“HE FOUGHT BACK TEARS ON LIVE TV.” The moment Cody Johnson stepped up to the microphone holding his first-ever ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy, fans instantly realized this was far bigger than just another award speech. His voice began to shake, his eyes filled with tears, and for several emotional seconds, the entire arena fell completely silent as the country star struggled to hold himself together after the biggest victory of his career. What happened next turned the celebration into one of the most heartbreaking and unforgettable moments of the entire night.

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The 2026 ACM Awards were held on Sunday, May 17th in Las Vegas and were made available to watch live on Amazon Prime Video or the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. (Photo Credit: Academy of Country Music)

The 2026 ACM Awards Were Hosted By Shania Twain On May 17th

After weeks of waiting, everything came down to one night…the night of the 2026 ACM Awards.

This year’s ACM Awards were held on Sunday, May 17th. The ceremony aired live on Amazon Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch starting at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT.

After several years in Texas, the ACM Awards returned to Las Vegas. Country music superstar Shania Twain hosted the ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Ella Langley dominates the ACM Awards and Cody Johnson wins entertainer of the year

RELATED: 12 SNUBS & SURPRISES FROM THE 2026 ACM AWARD NOMINATIONS

Artists featured on the exciting performance lineup included Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Blake Shelton, and Lee Ann Womack.

The ladies led the pack with the most nominations this year. Megan Moroney was the most-nominated artist, earning 9 nods.

Miranda Lambert earned the second-most nominations, with 8, followed by Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley with 7 each. Chris Stapleton earned 6 nominations, Zach Top snagged 5, and Cody Johnson earned 4.

Some of these artists (and others) had the potential to make history with wins at the ACM Awards this year. Did they fulfill that potential?

Find out below by scrolling through the complete list of winners at the 2026 ACM Awards!

See All Of The Winners & Nominees At The 2026 ACM Awards

New Female Artist Of The Year

  • Avery AnnaAvery AnnaWinner
  • Mackenzie CarpenterMackenzie Carpenter
  • DashaDasha
  • Caroline JonesCaroline Jones
  • Emily Ann RobertsEmily Ann Roberts

This award was presented to the winner early, before the ACM Awards ceremony.

The award for New Female Artist of the Year is bestowed upon an emerging female vocalist in country music.

This award is one of three a female performer has to win in order to qualify for the coveted Triple Crown honor. They also have to (eventually) win Female Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

New Male Artist Of The Year

  • Tucker WetmoreTucker WetmoreWinner
  • Gavin AdcockGavin Adcock
  • Vincent MasonVincent Mason
  • ShaboozeyShaboozey
  • Hudson WestbrookHudson Westbrook

This award was presented to the winner early, before the ACM Awards ceremony.

The award for New Male Artist of the Year is given to a rising male vocalist in country music.

This award is one of three a male performer has to win in order to qualify for the coveted Triple Crown honor. They also have to (eventually) win Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

Music Event Of The Year

  • "Don't Mind If I Do" - Riley Green featuring Ella Langley“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green featuring Ella LangleyWinner
  • "You Had To Be There" - Megan Moroney and Kenny Chesney“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney and Kenny Chesney
  • "Trailblazer" - Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson
  • "Amen" - Shaboozey and Jelly Roll“Amen” – Shaboozey and Jelly Roll
  • "A Song to Sing" - Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton

In 2025, the song that won was Ella Langley and Riley Green’s “You Look Like You Love Me.”

The award for Music Event of the Year celebrates an outstanding collaboration released in country music within the past year. The trophy is awarded to the artists, producer(s), and record company/label(s) behind the winning song.

Visual Media Of The Year

  • "Cuckoo" - Stephen Wilson Jr.“Cuckoo” – Stephen Wilson Jr.Winner
  • "The Fall" - Cody Johnson“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
  • "Somewhere Over Laredo" - Lainey Wilson“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
  • "A Song to Sing" - Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton
  • "6 Months Later" - Megan Moroney“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney

This award was presented to the winner early, before the ACM Awards ceremony.

The ACM Award for Visual Media of the Year recognizes the best country music video or piece of visual media released in the past year. This award is given to the artist(s), video producer(s), and video director(s).

Songwriter Of The Year

  • Jessie Jo DillonJessie Jo DillonWinner
  • Ashley GorleyAshley Gorley
  • Charlie HandsomeCharlie Handsome
  • Chase McGillChase McGill
  • Blake PendergrassBlake Pendergrass

This award was presented to the winner early, before the ACM Awards ceremony.

Anyone who loves country music knows that the songwriters are oftentimes the unsung heroes of the genre. They possess a magical power to weave lyrics into stories of heartache, joy, and sorrow. Other times, they simply pen a fun tune to enjoy at the beach, by a bonfire, or at a party with friends and family.

Each year, the ACM takes the time to recognize the talents of those who are mostly known as songwriters (rather than recording artists) with the Songwriter of the Year Award.

Artist-Songwriter Of The Year

  • Ella LangleyElla LangleyWinner
  • Luke CombsLuke Combs
  • Riley GreenRiley Green
  • Megan MoroneyMegan Moroney
  • Morgan WallenMorgan Wallen

This award was presented to the winner early, before the ACM Awards ceremony.

Lainey Wilson won the award for Artist-Songwriter of the Year in 2025.

Some artists take a lot of pride in the fact that they write or co-write most (if not all) of their songs. The ACM introduced the Artist-Songwriter of the Year category in 2023 to recognize successful recording artists who also had a hand in writing their songs.