Ella Langley wins seven ACM Awards as Cody Johnson earns Entertainer of the Year

Ella Langley emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards after taking home all seven awards for which she was nominated during the ceremony in Las Vegas.

The singer’s victories included Female Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year for “Choosin’ Texas”. She also won Music Event of the Year for her featured appearance on Riley Green’s “Don’t Mind if I Do”.

Despite Langley’s sweep, the night’s top honour went to Cody Johnson, who received Entertainer of the Year. Johnson also won Male Vocalist of the Year earlier in the evening.

“Music is the greatest drug that has ever been introduced on the planet earth,” Johnson said during his acceptance speech. He added, “When I go home, I take my phone and I turn it face down. When I go home, I am a husband, I am a father, I am a cattle rancher.”

Langley became emotional while accepting female vocalist of the year. “I’m trying to say something but I can’t,” she told the audience. She also credited Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert for supporting her backstage during the ceremony.

Parker McCollum secured album of the year for his self-titled record, beating nominees including Morgan Wallen, Riley Green and Zach Top. “I was starting to think y’all weren’t gonna let me up here,” McCollum joked during his speech.

The 61st ACM Awards marked a return to Las Vegas after three years in Texas, with Shania Twain hosting the event for the first time.

The ceremony featured 17 performances, including appearances from Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis.

The show opened with Lainey Wilson’s performance and closed with Blake Shelton performing Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” in tribute to songwriter Don Schlitz.