Ella Langley and Cody Johnson Dominate 2026 ACM Awards: A Night of Record-Breaking Wins and Country Music’s New Stars
Las Vegas, May 18, 2026 — The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs) delivered a historic night of triumphs, with rising star Ella Langley and chart-topping artist Cody Johnson emerging as the evening’s biggest winners. Held Sunday, May 17, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the ceremony—hosted by Shania Twain in her debut—celebrated the evolution of country music while crowning new icons in an industry known for its resilience, and reinvention.
— ### A Night Defined by Record-Breaking Wins and Heartfelt Moments #### Ella Langley: The “New Queen of Country” Takes Center Stage Langley, widely hailed as the new queen of modern country, secured an unprecedented five awards, including:
- Female Artist of the Year
- Artist of the Year
- Single of the Year for *”Choosin’ Texas”*
- Song of the Year for *”Choosin’ Texas”* (co-written with Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor, and Luke Dick)
- Music Video of the Year for *”Choosin’ Texas”* (awarded to the Red Clay Strays)
In a tearful acceptance speech, Langley credited the women who shaped her career, including Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lainey Wilson. *”This is a weird thing to do, and today, I was having a strange day,”* she said, recalling how Wilson’s emotional support and Lambert’s encouragement had carried her through challenges. *”I would not be standing up here without the women in this life.”* Her victory caps a meteoric rise for Langley, whose blend of traditional country storytelling and contemporary production has redefined the genre’s sound. *”Choosin’ Texas”*—a narrative-driven track about love, loyalty, and the complexities of modern relationships—resonated deeply with audiences, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. — #### Cody Johnson: The Undisputed Entertainer of the Year Johnson, the face of “Texas red dirt” country, swept the top honors with:
- Entertainer of the Year
- Male Artist of the Year
His dominance reflects the growing influence of Texas-based country artists, a trend underscored by his No. 1 hit *”The Fall”* and a discography that bridges traditional country with modern storytelling. Johnson’s wins solidified his status as the genre’s leading voice, following a year of record-breaking tour attendance and streaming milestones. — ### Key Takeaways: Who Won What at the 2026 ACMs?
| Category | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainer of the Year | Cody Johnson | Luke Combs, Riley Green, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top |
| Female Artist of the Year | Ella Langley | Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson |
| Album of the Year | Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum | Zach Top – Ain’t In It For My Health, Carter Faith – Cherry Valley, Riley Green – Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), Morgan Wallen – I’m The Problem |
| Single of the Year | Ella Langley – *”Choosin’ Texas” | Lainey Wilson – *”Can’t Sit Still”*, Thomas Rhett & Jordan Davis – *”Ain’t a Bad Life”*, Kelsea Ballerini – *”Home Town Hero”*, Zach Top – *”Ain’t In It For My Health” |
| Song of the Year | Ella Langley, Joybeth Taylor, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert – *”Choosin’ Texas” | Lainey Wilson – *”Can’t Sit Still”*, Thomas Rhett & Jordan Davis – *”Ain’t a Bad Life”*, Kelsea Ballerini – *”Home Town Hero”*, Zach Top – *”Ain’t In It For My Health” |
| New Male Artist of the Year | Parker McCollum | Tucker Wetmore, Cole Swindell, Zach Top, Jelly Roll |
| New Female Artist of the Year | Avery Anna | Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Bailey Zimmerman |
| Group of the Year | Red Clay Strays | Old Dominion, The Band Perry, Lady A, Little Big Town |
— ### A Showcase of Country Music’s Evolution The 2026 ACMs highlighted the genre’s dynamic shifts, with performances that ranged from Lainey Wilson’s electrifying debut of *”Can’t Sit Still”* to Miranda Lambert’s theatrical rendition of *”Crisco”* under a disco saddle. Kacey Musgraves closed the night with *”Dry Spell”* from her latest album, *Middle of Nowhere*, reinforcing her status as a bridge between traditional and contemporary country. The ceremony also celebrated diversity in presentation, with a star-studded lineup of presenters including Keith Urban, Ashley McBryde, and Shaboozey, reflecting the industry’s growing inclusivity. — ### What’s Next for Country Music? Langley’s historic wins signal a new era for female artists in country, while Johnson’s dominance underscores the enduring appeal of Texas-infused storytelling. With Parker McCollum and Avery Anna also taking home top honors, the ACMs sent a clear message: country music is not just surviving but thriving, driven by innovation and authenticity. As the genre continues to evolve, one thing is certain—this year’s awards were a testament to the power of storytelling, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of country music. —