 ACM Awards remain a definitive turning point in modern country music history. This was the year that solidified the "changing of the guard," where independent-minded artists and streaming-era powerhouses fully converged with the Nashville establishment. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire for a record-breaking 17th time, the ceremony was broadcast live on Prime Video, continuing the Academy’s successful transition into the digital-first era of awards programming.
The Crowning of a New Era: Lainey Wilson’s Historic Win
The most significant takeaway from the 2024 ACM Awards was the continued and meteoric rise of Lainey Wilson. By winning Entertainer of the Year, Wilson achieved a rare feat: the ACM "Triple Crown." This informal but highly respected achievement occurs when an artist wins New Female Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year over the course of their career.
Wilson’s victory was not merely a popularity contest; it was a reflection of her relentless touring schedule and her ability to bridge the gap between traditional "heartland" country and mainstream appeal. In addition to the top prize, she also walked away with Female Artist of the Year, underscoring her dominance in the industry. Her performances throughout the night, including a high-energy rendition of "Hang Tight Honey," demonstrated why the voting body—comprised of professional members of the Academy—viewed her as the quintessential face of the genre in 2024.
Comprehensive List of 2024 ACM Award Winners
The 59th ceremony featured a mix of veteran hitmakers and fresh faces. Below is the verified list of winners across the primary categories, reflecting the official records from the Academy of Country Music.
| Category | Winner | Associated Work |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainer of the Year | Lainey Wilson | N/A |
| Female Artist of the Year | Lainey Wilson | N/A |
| Male Artist of the Year | Chris Stapleton | N/A |
| Duo of the Year | Dan + Shay | N/A |
| Group of the Year | Old Dominion | N/A |
| New Female Artist of the Year | Megan Moroney | N/A |
| New Male Artist of the Year | Nate Smith | N/A |
| New Duo or Group of the Year | Tigirlily Gold | N/A |
| Album of the Year | Higher | Chris Stapleton |
| Single of the Year | "Fast Car" | Luke Combs |
| Song of the Year | "Next Thing You Know" | Jordan Davis |
| Music Event of the Year | "Save Me" | Jelly Roll with Lainey Wilson |
| Visual Media of the Year | "Burn It Down" | Parker McCollum |
| Songwriter of the Year | Jessie Jo Dillon | N/A |
| Artist-Songwriter of the Year | Chris Stapleton | N/A |
Deep Dive: Key Category Analysis and Industry Impact
The Song of the Year: "Next Thing You Know"
Jordan Davis’s win for Song of the Year for "Next Thing You Know" highlighted a shift toward grounded, life-cycle storytelling. Unlike the "Single of the Year" category, which honors the artist and producer for the recorded track, the Song of the Year award is specifically geared toward the songwriters. Davis, along with co-writers Greylan James, Chase McGill, and Josh Osborne, was recognized for a narrative that resonated deeply with listeners—tracking the progression of a relationship from a chance meeting to the birth of a child.
The Phenomenon of "Fast Car"
Luke Combs’s win for Single of the Year with his cover of Tracy Chapman’s "Fast Car" was a unique moment in ACM history. While Chapman’s original is a folk-rock staple, Combs’s version brought the song to a massive new audience, topping country charts and proving the cross-genre viability of well-crafted songwriting. The award served as a testament to Combs’s vocal power and his ability to curate material that honors country roots while pushing the boundaries of the format.
The Stapleton Sweep
Chris Stapleton remains a favorite among industry voters, and 2024 was no exception. Winning Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Higher, Stapleton reinforced his position as the "musician's musician." Higher was praised by critics for its soul-infused production and Stapleton’s signature vocal grit. His victory in the Album category was particularly notable, as he was competing against high-commercial-impact records from Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs. This suggests that the ACM voting body continues to place a high premium on technical musicianship and cohesive artistic vision.
Performance Highlights and Unforgettable Moments
The 2024 ACM Awards were designed to be a high-octane showcase of live talent. Because the event was hosted at the Ford Center at The Star—the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys—the scale of the production was massive.
Reba McEntire’s Hosting and Performance
Reba McEntire’s return as host provided a sense of continuity and prestige. Beyond her comedic timing and poise, she performed her new single "I Can’t," backed by a powerful choir. Her presence acted as a bridge between the genre’s storied past and its modern iteration.
