Celebrating Talent: Highlights from the 61st ACM Awards

Ella Langley’s Memorable Triumphs

Ella Langley dominated the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. She opened the night by winning Song of the Year for her hit “Choosin’ Texas.” Langley expressed gratitude to her fans, saying, “Thank you to the fans. I don’t know why you latched on to this song but thank you for doing it.”

Her success continued as she won Single of the Year for the same track. Langley also joined Riley Green to receive the award for Music Event of the Year with their duet “Don’t Mind if I Do.” Further acclaim came when she was announced Female Artist of the Year. Langley acknowledged the influence of women in her life, saying, “I would not be standing up here without the encouragement of so many women.”

Cody Johnson’s Top Honors

Cody Johnson took home the prestigious award of Entertainer of the Year. He remarked on his passion for music, “They say that music is the sound of emotion. I get to convey that through this thing that God gave me called music.” Johnson also won Male Artist of the Year and dedicated his Entertainer of the Year award to Luke Combs.

An Evening of Unforgettable Performances

The event featured appearances from top country music artists. Lainey Wilson opened the show with “Can’t Sit Still,” a powerful anthem of ambition. Following this, Miranda Lambert performed “Crisco,” while Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis teamed up for “Ain’t A Bad Life.”

Other performances included Avery Anna’s reinterpretation of “Bang Bang,” Riley Green’s “Change My Mind,” and Zach Top’s “Honky Tonk Till It Hurts.” Little Big Town captivated audiences with “Hey There Sunshine,” and The Red Clay Strays impressed with “Demons in Your Choir.”

Hosts and Honorees

Shania Twain, hosting for the first time, congratulated Lainey Wilson on her recent wedding. Reflecting on her own career, Twain shared memories of her first ACM Award win 30 years ago. Group of the Year was awarded to The Red Clay Strays, while Brooks & Dunn received Duo of the Year.

Pre-Event Honors

Before the main event, Ella Langley was named Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Jessie Jo Dillon achieved the distinction of Songwriter of the Year for the third consecutive time. Stephen Wilson Jr. won Visual Media of the Year for “Cuckoo.” New Female Artist of the Year went to Avery Anna, and New Male Artist to Tucker Wetmore.

Additional Highlights

Performances continued with Carter Faith’s “If I Had Never Lost My Mind,” Cody Johnson’s “Travelin’ Soldier,” and Kane Brown’s “Woman.” The highly competitive Album of the Year award was won by Parker McCollum for his self-titled album, surpassing works by Morgan Wallen and Zach Top.

The evening concluded with Dan + Shay’s “Say So,” dedicated to Ben Vaughn, followed by Blake Shelton’s rendition of “The Gambler,” honoring the late songwriter Don Schlitz. This touching tribute recalled the song’s significant impact on country and pop music.

The 2026 ACM Awards were streamed on Prime Video and other platforms, showcasing the vibrant talent of contemporary country music.