Ella Langley, Cody Johnson Lead New Era At 61st ACM Awards [Recap]

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Cody Johnson accepts the award for Male Artist of the Year at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards brought country music back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last night (May 17), delivering one of the strongest and most forward-looking telecasts the genre has seen in recent years. Hosted by Shania Twain, the evening struck a balance between honoring established superstars and ushering in a new generation of artists clearly stepping into arena-headliner status.

Ella Langley performs at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The show opened with a burst of energy as Lainey Wilson kicked things off with her lively new single “Can’t Sit Still,” immediately setting the tone for a fast-moving night filled with strong performances and emotional acceptance speeches. Twain welcomed the crowd to Las Vegas before the performances continued with Miranda Lambert performing her new song “Crisco,” followed by Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis teaming up for “Ain’t A Bad Life.”

One of the night’s earliest standout moments came when Michael Bublé presented the Song of the Year award, and paused to honor late songwriter Don Schlitz, whose influence could be felt throughout the night. The award went to breakout star Ella Langley and her co-writers Joybeth Taylor, Luke Dick and Lambert for “Choosin’ Texas,” further cementing the song’s status as one of the defining hits of the last year. Langley later returned to the stage to accept Single of the Year alongside producers Lambert and Ben West.

Langley ultimately emerged as the night’s biggest winner with seven ACM trophies overall, including Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Prior to the telecast, she was also named Artist-Songwriter of the Year. More than just a dominant awards showing, however, the evening felt like a coronation moment for Langley, whose performances and speeches consistently landed with sincerity.

The Red Clay Strays perform at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The show also highlighted the genre’s continued embrace of developing artists. New Female Artist of the Year winner Avery Anna delivered a rocking rendition of “Blood Runs Thicker,” while New Male Artist of the Year winner Tucker Wetmore performed his hit “Brunette” later in the evening.

Group of the Year went to The Red Clay Strays for the first time following their New Group of the Year victory last year. Frontman Brandon Coleman delivered one of the night’s most endearing speeches, saying, “We’re just some rednecks from Mobile, Alabama. We never thought we’d make it this far.” The band later backed up the win with a thunderous performance of “Demons In Your Choir,” widely considered one of the strongest performances of the broadcast.

Elsewhere, Green leaned into his trademark charisma with a smoldering rendition of “Change My Mind,” while Zach Top continued his rapid rise with the traditional-leaning “Honky Tonk Till It Hurts,” bringing a dose of classic country flavor to the arena.

The Duo of the Year category once again belonged to Brooks & Dunn, who collected the honor for the 18th time and extended their ACM total to 32 wins overall. Accepting the trophy, the duo joked, “I don’t know why you aren’t getting sick of us, but God bless you for hanging with us, because we love it with y’all.” Meanwhile, Little Big Town debuted a new song, “Hey There Sunshine,” continuing the night’s blend of veteran acts and newer stars.

Riley Green performs at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

One of the clearest themes throughout the evening was the emphasis on songwriting and artistry. Kacey Musgraves showcased her trademark wit and restraint on “Dry Spell,” while Langley chose to strip her performance of “Be Her” down to acoustic guitars and a haunting minor-key arrangement that spotlighted her songwriting depth. Carter Faith also delivered a standout performance with “If I Had Never Lost My Mind,” continuing her steady emergence as one of Nashville’s most compelling young voices.

Another emotional turning point came when Langley accepted Female Artist of the Year for the first time. Tearfully thanking the women in the room, she spoke about the support she has received from Wilson, Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini and others, underscoring the collaborative spirit currently shaping much of the genre’s next generation.

The night also belonged to Cody Johnson, who took home both Male Artist of the Year and his first Entertainer of the Year trophy. Johnson continued his strong run with a moving performance of “Travelin’ Soldier,” while later reflecting during his acceptance speech on childhood memories of singing Rick Trevino songs from his bunk bed and dreaming of becoming an entertainer himself. In one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, Johnson’s first-time win of the Entertainer of the Year honor, he said that “music is the sound of emotion” before dedicating the award to fellow nominee Luke Combs.

Parker McCollum accepts the award for Album of the Year for “Parker McCollum” at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Parker McCollum also had a major evening, earning his first Album of the Year win for his self-titled record. Presented by Keith Urban, the award marked another milestone in McCollum’s steady ascent. During his speech, he thanked his team and shared a sweet moment dedicated to his pregnant wife, Hallie Ray. Earlier in the night, McCollum also welcomed country icon Lee Ann Womack to perform “Killin’ Me.”

Another especially powerful moment came from Dan + Shay, whose performance of “Say So” in partnership with ACM Lifting Lives spotlighted mental health and suicide prevention in tribute to late Music Row executive Ben Vaughn. Introduced by Lauren Alaina, the performance resonated deeply inside the arena and served as one of the show’s most meaningful moments.

Additional standout performances included Kane Brown taking over the arena floor with “Woman,” while former ACM Awards host Blake Shelton closed the show with a powerful rendition of “The Gambler” in tribute to Kenny Rogers and songwriter Schlitz.

Overall, the 61st ACM Awards succeeded because it felt reflective of where country music currently stands. The show honored legends while confidently leaning into a new class of stars who already feel capable of carrying the genre forward. Between Langley’s breakout night, Johnson’s Entertainer of the Year victory and breakthrough moments from artists like The Red Clay Strays and Carter Faith, the telecast delivered a clear picture of country music’s evolving future.

LB Cantrell
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