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Avery Anna just won the 2026 ACM Awards’ most coveted new artist trophy. The 22-year-old Arizona native earned the New Female Artist of the Year award, announced earlier this week ahead of the 61st ceremony on May 17 in Las Vegas. Here’s what you need to know about country music’s hottest breakthrough star.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Award Winner: Avery Anna named 2026 ACM New Female Artist of the Year
- Milestone: First major award after releasing debut album Breakup Over Breakfast in July 2024
- Rising Star: Released EP forgive, forget just 6 weeks ago on March 13
- Big Stage Next: Performs at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17 at 8 p.m. ET
Rising from Flagstaff to Nashville’s Elite
Avery Anna Rhoton grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she sang in church as a young girl. She wrote her first song around fifth grade and taught herself guitar. During the pandemic, she posted a viral cover of Christina Aguilera’s “Say Something” from her bathtub, which caught the attention of industry leaders. This breakthrough moment led to management with David Fanning and a recording deal with Warner Music Nashville in June 2022.
Since then, Anna has built serious momentum. She released her debut album Breakup Over Breakfast last summer and co-wrote all 17 tracks. She then dropped her new EP forgive, forget last month featuring 6 intimate songs that showcase her growth as a songwriter and artist.
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Beating Five Strong Competitors for the Trophy
Anna’s ACM win came as a surprise to some, narrowly edging out Mackenzie Carpenter, Dasha, Caroline Jones, and Emily Ann Roberts. The Academy of Country Music revealed her victory on April 27, one day after she performed at the Lone Star Smokeout festival in Arlington, Texas. “I’m just so grateful for this, I’m so honored,” Anna responded. “Thank you guys for rallying for me, supporting me and cheering me on.”
| Category | Details |
| Award Name | New Female Artist of the Year |
| Winner | Avery Anna |
| Runners-Up | Mackenzie Carpenter, Dasha, Caroline Jones, Emily Ann Roberts |
| Major Achievement | First major ACM Award for rising star |
What Makes Her Special in Country Music Today
Anna’s music blends country, rock, and acoustic pop with confessional songwriting that resonates deeply. Her collaboration with Sam Barber on the hit single “Indigo” reached number 8 on Hot Country Songs and climbed to number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. That same track charted across Europe and Australia, proving her appeal is global. She also features on “Dusty Bibles” with Josiah Queen, which peaked at number 3 on Hot Christian Songs.
“I can’t believe this is real life. Thank you God.”
— Avery Anna, on Instagram, reacting to her ACM Award win
The 61st ACM Awards Ceremony Arrives in Three Weeks
The full 61st Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony takes place Sunday, May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show starts at 8 p.m. ET and streams live on Prime Video and Twitch. Shania Twain will host the ceremony for the first time in her career. Major performers include Lainey Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, and Miranda Lambert. Tickets start at $170 for upper sections and about $600 for center views via AXS.com.
Avery Anna’s win kicks off what promises to be an historic evening. Megan Moroney leads all nominees with 9 nominations and won this very award last year. Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each earned 7 nominations, showing women dominate the evening. With her New Female Artist win locked in, Anna is positioned to become the next household name in country music and beyond.
Why Does This Award Matter for Avery Anna’s Future?
The New Female Artist of the Year category is a launching pad for careers. Last year’s winner was Ella Langley, who is now country music’s biggest breakthrough star. The year before, Megan Moroney won and has since become one of the industry’s most nominated artists. For Anna, this trophy signals that the industry sees her as a generational talent with staying power. Her 500 million global streams, rising chart presence, and authentic songwriting suggest this is just the beginning of her story.
Sources
- Rolling Stone – Complete 2026 ACM Awards winners list and Avery Anna’s profile
- Billboard – New Female Artist category and industry analysis
- MusicRow – Avery Anna forgive, forget EP release details and career milestones
