Get early winners from the 2026 ACM Awards, including Ella Langley, Jessie Jo Dillon, and new artist honors, ahead of the May 17 ceremony on Prime Video.
- May 17, 2026
AceShowbiz - The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. While the main ceremony is set to be broadcast live on Prime Video, several winners in non-televised categories have already been announced ahead of the event.
Among the early reveals, Ella Langley has been named Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Langley’s hit single Choosin’ Texas continues to dominate as a country-pop crossover sensation, contributing to her seven nominations this year. Another key songwriting accolade went to Jessie Jo Dillon, who received the Songwriter of the Year award.
Rising stars also earned recognition before the main show. Avery Anna secured the New Female Artist of the Year honor, while Tucker Wetmore took home New Male Artist of the Year. Notably, Langley herself was last year’s New Female Artist winner and has since become one of country music’s biggest names. Meanwhile, Megan Moroney, the 2024 New Female Artist winner, leads this year’s nominations with nine.
In the Visual Media of the Year category, Stephen Wilson Jr. was honored for his music video Cuckoo, which he co-directed with Tim Cofield. This award highlights exceptional creativity in music video production.
The live event on May 17 will be hosted by country legend Shania Twain and will feature performances by top artists including Lainey Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, and Miranda Lambert. Tickets for the ceremony and concert are currently available at axs.com.
Below is the complete list of nominees with winners highlighted in bold for the 61st ACM Awards:
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, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top
Group of the Year
49 Winchester, Flatland Cavalry, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays
Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline, Thelma & James
New Female Artist of the Year
Avery Anna, 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, Cherry Valley – Carter Faith, Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) – Riley Green, I’m the Problem – Morgan Wallen, Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum
Song of the Year
"A Song to Sing" – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton (writers: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure), "Am I Okay?" – Megan Moroney (writers: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon), "Choosin’ Texas" – Ella Langley (writers: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor), "I Never Lie" – Zach Top (writers: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols), "Somewhere Over Laredo" – Lainey Wilson (writers: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg)
Single of the Year
"6 Months Later" – Megan Moroney, "Choosin’ Texas" – Ella Langley, "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
The 2026 ACM Awards promises a star-studded night celebrating country music’s finest talents and breakthrough artists, with Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and others leading the pack of nominees and winners to watch. Fans can look forward to a memorable evening filled with outstanding performances and well-deserved honors.
