The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards was a star-studded affair, with Ella Langley and Cody Johnson taking center stage. Langley dominated the night, winning Song of the Year, Single of the Year, and Music Event of the Year for her crossover hit "Choosin’ Texas." Her speech was heartfelt, thanking her fans for their unwavering support. But it was Johnson who took home the top prize of Entertainer of the Year, a well-deserved honor for his contributions to country music.
The show was a celebration of the genre's greatest names, with performances from Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, and Jordan Davis. Avery Anna's reimagined "Bang Bang" and Little Big Town's "Hey There Sunshine" were standout moments. Host Shania Twain, a country music icon, reflected on her own journey, having won her first ACM Award 30 years ago. She directed her attention to the women of country, a nod to the industry's diverse talent.
The ACM Awards also recognized songwriting excellence, with Jessie Jo Dillon winning Songwriter of the Year for the third consecutive year. Stephen Wilson Jr. took home the Visual Media Award for his work on "Cuckoo." New Artist of the Year awards went to Anna and Tucker Wetmore, while The Red Clay Strays were named Group of the Year, and Brooks & Dunn were honored as Duo of the Year.
The night's performances showcased a range of styles, from Kacey Musgraves' cheeky "Dry Spell" to Carter Faith's powerful "If I Had Never Lost My Mind." Kane Brown's "Woman" and Dan + Shay's "Say So" were also highlights. Blake Shelton's cover of "The Gambler" was a tribute to the late Don Schlitz, a legendary country music songwriter.
The Album of the Year award went to Parker McCollum's self-titled release, a competitive category that included Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" and Top's "Ain’t In It for My Health." The 2026 ACM Awards will be streamed on Prime Video and Amazon Music, continuing the tradition of celebrating country music's brightest stars.
