ACM Awards 2026: Winners, Livestream Guide, Red Carpet & Biggest Stars

The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards concluded its first night of pre-show announcements on May 16, 2026, with Ella Langley emerging as the standout winner in a category that underscores her rapid rise as country music’s most dynamic crossover artist. The Academy of Country Music (ACM) revealed Langley as the Artist-Songwriter of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing her ability to blend traditional country storytelling with contemporary pop sensibilities. The win caps a breakout year for Langley, whose single Choosin’ Texas has become a defining anthem of the country-pop fusion movement.

Langley’s victory follows a record-breaking nomination haul: she earned seven nods across the 2026 ACM Awards, tying her with Lainey Wilson for the most nominations among this year’s nominees. The Artist-Songwriter of the Year category, in particular, highlights Langley’s dual talent as both a performer and a songwriter—a rare distinction in an industry that often silos the two roles. Her success comes as country music continues to evolve, with artists like Langley and Wilson leading a wave of younger performers who are redefining the genre’s boundaries.

Other pre-show winners included Jessie Jo Dillon, named Songwriter of the Year, and Avery Anna, who took home the New Female Artist of the Year award. Tucker Wetmore was crowned New Male Artist of the Year, while Stephen Wilson Jr. Won Visual Media of the Year for his music video Cuckoo, co-directed with Tim Cofield. The full list of winners will be revealed during the main ceremony on May 17, 2026, hosted by Shania Twain at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The awards show, which will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, promises to be a star-studded affair. Confirmed performers include Lainey Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, and Miranda Lambert, with additional acts expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The ceremony also marks the return of the ACM Awards to Las Vegas after three years in Texas, continuing the show’s tradition of blending high-energy performances with heartfelt tributes to country music’s legacy.

Why Langley’s Win Matters

Langley’s Artist-Songwriter of the Year victory is more than a personal milestone—it reflects broader shifts in country music’s creative landscape. Unlike previous generations of country stars who often specialized in either singing or songwriting, Langley’s award acknowledges her ability to excel in both arenas. This duality has resonated with audiences, particularly younger listeners who crave authenticity and innovation in their music.

Her single Choosin’ Texas, released in late 2025, became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts in both country and pop formats. The song’s success has solidified Langley’s status as a bridge between Nashville’s traditional roots and the genre’s increasingly diverse fanbase. The ACM’s recognition of her work signals that the industry is embracing this evolution.

Meanwhile, the Entertainer of the Year category—country music’s most coveted award—remains wide open. Leading nominees include Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Luke Combs, with Wilson holding a slight edge as the reigning two-time winner (2024 and 2025). Moroney, who won New Female Artist of the Year in 2024, has emerged as a frontrunner with nine nominations this year, the most of any artist. Her rise mirrors Langley’s, proving that a new generation of female artists is reshaping the genre’s trajectory.

Red Carpet and Beyond

The ACM Awards red carpet on May 17 drew an eclectic mix of country’s biggest names, including Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey, and Riley Green. Musgraves, known for her genre-blending albums like Star-Crossed, continues to defy expectations, while Shaboozey’s viral hit I’m Good has cemented her as a defining voice of modern country. The red carpet also highlighted the growing influence of artists like Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore, whose wins in the New Artist categories suggest a vibrant future for the genre.

For fans and industry watchers, the full ceremony on May 17 will be the true test of 2026’s country music landscape. With performances by established legends and rising stars, the show is poised to celebrate both the genre’s past and its bold future.

The ACM Awards will air live at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with tickets for the in-person event available at axs.com. The ceremony will also be accompanied by a week of pre-show events, including ACM’s Whiskey Jam welcome party on May 14 at Ole Red Las Vegas.

As country music continues to redefine itself, the 2026 ACM Awards serve as a snapshot of an industry in flux—one where tradition and innovation coexist, and where artists like Ella Langley are leading the charge.