The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards took over the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tonight (May 17). The evening was hosted by global icon Shania Twain.
The night’s top honor, the Entertainer of the Year, went to Cody Johnson, as well as Male Artist of the Year. Parker McCollum took home Album of the Year for his self-titled collection.
Ella Langley picked up four trophies throughout the evening, including Female Artist of the Year, Song and Single of the Year with her global smash “Choosin’ Texas,” and Musical Event Of The Year with Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Before the telecast, Langley also was named Artist-Songwriter of the year.
The Red Clay Strays earned the win for Group of the Year. Brooks & Dunn added another Duo of the Year trophy to their collection.
Several winners were announced ahead of the show, including Avery Anna, who earned New Female Artist of the Year. Tucker Wetmore was named New Male Artist of the Year, and Stephen Wilson Jr. picked up the win for Visual Media of the Year for “Cuckoo.” Jessie Jo Dillon also made history with her Songwriter of the Year win.
61st ACM Award Winners:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson- WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
GROUP OF THE YEAR
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays- WINNER
DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn- WINNER
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Avery Anna- WINNER
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore- WINNER
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
Cherry Valley – Carter Faith
Producer: Tofer Brown
Record Company-Label: Gatsby Records / MCA
Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) – Riley Green
Producer: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett
Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records
Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum- WINNER
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse
Record Company-Label: MCA
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure
Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs for the Munch Music; Songs of Influence; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon
Publishers: Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music; Big Music Machine
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley- WINNER
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
Publishers: Bada Bing & Bada Langley Publishing; Little Louder Songs; Sony Music Publishing
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols
Publishers: Music and Magazine Publishing; Rio Bravo Music Inc; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Too Broke to Quit Music; Zach Top Music
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg
Publishers: Concord Sounds; Dtown Boogie Music; Emi Feist Catalog Inc; Songs Of Riser House; Songs Of Wild Cat Well Music; Sony/ATV Countryside; Story Farmer; Tacklebox Music Publishing
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley- WINNER
Producers: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Producers: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Broken Bow Records
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music / Warner Records Nashville
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb
Record Company-Label: Republic Records
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
Producers: Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook
Record Company-Label: Empire
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley- WINNER
Producers: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
Producers: Tony Brown, Reba McEntire
Record Company-Label: MCA
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: CeCe Dawson, Megan Moroney
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: James Stratakis
Director: Alexa King Stone, Stephen Kinigopoulos
“Cuckoo” -Stephen Wilson, Jr.- WINNER
Producers: Tim Cofield
Director: Tim Cofield
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Katie Babbage
Director: TK McKamy
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon- WINNER
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen
Keith Urban Headlines ‘ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash’
/by Lauryn SinkKeith Urban. Photo: David Becker/Getty Images for ACM
Keith Urban took the stage on Saturday (May 16) at Mandalay Bay Beach for “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash.”
The event featured performances from Flatland Cavalry, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Braxton Keith and Tucker Wetmore, as well as members of the Opry NextStage Class of 2026 including Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts and Hudson Westbrook. Urban surprised the crowd with Little Big Town.
The event took place ahead of last night’s ACM Awards, held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Wetmore took home New Male Artist of the Year.
Pictured (L-R): Willow Avalon, Dasha, Vincent Mason, Tyler Braden, Hudson Westbrook, Ashley Cooke, Graham Barham, Emily Ann Roberts, Alexandra Kay. Photo: Courtesy of Chris Hollo
Keith Urban & Little Big Town. Photo: David Becker/Getty Images for ACM
Ella Langley, Cody Johnson Lead New Era At 61st ACM Awards [Recap]
/by LB CantrellCody 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.
Braxton Keith To Launch ‘Real Damn Deal Tour’ In July
/by Lorie HollabaughBraxton Keith
Braxton Keith will kick off his new “Real Damn Deal Tour” on July 25 in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The tour will visit over a dozen cities across the country through early fall including Richmond, Wichita, Buffalo, Nashville, and more, wrapping with a special hometown show in Midland, Texas on Oct. 3.
Tickets for the new tour go on sale Thursday (May 21) here.
Keith released his debut album Real Damn Deal last week. Produced by Alex Torrez and David Dorn, the collection showcases his high-and-lonesome twang across a mix of dancehall-ready anthems, heartbreak ballads and timeless country storytelling, with Keith co-writing 10 of the album’s 15 tracks.
Ahead of the “Real Damn Deal Tour” in July, Keith will finish out the “This Ain’t My First Tour” and hit several summer festivals. He’ll also make his CMA Fest debut on June 6 at Nashville’s Chevy Riverfront Stage.
“Real Damn Deal Tour” Dates:
7/25 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
7/26 – Richmond, VA – The National
7/31 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
8/13 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion Ballroom
8/22 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
8/29 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theatre
9/3 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
9/11 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
9/25 – Round Rock, TX – Round Rock Amp
9/26 – Pasadena, TX – Pasadena Rodeo
10/2 – Waco, TX – Foster Pavilion
10/3 – Midland, TX – Momentum Bank Ballpark
Riley Green, Lauren Alaina, Avery Anna & More Perform at ‘ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends’
/by Lauryn SinkRiley Green. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music
Riley Green, Lauren Alaina, Avery Anna, Randy Houser and Rodney Atkins took the stage at Topgolf Las Vegas on Friday (May 15) for “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends.”
