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The Red Clay Strays shocked country music at the 2026 ACM Awards in Las Vegas. This emerging Alabama band defeated industry titans to win Group of the Year, dethroning Old Dominion’s 8-year reign. Their electrifying performance of “Demons in Your Choir” proved why they’re reshaping country rock.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Award Won: Group of the Year at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards on May 17, 2026
- Defeated Streak: Old Dominion’s 8-year winning streak in the category came to an end
- Gospel-Powered Performance: Band performed “Demons in Your Choir” with a full gospel choir
- Band Lineup: Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar), Drew Nix, Zach Rishel, Andrew Bishop, John Hall
Breaking Old Dominion’s Legendary Streak
Old Dominion had dominated the Group of the Year category for eight consecutive years before the Red Clay Strays claimed the trophy Sunday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Mobile, Alabama-based band delivered a shocking upset in one of country music’s most competitive awards.
The victory marks extraordinary momentum for the band formed in 2016 from working-class musicians bonded by Lynyrd Skynyrd riffs and Southern soul. Just last year, they won ACM New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year, and now they’ve climbed to the highest tier of country awards.
The Red Clay Strays win ACM Group of the Year, perform ‘Demons in Your Choir’
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The Heavenly Performance That Won Hearts
Brandon Coleman’s booming voice commanded the stage as The Red Clay Strays performed their latest single “Demons in Your Choir” with transcendent power. A full gospel choir joined the band onstage, creating an ethereal, soul-stirring moment that blended country, rock, and gospel traditions seamlessly.
The performance showcased why the band straddled Southern rock riffs, tender-hearted soul music, and country crooning so effectively. Coleman’s vocals channeled country gold and old-school rock and roll soul, creating an unforgettable television moment that resonated with viewers and fellow musicians alike.
Band Members and Musical Journey
| Member | Role |
| Brandon Coleman | Lead vocals, guitar, keys |
| Drew Nix | Guitar, vocals, harmonica |
| Zach Rishel | Electric guitar |
| Andrew Bishop | Bass |
| John Hall | Drums |
| Sevans Henderson | Keyboards (joined 2024) |
“Just at a loss, it doesn’t feel real, truly. We’re just some rednecks from Mobile, Alabama, and when we started playing in bars, we never thought we’d go this far. We’re truly grateful and thankful for everybody.”
— Brandon Coleman, Red Clay Strays Lead Vocalist
From Sticky Barroom Floors to Country’s Biggest Stage
The Red Clay Strays cut their teeth with gigs on sticky barroom floors across the Gulf Coast before signing with RCA Records. Their self-released debut “Moment of Truth” in 2022 included breakthrough hits like “Wondering Why,” which climbed the Billboard Hot Rock and Alternative Charts.
In 2024, the band won Emerging Artist of the Year at the Americana Honors and Awards. Their album “Made by These Moments” gained universal acclaim, with NPR praising it as “a haunting callback to classic outlaw country with a rock and roll edge.” The band recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and NPR’s Tiny Desk.
What’s Next for The Red Clay Strays After This Historic Win?
The band released their latest single “Demons in Your Choir” on April 23, 2026 as the opening track from their upcoming album “Grateful,” set to drop on June 5. The 11-track collection promises more powerful songs showcasing the band’s soul-stirring sound and crossover appeal.
With this ACM Group of the Year win alongside their 2025 CMA Vocal Group of the Year victory, The Red Clay Strays continue their meteoric rise. Will they build on this momentum at future awards shows, or does this signify a permanent shift in how country music celebrates emerging talent? The band’s authentic, gritty approach resonates deeply with audiences tired of formulaic country radio.
Sources
- Rolling Stone – Coverage of Red Clay Strays’ ACM Awards performance and Group of the Year win
- The Tennessean – Profile of the band and their journey to country music success
- American Songwriter – ACM Awards performance review and cultural impact analysis
