The Academy of Country Music Awards returned with cowboy hats, emotional speeches, and enough country music drama to keep fans glued to their screens all night. And honestly?
The ACM Awards 2026 Winners list had a few predictable victories… and a couple of surprise shake-ups that nobody saw coming. From breakout stars to country legends, here’s who walked away with the biggest trophies of the night.
Entertainer of the Year
The biggest award of the night went to:
- Cody Johnson — WINNER
Nominees included:
- Luke Combs
- Jelly Roll
- Megan Moroney
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
Cody Johnson’s win instantly became one of the evening’s most talked-about moments.
Female Artist of the Year
- Ella Langley — WINNER
Other nominees:
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Miranda Lambert
- Megan Moroney
- Lainey Wilson
Ella Langley’s massive night officially cemented her as country music’s rising powerhouse.
Male Artist of the Year
- Cody Johnson — WINNER
Nominees included:
- Luke Combs
- Riley Green
- Chris Stapleton
- Zach Top
Two major wins in one night? Cody Johnson absolutely cleaned up.
Group of the Year
- The Red Clay Strays — WINNER
Other nominees:
- 49 Winchester
- Flatland Cavalry
- Old Dominion
- Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays winning this category gave fans one of the night’s coolest underdog moments.
Duo of the Year
- Brooks & Dunn — WINNER
Nominees:
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Muscadine Bloodline
- Thelma & James
Country legends proving once again that experience still matters.
New Female Artist of the Year
- Avery Anna — WINNER
Other nominees:
- Mackenzie Carpenter
- Dasha
- Caroline Jones
- Emily Ann Roberts
A huge breakthrough moment for Avery Anna.
New Male Artist of the Year
- Tucker Wetmore — WINNER
Nominees included:
- Gavin Adcock
- Vincent Mason
- Shaboozey
- Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore’s fanbase basically exploded online after the announcement.
Album of the Year
- Parker McCollum — WINNER
Other nominees:
- Ain’t In It for My Health – Zach Top
- Cherry Valley – Carter Faith
- Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) – Riley Green
- I’m the Problem – Morgan Wallen
Song of the Year
- Choosin’ Texas — WINNER
Other nominees:
- A Song to Sing
- Am I Okay?
- I Never Lie
- Somewhere Over Laredo
Ella Langley truly owned the night.
Single of the Year
- Choosin’ Texas — WINNER
Other nominees:
- 6 Months Later
- I Never Lie
- Somewhere Over Laredo
- The Fall
One song. Two major wins. That’s a statement.
Songwriter of the Year
- Jessie Jo Dillon — WINNER
Other nominees:
- Ashley Gorley
- Charlie Handsome
- Chase McGill
- Blake Pendergrass
The Biggest Winners of the Night
If there was one undeniable breakout star among the ACM Awards 2026 Winners, it was Ella Langley.
Between Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Single of the Year, she basically turned the ACMs into her personal victory parade.
Meanwhile, Cody Johnson’s double-win dominance proved he remains one of country music’s biggest crowd favorites.
