The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas delivered a defining moment for rising American country star Ella Langley, who dominated the night with an extraordinary haul of seven trophies, firmly establishing herself as one of the genre’s most prominent new voices.
Held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the 61st edition of the prestigious ceremony saw Langley emerge as the evening’s standout performer. She won every category in which she was nominated, including Female Artist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, and Single of the Year, all for her widely acclaimed track Choose in Texas. Her consistent success across categories reflected both her songwriting strength and her growing commercial appeal.
Visibly overwhelmed during multiple stage appearances, Langley struggled at times to articulate her emotions. Collecting her final award of the night, she paused before telling the audience, “I’m trying to speak, but I can’t,” before thanking her collaborators and supporters. She gave special acknowledgement to fellow artists Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert, both of whom she credited as major influences on her career.
While Langley dominated the headlines, the night’s most prestigious honour—Entertainer of the Year—went to Cody Johnson, marking a significant milestone in his career. He also secured the Male Artist of the Year award, reinforcing his status as one of country music’s leading contemporary figures. Accepting the top prize, Johnson reflected on his relationship with music, describing it as “the most powerful addiction in the world,” while emphasising his commitment to family life away from the stage.
Another notable highlight came from Parker McCollum, who won Album of the Year for his self-titled record. Accepting the award with humour, he joked that he had begun to think organisers might never call his name, drawing laughter from the audience.
The ceremony also featured energetic live performances, opening with last year’s Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated both established stars and emerging talent.
2026 ACM Awards – Key Winners
| Category | Winner | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Female Artist of the Year | Ella Langley | — |
| Artist-Songwriter of the Year | Ella Langley | — |
| Song of the Year | Ella Langley | Choose in Texas |
| Single of the Year | Ella Langley | Choose in Texas |
| Entertainer of the Year | Cody Johnson | — |
| Male Artist of the Year | Cody Johnson | — |
| Album of the Year | Parker McCollum | Parker McCollum |
With her sweeping success and rapid rise following her second studio album, industry observers are already suggesting that Ella Langley is a strong contender for the genre’s highest honours in the coming years, including Entertainer of the Year.