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Ella Langley dominated the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards tonight, clinching the prestigious Artist-Songwriter of the Year award at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The rising country star emerged as one of the evening’s biggest winners, along with powerhouse nominees Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert, as Shania Twain hosted her first-ever ACM Awards ceremony.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Date and Location: May 17, 2026, from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Twitch broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Host: Shania Twain made her debut as the first-time host of the iconic country music event
- Big Winner: Ella Langley claimed Artist-Songwriter of the Year with seven total nominations
Ella Langley Captures Artist-Songwriter Glory
Ella Langley proved she belongs among country music’s elite by winning Artist-Songwriter of the Year at tonight’s show. The seven-time nominee has become a rising force in Nashville, crafting her own hits including the breakthrough tracks Dandelion and Choosin’ Texas. Her ability to write, produce, and perform her own music set her apart in a competitive field of talented female artists.
The award recognition validates Langley’s creative vision and songwriting prowess on the biggest country music stage. With multiple performances throughout 2026, and her Dandelion Tour selling out across the nation, she continues elevating her star as a songwriter-performer.
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Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert Lead the Competition
Lainey Wilson arrived tonight fresh from her wedding to Duck Hodges, making her first red carpet appearance as a newlywed. The Texas powerhouse earned seventh nominations at the awards and remains a fierce competitor in the Female Artist of the Year category. Miranda Lambert, with eight nominations, continues to dominate country music awards season.
Megan Moroney led all artists with nine total nominations, setting the stage for an intensely competitive evening. The Female Artist of the Year category featured Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson, and Ella Langley, representing the strongest female talent in modern country.
2026 ACM Awards Results and Award Categories
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated country music’s brightest stars across numerous categories. Entertainer of the Year remains one of the most coveted prizes, honoring artists who excel in performance, innovation, and fan connection. Winners span genres from traditional country to contemporary pop-country.
| Category | Notable Nominees |
| Artist-Songwriter of the Year | Ella Langley (WINNER) |
| Female Artist of the Year | Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, Others |
| Entertainer of the Year | Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton |
| Broadcast Date | May 17, 2026 |
“Ella Langley has arrived at the 2026 ACM Awards. She’s nominated for seven awards tonight, including Female Artist of the Year.”
— Country Rebel Clothing, via social media update May 17, 2026
Shania Twain Makes Historic Debut as First-Time Host
Shania Twain, the best-selling female country artist of all time, took the stage as host for the first time in ACM Awards history. The iconic performer brought her legendary presence and charm to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Twain’s career spans multiple decades, making her the perfect ambassador for celebrating country music’s evolution and newest talent.
The decision to have Twain helm the ceremony marked a significant moment for the awards show, which returned to Las Vegas following previous successful years in Texas. Her hosting brought star power and credibility to a night celebrating both established legends and rising artists like Langley and Wilson.
How Do You Rank Rising Stars in Country Music’s Biggest Moments?
Tonight’s show highlighted the question of who stands at the forefront of modern country music. Ella Langley proved tonight that songwriter-artists matter more than ever in an industry often dominated by producers and marketing machines. Her Artist-Songwriter win acknowledges that authentic creativity, genuine storytelling, and personal artistry resonate with audiences and industry peers.
The 61st ACM Awards streaming exclusively on Prime Video will replay on May 18, allowing fans worldwide to celebrate country music’s finest. With performances, red carpet revelations, and heartfelt award moments, tonight reinforced that female artists continue shaping country music’s future in powerful ways.
Sources
- ACM Country: Official Academy of Country Music Awards host and nominations source
- People Magazine: 2026 ACM Awards red carpet coverage and Lainey Wilson wedding details
- Rolling Stone: Comprehensive 2026 ACM Awards winners list and Ella Langley victory coverage
