Ella Langley and Cody Johnson Lead Winners at 2026 ACM Awards

Ella Langley secured five trophies while Cody Johnson took home Entertainer of the Year during a night that saw several major nominees shut out

Justin Tomlinson

Editor-in-Chief, Mora Discover

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Ella Langley and Cody Johnson Lead Winners at 2026 ACM Awards

The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated the genre's top achievements, highlighting both established stars and emerging talent. Cody Johnson earned the night's top honor, winning Entertainer of the Year. Ella Langley emerged as a dominant force during the ceremony, securing a total of five trophies throughout the evening.[4][5]

Langley's wins included Song of the Year for her song Choosin' Texas. In addition to her multiple awards, she took the stage to perform Be Her and appeared at the event wearing a white corset gown. Her performance and multiple wins marked a significant milestone for the rising artist.[1][2][4]

Despite the celebrations for the winners, the night was also defined by notable snubs among the genre's biggest names. Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Top entered the ceremony with a combined total of 27 nominations. However, all four artists were shut out, failing to take home any awards during the live broadcast.[3]

The event served as a showcase for the evolution of country music, balancing the recognition of veteran performers with the rise of new voices. The live updates from the ceremony provided a comprehensive look at the winners' list as the industry gathered to honor the best in the genre for the year.[4][5]

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