The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards showcased the brightest talents in country music on May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Notably, Ella Langley emerged as a highlight of the evening, winning multiple awards, while Cody Johnson was honored as the Entertainer of the Year.
Ella Langley Triumphs at ACM Awards
Ella Langley kicked off the night by winning the prestigious Song of the Year for her hit “Choosin’ Texas.” This award was presented to her by singer Michael Bublé. In her acceptance speech, Langley expressed gratitude to fans for their support. “I don’t know why you latched onto this song but thank you,” she said.
Her success continued with another win for Single of the Year, followed by a victory in the Music Event of the Year for her duet with Riley Green, “Don’t Mind if I Do.” Langley capped off her night by winning Female Artist of the Year, stating, “I would not be standing up here without the encouragement of so many women.”
Cody Johnson Named Entertainer of the Year
Cody Johnson took home the evening’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, after also being named Male Artist of the Year. In his speech, he emphasized the emotional power of music, saying, “They say that music is the sound of emotion.” Johnson dedicated his award to fellow artist Luke Combs, showcasing his camaraderie within the industry.
A Night of Celebrations and Performances
The ceremony featured a star-studded lineup and memorable performances, beginning with Lainey Wilson’s energetic opening number, “Can’t Sit Still.” Wilson, the previous two-time Entertainer of the Year, set an exciting tone for the evening.
- Miranda Lambert performed “Crisco.”
- Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis collaborated on “Ain’t A Bad Life.”
- Avery Anna reimagined “Bang Bang” from Nancy Sinatra.
- Little Big Town sang “Hey There Sunshine.”
Shania Twain hosted the event, marking her first time in this role after taking over for Reba McEntire. Twain highlighted the changes in the industry and honored the accomplishments of women in country music.
Additional Awards and Early Honors
- Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Ella Langley
- Songwriter of the Year: Jessie Jo Dillon (first to win three times consecutively)
- Visual Media of the Year: Stephen Wilson Jr. for “Cuckoo”
- New Female Artist of the Year: Avery Anna
- New Male Artist of the Year: Tucker Wetmore
Album of the Year went to Parker McCollum for his self-titled album, triumphing over contenders including Morgan Wallen and Zach Top. The night concluded with emotional performances, including Blake Shelton’s cover of “The Gambler,” a classic that has influenced country music for decades.
The 2026 ACM Awards was streamed live on Prime Video, Amazon Music on Twitch, and the Amazon Music app, allowing fans worldwide to witness this celebration of country music talent.
