2026 ACM Awards: Shania Twain Hosts as Ella Langley Wins Song of the Year

The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards took place on Sunday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, showcasing the best in country music. This year’s ceremony was hosted by three-time ACM Award winner Shania Twain, marking her debut as a host for the event. The awards were streamed live exclusively on Prime Video.

Highlights of the Night

Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” won the coveted Song of the Year award, kicking off the evening with a significant win. The Red Clay Strays secured the Group of the Year award, while Brooks & Dunn took home the Duo of the Year title. Avery Anna was recognized as the Best New Female Artist.

The show opened with an energetic performance of “Can’t Sit Still” by Lainey Wilson. Other notable performances included those by Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Jordan Davis, Zach Top, and Riley Green.

Nominee Insights

Heading into the ceremony, Megan Moroney led the nominations with nine, followed closely by Miranda Lambert with eight. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each had seven nominations, while Chris Stapleton received six. Zach Top had five nominations, and Cody Johnson rounded out the list with four.

The awards are determined by members of the Academy of Country Music, which boasts a record-high membership of over 5,000 this year. The eligibility period for submissions for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards was the calendar year 2025.

Award Categories and Winners

Entertainer of the Year

• Luke Combs
• Jelly Roll
• Cody Johnson
• Megan Moroney
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen
• Lainey Wilson

Female Artist of the Year

• Kelsea Ballerini
• Miranda Lambert
• Ella Langley
• Megan Moroney
• Lainey Wilson

Male Artist of the Year

• Luke Combs
• Riley Green (WINNER)
• Cody Johnson
• 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

Album of the Year

• 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
  • Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse
  • Record Company-Label: MCA

Song of the Year

• Choosin’ Texas – Ella Langley (WINNER)
  • Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
• A Song to Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
• Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
• I Never Lie – Zach Top
• Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson

Single of the Year

• Choosin’ Texas – Ella Langley
• 6 Months Later – Megan Moroney
• I Never Lie – Zach Top
• Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson
• The Fall – Cody Johnson

Music Event of the Year

• A Song To Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
• Amen – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
• Don’t Mind If I Do – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
• Trailblazer – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
• You Had To Be There – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney

Visual Media of the Year

• 6 Months Later – Megan Moroney
• A Song To Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
• Cuckoo – Stephen Wilson, Jr.
• Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson
• The Fall – Cody Johnson

Songwriter of the Year

• Jessie Jo Dillon
• Ashley Gorley
• Charlie Handsome
• Chase McGill
• Blake Pendergrass

Artist-Songwriter of the Year

• Luke Combs
• Riley Green
• Ella Langley (WINNER)
• Megan Moroney
• Morgan Wallen

The complete list of nominees and winners will be updated as the ceremony progresses. For more details, visit Hollywood Reporter.

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Published on 2026-05-18 04:06:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk