Ella Langley emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, held on Sunday, May 17, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 27-year-old country singer secured five awards, leading the list of winners at the 61st annual ceremony. Hosted by Shania Twain, the event streamed live on Prime Video and Amazon Music.
Langley's Five-Award Sweep
Langley won Female Artist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, and Single of the Year for her hit single "Choosin' Texas." She also took home Music Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for their collaboration "Don't Mind if I Do." During her emotional acceptance speech for Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Langley struggled to find words, saying, "I'm trying to get to say something, but I can't." She then thanked the women in the room, specifically naming Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lauren Alaina for their support. Langley also recalled advice from Lambert, who co-wrote "Choosin' Texas" with her: "You are more important than this job."
Other Major Winners
Cody Johnson won two of the night's top honors: Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. Megan Moroney led the nominations with nine, followed by Miranda Lambert with eight. Langley and Lainey Wilson each had seven nominations. Among other winners, The Red Clay Strays took Group of the Year, Brooks & Dunn won Duo of the Year, Avery Anna was named New Female Artist of the Year, and Tucker Wetmore earned New Male Artist of the Year. Parker McCollum's self-titled album 'Parker McCollum' won Album of the Year, while Jessie Jo Dillon received Songwriter of the Year.
Performances and Coverage
The ceremony featured performances by Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Riley Green, Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, Dan + Shay, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top. Yahoo Entertainment provided live coverage, highlighting Langley's Artist-Songwriter of the Year win, while People reported on her emotional moment onstage.
This article is based on reporting by the TOI Entertainment Desk, which covers the latest in entertainment news, including Bollywood, Hollywood, and regional cinema.
