ACM Awards 2026: One country star completely stole the show

Country music’s biggest stars gathered in Las Vegas on Sunday night for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, but by the end of the ceremony, one name had overshadowed nearly everyone else.

Hosted by Shania Twain at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the ACM Awards 2026 celebrated some of the genre’s biggest acts, standout performances and emotional tributes. Yet it was breakout country singer Ella Langley who walked away as the undeniable star of the night.

Langley swept all seven of her nominations, making her one of the evening’s biggest success stories. The singer-songwriter picked up Female Artist of the Year and scored major wins for her hit song ‘Choosin’ Texas’, which earned both Song of the Year and Single of the Year honours.

The Academy of Country Music recognises songwriting and recording contributions separately, meaning Langley received multiple trophies connected to the same track.

Accepting Female Artist of the Year, an emotional Langley thanked the women who supported her journey in country music.

“Thank you to the women in this category. To the women in this life,” she said, while praising fellow nominees including Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert and Kelsea Ballerini.

She also credited Lambert, who co-wrote and co-produced parts of her work, for believing in her artistry.

While Langley dominated the evening, Cody Johnson secured the ceremony’s biggest prize, taking home Entertainer of the Year ahead of nominees including Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson. Johnson also won Male Artist of the Year.

Parker McCollum added to the night’s biggest wins by securing Album of the Year for Parker McCollum, while Brooks & Dunn continued their long-running success after winning Duo of the Year.

The event also featured performances from several country music stars, including Langley, Johnson, Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves, who performed ‘Dry Spell’ from her recently released album Middle of Nowhere.

Elsewhere, an emotional tribute honoured late music executive Ben Vaughn, who died in January 2025. Before Dan + Shay performed their song ‘Say So’, singer Lauren Alaina delivered a heartfelt message about mental health awareness, urging those struggling to seek help.

The ceremony closed on a nostalgic note as Blake Shelton led a crowd singalong of Kenny Rogers’s classic ‘The Gambler’ in tribute to legendary songwriter Don Schlitz, who died last month.

Key ACM Awards 2026 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
• Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn
• Music Event of the Year: ‘Don’t Mind if I Do’, Riley Green featuring Ella Langley
• Song of the Year: ‘Choosin’ Texas’, Ella Langley