Ella Langley sweeps 2026 ACM Awards, Cody Johnson wins Entertainer of the Year
(Cover photo: Ella Langley and Cody Johnson at the 2026 ACM Awards)
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards returned to Las Vegas on May 17, 2026, with a star-packed ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena that celebrated country music’s biggest names — and crowned Ella Langley as the night’s breakout star.
Hosted by country icon Shania Twain, the awards streamed live on Prime Video and marked the ACMs’ return to Las Vegas after three years in Frisco, Texas. Twain replaced recent host Reba McEntire and helped lead a ceremony dominated by female artists, major crossover hits, and emotional live performances.
Langley emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, sweeping all seven categories in which she was nominated. Her hit “Choosin’ Texas” captured both Song of the Year and Single of the Year, while the rising star also won Female Artist of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. She additionally shared Music Event of the Year honors with Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
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Cody Johnson took home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award and also won Male Artist of the Year, cementing his continued rise as one of country music’s biggest headliners.
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Other major winners included Parker McCollum, whose self-titled album won Album of the Year; Brooks & Dunn, who earned Duo of the Year; and The Red Clay Strays, who won Group of the Year. Jessie Jo Dillon was named Songwriter of the Year, while newcomers Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore earned the new artist honors.
The ceremony also featured several buzzworthy performances, including Miranda Lambert debuting her new song “Crisco,” Lainey Wilson opening the show with “Can’t Sit Still,” and The Red Clay Strays performing “Demons in Your Choir.”
No major controversies overshadowed the show, though Morgan Wallen’s heavily nominated album I’m the Problem was shut out of the top categories despite strong commercial success. The night instead became a celebration of emerging talent and women-led country music, themes highlighted repeatedly throughout the broadcast.
Major 2026 ACM Awards Winners
- Entertainer of the Year: Cody Johnson
- Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley
- Male Artist of the Year: Cody Johnson
- Album of the Year: Parker McCollum — Parker McCollum
- Song of the Year: “Choosin’ Texas” — Ella Langley
- Single of the Year: “Choosin’ Texas” — Ella Langley
- Group of the Year: The Red Clay Strays
- Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn
- New Female Artist: Avery Anna
- New Male Artist: Tucker Wetmore
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(Sources: People, Billboard, Rolling Stone, MSN)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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