All ticket proceeds from the event benefited ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music which is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. In honor of the 20th anniversary of ACM Lifting Lives, Topgolf donated $20,000 to support the ongoing work of the organization.
The event took place ahead of last night’s ACM Awards, held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Anna took home New Female Artist of the Year and Green earned Music Event of the year for his duet with Ella Langley, “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Avery Anna. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music
Lauren Alaina. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music
Rodney Atkins. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music
Randy Houser. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music
Dan + Shay To Embark On ‘The Young Tour’ This Fall
/by Lauryn SinkDan + Shay.
Dan + Shay are set to hit the road across North America on “The Young Tour” this fall.
The tour will feature support from Tyler Hubbard and Josh Ross on most dates.
The 26-date run kicks off Sept. 11 in Noblesville, Indiana and makes stops in New York, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Texas and more, before wrapping Nov. 7 in Mountain View, California. General on sale begins Friday (May 22) following pre-sale opportunities this week. More information on tickets and VIP packages can be found here.
The tour supports the duo’s upcoming album, Young, which is set to be released Aug. 21 via Warner Records Nashville. Last night (May 17), Dan + Shay gave the live debut performance of “Say So” at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, where they were also nominated for Duo of the Year.
Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Anne Wilson Among Performers For Upcoming K-Love Fan Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe K-LOVE Fan Awards has revealed the lineup of talent set to perform and present when the show returns to the Opry on May 24.
The evening will feature performances by Lauren Daigle, Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Zach Williams, Anne Wilson, Pat Barrett, CAIN, Leanna Crawford,, Hope Darst, Elevation Worship, Ben Fuller, Sadie Robertson Huff, MercyMe, Chandler Moore, Katy Nichole, Andrew Ripp, and Terrian, along with a few surprise guests.
Presenters include Shannon Bream, Dav Coretti, Brad Culver, John Crist, Michael Iskander, Levi Lusko, and Jonathan Roumie. The show will include additional appearances throughout the evening from Josh Baldwin, Blanca, Caleb & John, Franni Cash, Colton Dixon, Jenn Johnson, Rachael Lampa, Tasha Layton, David Leonard, Patrick Mayberry, Jon Reddick, Kristian Stanfill and Megan Woods.
The K-LOVE Fan Awards has also announced Robert Anthony Cruz, (Coach RAC) as this year’s recipient of the Sports Impact Award. Coach RAC played professional baseball for the Washington Nationals, but found his calling through youth coaching. He uses his pro background to make instructional social media content for youth baseball and softball on the fundamentals as well as motivational tips and tricks to instill a winning mindset. Off-camera, he is a left fielder for the Savannah Bananas, the exhibition baseball team.
Grammy winner Lauren Daigle and podcaster, author and speaker Sadie Robertson Huff are set to host the upcoming 13th annual fan-voted celebration, which will air exclusively on the Trinity Broadcasting Network on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET. An encore presentation will air at 10 p.m. ET the same night and again on June 5.
BREAKING: 2026 ACM Awards Winners [FULL LIST]
/by Madison HahnenThe night’s top honor, the Entertainer of the Year, went to Cody Johnson, as well as Male Artist of the Year. Parker McCollum took home Album of the Year for his self-titled collection.
Ella Langley picked up four trophies throughout the evening, including Female Artist of the Year, Song and Single of the Year with her global smash “Choosin’ Texas,” and Musical Event Of The Year with Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Before the telecast, Langley also was named Artist-Songwriter of the year.
The Red Clay Strays earned the win for Group of the Year. Brooks & Dunn added another Duo of the Year trophy to their collection.
Several winners were announced ahead of the show, including Avery Anna, who earned New Female Artist of the Year. Tucker Wetmore was named New Male Artist of the Year, and Stephen Wilson Jr. picked up the win for Visual Media of the Year for “Cuckoo.” Jessie Jo Dillon also made history with her Songwriter of the Year win.
