The country music industry gathered in Las Vegas on May 17 for the 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards, a night defined by high-energy performances and a significant sweep by rising star Ella Langley. Held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and broadcast globally via Prime Video, the ceremony served as a definitive marker for the genre’s evolving sound. As the official 2026 ACM Awards: Complete Winners List reflects, the night was marked by a blend of established icons and artists who have defined the past twelve months of radio and streaming charts.
For those tracking the industry’s trajectory, the results highlight a shift toward songwriters who are increasingly finding success as recording artists. The event, hosted by Shania Twain, leaned heavily into the live experience, featuring a memorable show-opening performance by Lainey Wilson and a debut track from Miranda Lambert. Below, we break down the key categories and the artists who defined this year’s cycle.
A Night of Recognition for Ella Langley and Cody Johnson
The evening’s most prominent narrative belonged to Ella Langley, whose crossover success with “Choosin’ Texas” propelled her to the forefront of the night. Langley secured two of the most coveted honors—Song of the Year and Single of the Year—while also being named Female Artist of the Year. Her creative output was further recognized with the Artist-Songwriter of the Year award, cementing her status as a dual-threat performer in a competitive field. Langley’s momentum extended into her collaborative work, as her feature on Riley Green’s “Don’t Mind If I Do” took home the award for Music Event of the Year.
On the male side of the ledger, Cody Johnson solidified his position as a dominant force in modern country, earning the night’s top honor: Entertainer of the Year. In addition to the marquee prize, Johnson was named Male Artist of the Year, capping off a banner period for the artist. Other notable wins included Parker McCollum, who secured Album of the Year for his self-titled project, and genre stalwarts Brooks & Dunn, who earned Duo of the Year honors. The Red Clay Strays, meanwhile, were recognized as Group of the Year, a testament to their growing influence in the touring circuit.
Full List of 61st Annual ACM Award Winners
The Academy of Country Music, as established by its official governing body, recognizes excellence across a broad spectrum of roles, from performance to technical production. While some categories were determined prior to the live broadcast, the following list represents the full slate of winners for the 61st ceremony:
- Entertainer of the Year: Cody Johnson
- Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley
- Male Artist of the Year: Cody Johnson
- Group of the Year: The Red Clay Strays
- Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn
- Album of the Year: Parker McCollum, Parker McCollum
- Song of the Year: “Choosin’ Texas,” Ella Langley
- Single of the Year: “Choosin’ Texas,” Ella Langley
- New Female Artist of the Year: Avery Anna
- New Male Artist of the Year: Tucker Wetmore
- Music Event of the Year: “Don’t Mind If I Do,” Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
- Visual Media of the Year: “Cuckoo,” Stephen Wilson Jr.
- Songwriter of the Year: Jessie Jo Dillon
- Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Ella Langley
The Impact of the 2026 Ceremony
Beyond the trophies, the 2026 ACM Awards provided a snapshot of the current state of country music. The inclusion of diverse categories—such as Visual Media of the Year, which went to Stephen Wilson Jr. For the “Cuckoo” music video co-directed by Tim Cofield—underscores how essential high-quality video content has become to an artist’s promotional strategy. The pre-ceremony announcements for New Female Artist of the Year (Avery Anna) and New Male Artist of the Year (Tucker Wetmore) highlight the Academy’s focus on fostering the next generation of talent.
The performances themselves served as a bridge between established stars and emerging trends. Lainey Wilson’s performance of “Can’t Sit Still” set a high bar for the evening, while the Red Clay Strays’ rendition of “Demons in Your Choir” provided a gritty counterpoint to the more polished, pop-leaning hits. Miranda Lambert’s debut of “Crisco” served as a reminder of her enduring ability to command the stage, even as the industry shifts its focus toward the new class of award winners.
Summary of Key Award Distributions
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Songwriter of the Year | Jessie Jo Dillon |
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles in Las Vegas, the industry now turns its attention to the remainder of the touring season and the upcoming cycle of recordings. For the winners, these accolades provide significant leverage, often translating into increased radio play and higher billing at major summer festivals. The Academy of Country Music will continue to track eligibility for the 62nd annual awards, with updates expected to be released via their official channels in the coming months.
For fans and industry observers alike, the 2026 ACM Awards represent a pivotal moment where the line between traditional Nashville songwriting and modern, streaming-first production has blurred. As we look toward the next year of music, the success of artists like Langley and Johnson suggests that the genre is entering a phase defined by high-output, multi-hyphenate creators. We invite you to share your thoughts on this year’s winners and which performances stood out to you in the comments section below.
