Ella Langley, Cody Johnson Lead New Era At 61st ACM Awards [Recap]
Cody Johnson accepts the award for Male Artist of the Year at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada
The 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards brought country music back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last night (May 17), delivering one of the strongest and most forward-looking telecasts the genre has seen in recent years. Hosted by Shania Twain, the evening struck a balance between honoring established superstars and ushering in a new generation of artists clearly stepping into arena-headliner status.
The show opened with a burst of energy as Lainey Wilson kicked things off with her lively new single “Can’t Sit Still,” immediately setting the tone for a fast-moving night filled with strong performances and emotional acceptance speeches. Twain welcomed the crowd to Las Vegas before the performances continued with Miranda Lambert performing her new song “Crisco,” followed by Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis teaming up for “Ain’t A Bad Life.”
One of the night’s earliest standout moments came when Michael Bublé presented the Song of the Year award, and paused to honor late songwriter Don Schlitz, whose influence could be felt throughout the night. The award went to breakout star Ella Langley and her co-writers Joybeth Taylor, Luke Dick and Lambert for “Choosin’ Texas,” further cementing the song’s status as one of the defining hits of the last year. Langley later returned to the stage to accept Single of the Year alongside producers Lambert and Ben West.
Langley ultimately emerged as the night’s biggest winner with seven ACM trophies overall, including Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Prior to the telecast, she was also named Artist-Songwriter of the Year. More than just a dominant awards showing, however, the evening felt like a coronation moment for Langley, whose performances and speeches consistently landed with sincerity.
The show also highlighted the genre’s continued embrace of developing artists. New Female Artist of the Year winner Avery Anna delivered a rocking rendition of “Blood Runs Thicker,” while New Male Artist of the Year winner Tucker Wetmore performed his hit “Brunette” later in the evening.
Group of the Year went to The Red Clay Strays for the first time following their New Group of the Year victory last year. Frontman Brandon Coleman delivered one of the night’s most endearing speeches, saying, “We’re just some rednecks from Mobile, Alabama. We never thought we’d make it this far.” The band later backed up the win with a thunderous performance of “Demons In Your Choir,” widely considered one of the strongest performances of the broadcast.
Elsewhere, Green leaned into his trademark charisma with a smoldering rendition of “Change My Mind,” while Zach Top continued his rapid rise with the traditional-leaning “Honky Tonk Till It Hurts,” bringing a dose of classic country flavor to the arena.
The Duo of the Year category once again belonged to Brooks & Dunn, who collected the honor for the 18th time and extended their ACM total to 32 wins overall. Accepting the trophy, the duo joked, “I don’t know why you aren’t getting sick of us, but God bless you for hanging with us, because we love it with y’all.” Meanwhile, Little Big Town debuted a new song, “Hey There Sunshine,” continuing the night’s blend of veteran acts and newer stars.
One of the clearest themes throughout the evening was the emphasis on songwriting and artistry. Kacey Musgraves showcased her trademark wit and restraint on “Dry Spell,” while Langley chose to strip her performance of “Be Her” down to acoustic guitars and a haunting minor-key arrangement that spotlighted her songwriting depth. Carter Faith also delivered a standout performance with “If I Had Never Lost My Mind,” continuing her steady emergence as one of Nashville’s most compelling young voices.
Another emotional turning point came when Langley accepted Female Artist of the Year for the first time. Tearfully thanking the women in the room, she spoke about the support she has received from Wilson, Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini and others, underscoring the collaborative spirit currently shaping much of the genre’s next generation.
The night also belonged to Cody Johnson, who took home both Male Artist of the Year and his first Entertainer of the Year trophy. Johnson continued his strong run with a moving performance of “Travelin’ Soldier,” while later reflecting during his acceptance speech on childhood memories of singing Rick Trevino songs from his bunk bed and dreaming of becoming an entertainer himself. In one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, Johnson’s first-time win of the Entertainer of the Year honor, he said that “music is the sound of emotion” before dedicating the award to fellow nominee Luke Combs.
Parker McCollum also had a major evening, earning his first Album of the Year win for his self-titled record. Presented by Keith Urban, the award marked another milestone in McCollum’s steady ascent. During his speech, he thanked his team and shared a sweet moment dedicated to his pregnant wife, Hallie Ray. Earlier in the night, McCollum also welcomed country icon Lee Ann Womack to perform “Killin’ Me.”
Another especially powerful moment came from Dan + Shay, whose performance of “Say So” in partnership with ACM Lifting Lives spotlighted mental health and suicide prevention in tribute to late Music Row executive Ben Vaughn. Introduced by Lauren Alaina, the performance resonated deeply inside the arena and served as one of the show’s most meaningful moments.
Additional standout performances included Kane Brown taking over the arena floor with “Woman,” while former ACM Awards host Blake Shelton closed the show with a powerful rendition of “The Gambler” in tribute to Kenny Rogers and songwriter Schlitz.