61st ACM Award Winners:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson- WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
GROUP OF THE YEAR
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays- WINNER
DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn- WINNER
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Avery Anna- WINNER
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore- WINNER
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
Cherry Valley – Carter Faith
Producer: Tofer Brown
Record Company-Label: Gatsby Records / MCA
Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) – Riley Green
Producer: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett
Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records
Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum- WINNER
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse
Record Company-Label: MCA
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure
Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs for the Munch Music; Songs of Influence; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon
Publishers: Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music; Big Music Machine
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley- WINNER
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
Publishers: Bada Bing & Bada Langley Publishing; Little Louder Songs; Sony Music Publishing
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols
Publishers: Music and Magazine Publishing; Rio Bravo Music Inc; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Too Broke to Quit Music; Zach Top Music
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg
Publishers: Concord Sounds; Dtown Boogie Music; Emi Feist Catalog Inc; Songs Of Riser House; Songs Of Wild Cat Well Music; Sony/ATV Countryside; Story Farmer; Tacklebox Music Publishing
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley- WINNER
Producers: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Producers: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Broken Bow Records
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music / Warner Records Nashville
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb
Record Company-Label: Republic Records
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
Producers: Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook
Record Company-Label: Empire
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley- WINNER
Producers: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
Producers: Tony Brown, Reba McEntire
Record Company-Label: MCA
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: CeCe Dawson, Megan Moroney
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: James Stratakis
Director: Alexa King Stone, Stephen Kinigopoulos
“Cuckoo” -Stephen Wilson, Jr.- WINNER
Producers: Tim Cofield
Director: Tim Cofield
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Katie Babbage
Director: TK McKamy
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon- WINNER
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen
Ella Langley Named ACM Artist-Songwriter Of The Year
/by Lauryn SinkElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has been named this year’s ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
Langley was surprised with the news ahead of her sold-out stop on “The Dandelion Tour” last night in Savannah, Georgia.
In total, Langley earned seven ACM nominations this year, including Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year for “Choosin’ Texas,” and Music Event of the Year for “Don’t Mind if I Do” with Riley Green.
Langley is currently on her headlining “The Dandelion Tour” in support of her recent sophomore album. The tour continues through the summer. She will also join Morgan Wallen for select dates of his “Still The Problem Tour.”
The ACM Awards are set for tomorrow (May 17) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
MusicRow Weekly (Grammy Awards, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly brings a wave of major industry developments, from landmark media partnerships and executive appointments to artist signings and historic songwriter achievements that continue to shape Nashville’s evolving landscape. Click here to see the full edition.
The Recording Academy revealed that the 2027 Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 7. The ceremony will air live across ABC while also simulcasting on Disney+ and Hulu.
Riser House Entertainment unveiled a series of promotions and appointments. Shane Allen has joined as Executive Vice President of Promotion and Artist Brand Strategy, while Megan Stottlemyer steps into the role of Vice President of Label Operations. Alex Heimerman has been elevated to Head of Marketing and Label Strategy, and Jason VanAuken has been promoted to Vice President of Business Affairs.
Jessie Jo Dillon earned ACM Songwriter of the Year honors once again. With the win, Dillon became the first songwriter ever to claim the award three times, as well as the first to secure the honor in three consecutive years. She also remains one of only three women to ever receive the recognition.
Meanwhile, the Country Music Association and Disney unveiled an extension of their longstanding partnership through 2032. The renewed agreement ensures Disney will continue serving as the home for the CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas.
The publishing and label sectors also remained active this week with several notable signings and renewals. Kenny Whitmire has signed with MCA, while Kaylin Roberson renewed her global publishing agreement with Peermusic Nashville. Lauren Watkins has extended her relationship with Big Loud Publishing, and Colton Dawson has entered new partnerships with Warner Records Nashville and TKO Artist Management. Tori Rose officially signed with Saddle Up Records as the label’s debut artist while also securing management with Johnstone Entertainment. Taylor Jones also signed a global publishing agreement with BMG.
Elsewhere in the industry, the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music announced plans for a special pop-up exhibit celebrating the release of Amy Grant’s album, The Me That Remains. The exhibit will spotlight Grant’s enduring legacy and influence across Christian and mainstream music alike.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
T.J. Martell Foundation To Honor Coran Capshaw At 51st Annual New York Honors Gala
/by Lorie HollabaughCoran Capshaw. Photo: Sarah Cramer Shields
The T.J. Martell Foundation will present Red Light Management Founder Coran Capshaw with the Lifetime Music Industry Award at its 51st annual New York Honors Gala on Sept. 15.
The foundation’s primary annual fundraiser brings together music industry legends, philanthropic leaders, and pioneering scientists for a night of tribute, inspiration, and purpose, all in support of cancer research.
Lifetime Music Industry Award recipient Capshaw has built Red Light into the world’s largest independent artist management company, where he personally manages Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Chris Stapleton and The Strokes, among others. Beyond management, he has helped shape acclaimed music festivals and venues across the country, as well as carries a deep commitment to philanthropy.
“We are deeply honored to recognize our esteemed music industry colleague Coran Capshaw with this year’s Lifetime Music Industry Award, a tribute to decades of remarkable dedication and philanthropic leadership,” says Steve Gawley, Executive Vice President, Republic Co., Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Republic Collective and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, T.J. Martell Foundation. “This event is a celebration of those in the music industry whose unwavering passion and generosity are vital to advancing our mission. Coran’s enduring commitment to philanthropy, as well as his ability to rally artists in support of meaningful causes, has made a profound impact on our community. We are proud to shine a spotlight on Coran’s exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the causes that matter most.”
“I am incredibly honored to support this life-saving work,” says Capshaw. “Giving back has always been important to me, and being able to engage our generous music community to support vitally important organizations such as the T.J. Martell Foundation is something I’m proud of and will keep doing my part however I can.”