Post Malone’s Country Debut
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Post Malone’s debut on the ACM stage. His transition into country music was one of the biggest stories of 2024. During the broadcast, he performed "Never Love You Again" and was later joined by Morgan Wallen for their collaboration "I Had Some Help." This moment signaled the industry's official embrace of outside superstars who sought to integrate into the Nashville ecosystem.
The Jelly Roll Influence
Jelly Roll, who had been a breakout star in 2023, continued his momentum into 2024. Winning Music Event of the Year for "Save Me" with Lainey Wilson, his emotional acceptance speech became a viral highlight. His success represented the expanding definition of country music, incorporating elements of rock, rap, and gospel.
The Technical Shift: Streaming and Accessibility
The 2024 ceremony continued the partnership between the ACM and Amazon Prime Video. This was a strategic move aimed at capturing a younger, more global audience. Unlike traditional cable broadcasts, the streaming format allowed for:
- Global Reach: Fans in over 240 countries could watch the ceremony live without the need for regional cable subscriptions.
- Extended Content: The Red Carpet Show and the "official" after-party segments were integrated into the Prime Video interface, providing a seamless viewing experience.
- Real-Time Engagement: Integration with Amazon Music allowed viewers to instantly stream the winning songs and nominated albums, creating a direct link between the awards and commercial consumption.
Understanding the Voting Process
A common question among viewers is how these winners are selected. The ACM Awards are unique because they are voted on by the Professional Members of the Academy of Country Music. This group includes:
- Artists, producers, and songwriters.
- Record label executives and managers.
- Radio programmers and digital service providers.
- Venue owners and talent agents.
The process involves two rounds of voting. In the first round, members nominate their choices in each category. The top nominees are then moved to a final ballot, where the members vote once more to determine the winner. This "peer-to-peer" system is why winning an ACM Award is often considered a high professional honor—it represents the respect of one's colleagues and competitors.
Looking Forward: The Legacy of the 2024 Winners
From our perspective in 2026, we can see that the 2024 winners paved the way for the current landscape. Megan Moroney’s win for New Female Artist of the Year was the precursor to her current status as a stadium-headlining act. Similarly, Nate Smith’s New Male Artist win solidified his position as a powerhouse on country radio.
The 2024 highlights also underscored the importance of the Texas country music scene. By hosting the event in Frisco, the ACMs acknowledged the massive influence of the Texas/Red Dirt movement on the national stage, a trend that has only grown stronger in the years following the 59th ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most awards at the 2024 ACMs?
Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton were the night’s biggest winners. Wilson took home three major awards: Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year (shared with Jelly Roll). Chris Stapleton also secured three awards: Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (as artist), and Album of the Year (as producer).
Why was "Fast Car" eligible for an ACM Award in 2024?
Under ACM rules, a song or single is eligible if it achieved significant chart activity or commercial impact within the eligibility period (typically the previous calendar year through early spring). Luke Combs’s version of "Fast Car" was released in 2023 and dominated the airwaves throughout that year and into early 2024, making it a prime candidate for Single of the Year.
Where did the 2024 ACM Awards take place?
The 59th ACM Awards were held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. This was the second consecutive year the ceremony was held at this venue, which serves as the training facility and corporate headquarters for the Dallas Cowboys.
How can I watch the 2024 ACM Awards now?
As of 2026, full replays of the 2024 ACM Awards are typically available on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers. Highlight clips, individual performances, and acceptance speeches are also officially maintained on the Academy of Country Music’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Did Morgan Wallen win any awards in 2024?
Despite being one of the most commercially successful artists of the year and receiving multiple nominations, Morgan Wallen did not win in the major categories at the 2024 ACM Awards. This sparked significant discussion among fans and industry analysts regarding the differences between fan-voted awards and peer-voted awards.
What is the difference between "Song of the Year" and "Single of the Year"?
This is a frequent point of confusion. Song of the Year is an award for the songwriters and publishers; it honors the composition itself. Single of the Year is an award for the artist, producer, and record label; it honors the specific recording and its performance on the charts.
Final Recommendation for Fans
For those looking to explore the musical impact of the 2024 winners, the best next step is to listen to the "2024 ACM Winners" playlist on Amazon Music or Spotify. Specifically, pay attention to the production quality of Chris Stapleton’s Higher and the lyrical depth of Jordan Davis’s "Next Thing You Know." These works defined the sonic landscape of the mid-2020s and continue to influence the new artists emerging today in 2026. If you are interested in the history of the awards, the Official Academy of Country Music website provides an extensive archive of all past winners and nominees dating back to the first ceremony in 1966.
