Country music’s biggest and brightest stars gathered at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday for the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain. But the night, ultimately, belonged to Ella Langley — the new queen of modern country.
The singer-songwriter dominated the ceremony, sweeping all seven of her nominations across five categories, including Female Artist of the Year. In two categories — Song of the Year and Single of the Year, both for her song “Choosin’ Texas” — she was awarded multiple trophies, as the Academy of Country Music recognizes songwriting and recording contributions separately. (See the full winners list.)
Topping this year’s nominees was Megan Moroney, who was up for a total of nine awards, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year. Moroney, who skipped the awards show to be the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding, didn’t win an award.
Following close behind Moroney in nominations was Miranda Lambert, the most decorated artist in ACM Awards history. Lambert, whose recent duet with rumored frenemy Kacey Musgraves made headlines last month, was nominated in eight categories, including Female Artist of the Year.
The star-studded slate of performers included several of the awards show’s nominated singer-songwriters, including Langley; Lambert; Wilson; Cody Johnson, the winner of the coveted Entertainer of the Year award; and Parker McCollum, who won Album of the Year. Musgraves sang “Dry Spell,” from her freshly released LP, Middle of Nowhere.
Check out Yahoo’s live coverage below, from red carpet arrivals to the biggest moments from the show and, of course, all of the night’s winners.
