Ella Langley and Cody Johnson Dominate 2026 ACM Awards with Multiple Wins and Standout Performances
The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, held on May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, showcased a night of remarkable performances and significant accolades. Ella Langley and Cody Johnson emerged as the evening’s standout artists, with Johnson securing both Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year titles. Langley garnered multiple awards, including Song of the Year and Single of the Year for her hit “Choosin’ Texas,” as well as Female Artist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, and Musical Event of the Year for her collaboration with Riley Green on “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Major Award Winners
Parker McCollum received the Album of the Year award for his self-titled project, while The Red Clay Strays were honored as Group of the Year. Brooks & Dunn secured the Duo of the Year title. The ceremony featured over a dozen performances, highlighting both established stars and emerging talents in the country music scene. Notable performances included those by Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert, alongside newcomers like Tucker Wetmore and Carter Faith.
A Night of Performances
The event was hosted by Shania Twain and streamed on Amazon Prime Video, emphasizing a blend of established hitmakers and rising stars. The performances leaned heavily on new releases, with artists such as Kane Brown and Little Big Town showcasing their latest work. The night also featured a variety of ballads from artists including Dan + Shay, Carter Faith, and Riley Green.
Billboard provided a detailed ranking of every performance from the evening, highlighting the standout moments and artists.
Highlights from the Stage
Jordan Davis and Thomas Rhett opened the night with an energetic performance of “Ain’t A Bad Life,” captivating the audience with visuals and a dynamic stage presence. Blake Shelton closed the ceremony with a heartfelt rendition of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” paying tribute to the late songwriter Don Schlitz.
Kane Brown’s performance of “Woman” featured lively choreography, while Avery Anna, the ACM New Female Artist of the Year, delivered a powerful rock-infused set with “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” and her own song “Blood Is Thicker.”
Lee Ann Womack and Parker McCollum collaborated on “Killin’ Me,” showcasing their vocal talents, while Lainey Wilson kicked off the evening with “Can’t Sit Still,” accompanied by an all-female cast of backup dancers.
Cody Johnson performed a spirited version of “Travelin’ Soldier,” incorporating military imagery into his set. Newly minted ACM New Male Artist of the Year Tucker Wetmore captivated the audience with “Brunette,” while Zach Top brought a nostalgic vibe with “Honky Tonk ‘Til It Hurts.”
Miranda Lambert’s performance of “Crisco” was a highlight, featuring a vibrant stage setup and a playful atmosphere. Riley Green’s straightforward rendition of “Change My Mind” resonated with the crowd, while Little Big Town’s “Hey There Sunshine” delivered an uplifting message of hope.
The Red Clay Strays, who won Group of the Year, impressed with their performance of “Demons in Your Choir,” showcasing lead singer Brandon Coleman’s powerful vocals. Carter Faith’s dramatic rendition of “If I Had Never Lost My Mind” further established her as a rising star in the industry.
As the awards ceremony concluded, Dan + Shay delivered an emotional performance of “Say So,” dedicated to the late Nashville music executive Ben Vaughn, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
Ella Langley’s stripped-down performance of “Be Her” highlighted her vocal prowess, while Kacey Musgraves captivated the audience with her creative rendition of “Dry Spell,” featuring a unique stage setup.
For a comprehensive ranking of all performances from the ACM Awards, visit Billboard.
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Published on 2026-05-18 08:35:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk