Unveiling the Hottest Rising Stars: A Look Into The ACM New Artist Nominees!

The 59th annual ACM awards announced their list of nominees last week and they have given vast recognition to artist's throughout the industry- from emerging singers to veterans in the industry. Evidently, we have seen a new wave of artists emerging lately. Artists whose biggest audience was previously a phone screen and a couple hundred people on TikTok has a turned into a popularity surge of playing sold out crowds nationwide, headlining festivals, and even getting to tour with their heroes.

Megan Moroeny Via Facebook | Ernest - Delaney Royer - Tigirlily Gold Via Facebook

The ACMs recognized these milestones for these breakthrough artists and wowed everyone with their new artist nominees this year.

New Female Artist Of The Year Nominees

Kassi Ashton

California, Missouri native, Kassi Ashton is a creative through and through. From designing and hand-crafting her full wardrobe to cultivating her own corner of country, there is no box that could contain her. Ashton has a charismatic charm to her music that permeates the lyrics and has an energy that was clearly influenced by artists like Fleetwood Mac. She does not shy away from telling it like it is while putting a witty and humorous spin to the cold hard truth, just like in her Instagram reels.

Ashley Cooke

Becoming an overnight sensation from TikTok cover videos to recently reaching the top 10 on country radio with "It Ain't Your Place", Ashley Cooke has had a heck of a past few years. Between her Nissan Stadium debut last June to winning her first fan-voted award at the CMTs to debuting her first full length album, the ACMs decided to add to the list of firsts with her nomination. Ashley Cooke's songwriting has touched many and there are no brakes in her path to halt this.

Hannah Ellis

Kentucky native and Curb Records recording artist, Hannah is no stranger to the spotlight. Having been recognized from her audition on The Voice, to touring with artists like Carly Pearce, and stepping into The Circle for the first time on September 28th- acquiring her first ACM award nomination only adds to her stunning resume. Having recently added to her discography with her debut album and reaching millions of streams on songs like "Too Much And Not Enough", we have a feeling that this won't be her last nomination.

Kylie Morgan

Between hosting writers rounds at The Listening Room Cafe to going on her debut headlining tour, Kylie has been grabbing worldwide attention from her blazing live shows all the way to becoming one of social media's favorite artists. This new artist of the year nominee has already acquired nearly 2 million month Spotify listeners, which features fan-favorite "If He Wanted To He Would". Becoming an ACM nominee came as no surprise as she has been having a record year already.

Megan Moroney

Everyone's favorite emo cowgirl who writes sad songs for happy people is making her debut on the ACMs list as well. She is up for 5 other awards, most of which are in partnership with her #1 single "Tennessee Orange". Moroney's hard work has been evident through touring for acts like Kenny Chesney, making waves on the radio charts, and playing massive festivals like CMA Fest year after year. We are eager to see if Moroney will take the stage, adding to the list of jaw-dropping performers.

New Male Artist Of The Year Nominees

ERNEST

Having taken the stage with artists like Morgan Wallen time and time again, as well as sharing the studio with other A-List country star Lainey Wilson, an ACM nomination was evidently in the pathway for Ernest's next career milestone. He is also up for singer-songwriter of the year as he has co-written many Wallen and Florida Georgia Line songs, such as "Flower Shops". Transforming from the "behind the scenes" side of the industry to the spotlight, Ernest has quickly gained a loyal fanbase over the last few years.

Kameron Marlowe

The "Giving You Up" singer is another first time nominee this year. Gearing up for his sophomore album, Keepin' The Lights On, May will be a big month for him as he is also wrapping up his headlining tour. We Were Cowboys was his debut record with Sony and features fan favorites from "Girl On Fire" to "Over Now", which truly never get old. He has also been featured on duets with artists like Megan Moroney and Lauren Watkins.

Dylan Scott

Reigning 4 #1 singles on country radio, the "My Girl" singer is returning to the ACMs with yet another nomination. Starting this year off with "What He'll Never Have" reaching half a million streams upon its release and non-stop touring through the fall, Scott has been working hard to attain another nomination this year.

Conner Smith

The Chattanooga and North Carolina native will be making his appearance at the ACM awards this year with his inaugural nomination. The "Creek Will Rise" singer, which was featured on the Hot 100 chart, began 2024 with a major impact by releasing his debut full length album, Smoky Mountains, which hosts a plethora of emotions from nostalgic tunes to edgy riffs. He has had a breakthrough of a past couple of years and this nomination caps it all off.

Nate Smith

Holding the title for Billboard's longest running no. 1 song at the top of the charts with "World on Fire", Nate Smith has been making history and has no agenda on stopping. With "Bulletproof" climbing the charts, following in the footsteps of its predeccesor, "Whiskey On You", Nate Smith is leading a new era in country music and the ACMs honored him for it.

New Duo or Group Of The Year Nominees

Neon Union

The the country and pop collaboration that is Neon Union, they have been seen all over the country opening for artists like Hardy and Pitbull. They have been writing songs since their early teens, before meeting and becoming the breakthrough duo that they are. Their most recent release, "This Side of the Dirt" has easily become a fan favorite in conjunction with "Bout Damn Time".

Restless Road

"Last Rodeo" is the album that has been on repeat for so many since its release in October 2023. Clearly, it has been for the ACMs as well. Performing at CMA Fest and Country Thunder in Florida, fans have been won over by them. With over 1 million monthly listeners and adding to to their discography with writing for Rascal Flatts and Granger Smith, there is no telling where they could go next.

Tigirlily Gold

Overnight social media sensation has gone from covers on TikTok and playing free writers rounds in Nashville to being a CMT and now ACM nominated duo. Winning the hearts of not just fans but artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, and Dasha, they began their career with a routine set at Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row and it has grown into so much more since signing with their record label and releasing song after song. Currently "I Tried A Ring On" is the one that is capturing the hearts of fans and the music industry nationwide.

As we await talented nominees hitting the red carpet on May 16th, the performers are being announced and we hope to see some new artists stun the crowd. Sending a huge congratulations over to all of the new artist nominees. Can't wait to watch it soon!