Overall, the 61st ACM Awards succeeded because it felt reflective of where country music currently stands. The show honored legends while confidently leaning into a new class of stars who already feel capable of carrying the genre forward. Between Langley’s breakout night, Johnson’s Entertainer of the Year victory and breakthrough moments from artists like The Red Clay Strays and Carter Faith, the telecast delivered a clear picture of country music’s evolving future.
NSAI Celebrates Members & Industry Supporters At Annual Member Awards
Pictured (L-R, back row): Bart Herbison, Ralston Wells, Bryan Mitschell, James Maltese, Gabe Walsh, Jake Arthur, Maxwell Trotter, Grayson May, Adam Epstein, Dewey Longuski, Jessie Brackin, Philip Morgan, Sharon O’Donnell and Josie Bisto. (L-R, front row): Lauren Murray, Tracy Richardson, Sarah Arnold, Natalie Flynn, Allison Barrett, Garland, Jonathan Olivares, Megan Kelley, Jill Moody, Abbey Rowe and Julia Keefe. Photo: NSAI/Tom Turk
NSAI recently held its annual member awards at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, honoring over a dozen individuals, including standout NSAI members and industry supporters.
After a welcome address, the ceremony began with a performance from NSAI Board Member and songwriter Lydia Vaughan as she shared a few songs and words of inspiration with the audience.
Dewey Longuski was the first honoree, receiving the Ones To Watch Award. Megan Kelley stepped on stage to receive the Bob Kingsley Top 40 Award for receiving the most song placements on Bob Kingsley’s NSAI Top 40 lists in 2025. Longtime NSAI member Jonathan Oliveres was honored with the Volunteer Award, given to a member that has extended assistance and support with their time and efforts for the organization.
To honor the newest Friend of NSAI Award recipients, songwriter Brooke Hatala surprised Ralston Wells with a performance, Adam Epstein was honored with a song by hit songwriter Victoria Shaw, and Julia Keefe, Partner, Edgehill Music Publishing, was honored with a performance by Willie Morrison.
This year NSAI recognized Gabe Walsh, Jacob Rice, Abbey Rowe, Philip Morgan and Jessie Brackin with Milestone Awards.
Additionally, Carl Slack was given the Online Pitch award, Bella Garland nabbed the Mentor Award, and Bryan Mitschell took home the Online Song Feedback Award. Various competitions and challenge winners from the past year were also recognized, including Sharon O’Donnell and Josie Bisto, the Grand Prize winners of the 25th annual NSAI Song Contest, NSAI’s 2025 Chapter Challenge winners, James Maltese and Jake Arthur, and the latest recipient of the Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship, Grayson May.
To close out the event, Song of the Year was given to James Maltese for his song “Grass Roots.”
Neil Medley Renews Global Deal With River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Lauren Lieu, Zebb Luster, Neil Medley and Kayla Adkins. Photo: Katie Levine
Neil Medley has renewed his global publishing agreement with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing.
Medley has penned multiple No. 1 hits, including the recent Hudson Westbrook chart-topper, “House Again,” as well as Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” and Jake Owen’s “Made For You.” Medley has earned additional cuts with Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Cody Johnson, Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, Josh Abbott Band, Brent Cobb and more.
“Ever since I signed, Zebb, Kayla [Adkins] and Lauren [Lieu] have worked tirelessly to put me in the best situations to write my best songs,” shares Medley. “I couldn’t be happier with what we’ve achieved over the past four years and I’m excited about what we’re going to accomplish in the future.”
“Neil is like family to our staff and our writers,” says EVP of River House Artists Zebb Luster. “He brings a level of experience to the writing room that always improves the song they are crafting. We couldn’t be prouder to continue our partnership with Neil. He is a major asset to what we have built at River House.”
“Neil is an exceptional songwriter and a trusted collaborator who consistently elevates the creative process,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “His continued success is a testament to his incredible work ethic and love of great songs, and we’re excited to champion his next chapter.”
Singer-Songwriter Taylor Jones Signs With BMG
Pictured (L-R): Layne Faltinsky (Manager, A&R, BMG Nashville), Taylor Jones and Chris Oglesby (VP, Head of Creative Publishing, BMG Nashville)
Rising singer-songwriter Taylor Jones has signed a global publishing deal with BMG.
The Nashville-based writer and Belmont University graduate has steadily established herself within Nashville’s songwriter community, and continues to develop her voice through songs that balance personal perspective and broad emotional resonance. She counts artists like Olivia Dean, Norah Jones and Chris Stapleton as influences, and her work reflects a focus on crafting enduring and accessible songs rooted in soulfulness and sincerity.
“Passion and purpose are foundational to building a career,” says Chris Oglesby, BMG’s VP, Head of Creative Publishing/Nashville. “Taylor combines those with an insatiable appetite for growth. She feels every word she sings and writes what she feels. We’re excited to be a part of Taylor’s journey while she and Layne [Faltinsky] take this to new heights.”
“It’s a true privilege to become part of the BMG family,” says Jones. “To have this incredible team in my corner and to be surrounded by this talented community of writers is a dream come true. I feel more inspired than ever, and I can’t wait for the songs ahead.”