Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, and the ACM Awards Record-Holders
The Titans of the ACM Awards
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards have long served as a barometer for excellence in country music. As the industry prepares for the 2026 ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, it is an opportune moment to examine the artists who have etched their names into the record books. Leading the charge is Miranda Lambert, who holds the distinction of having won more ACM Awards than any other artist in history, with 33 trophies to her name. With eight nominations this year, including female artist of the year and song of the year, she remains a formidable force in the genre.
Similarly, the legendary duo Brooks & Dunn continue to dominate their category. With 17 wins for duo of the year and 26 overall, they remain the gold standard for country duos. Meanwhile, Old Dominion has successfully carved out their own legacy, surpassing Rascal Flatts for the most wins in the group of the year category, currently standing at eight.
Chasing History: The Next Generation of Records
Chris Stapleton is currently positioned to make significant history at the 2026 awards. With six nominations, he is within striking distance of George Strait’s record for the most ACM Awards by a male artist (19). Furthermore, a win for male artist of the year would tie him with Merle Haggard for the most wins in that category, totaling six.
It is important to note the specific criteria the Academy uses for these records. Only awards voted on by ACM members are counted; honorary, milestone, decade, and humanitarian awards are excluded from the official “win” tallies. Additionally, the ACM recognizes creative versatility, allowing artists to receive credit for wins as producers or songwriters in categories such as album, single, and music event of the year.
A Breakdown of ACM Record-Holders
- Most Overall Wins: Miranda Lambert (33)
- Most Overall Wins by a Male Solo Artist: George Strait (19)
- Most Overall Wins by a Duo: Brooks & Dunn (26)
- Most Overall Wins by a Group: Alabama (18)
- Most Wins for Entertainer of the Year: Garth Brooks (6)
- Most Wins for Female Artist of the Year: Miranda Lambert (9)
- Most Wins for Male Artist of the Year: Merle Haggard (6)
- Most Wins for Group of the Year: Old Dominion (8)
- Most Wins for Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn (17)
- Most Wins for Album of the Year: Chris Stapleton (8)
- Most Wins for Single of the Year: Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, George Strait (4 each)
- Most Wins for Song of the Year: Miranda Lambert (7)
- Most Wins for Visual Media of the Year: Brad Paisley (5)
- Most Wins for Music Event of the Year: Keith Urban (5)
- Most Wins for Songwriter of the Year: Dallas Davidson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally (2 each)
- Most Wins for Producer of the Year: Jay Joyce (6)
- Most Wins for Audio Engineer of the Year: Justin Niebank (9)
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