Tonight marks one of the biggest nights in Country Music. That’s right, the ACM Awards are back, with Shania Twain serving as a first-time host. Country’s newest leading women, Megan Moroney and Ella Langley, headline nominations. The latter will also grace the stage, along with other notable performers including Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Blake Shelton, and more. You can stream the 2026 ACM Awards on Prime Video on Sunday at 8 pm EST / 7 pm CST.
You can keep up with all the viral moments and results with American Songwriter’s Season 24 Live Blog below.
Reminder: For the most up-to-date results, refresh the page.
Featured Image by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Country music legend Willie Nelson, who just celebrated his 93rd birthday on April 29, isn’t attending tonight’s 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony.
However, the “Always On My Mind” singer received birthday greetings from everyone at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, recorded by host Shania Twain and four-time ACM Award nominee Shaboozey.
Nelson is releasing his 79th studio album, Dream Chaser, on May 29.
Name a better duo than Brooks & Dunn—you can’t. And the “Brand New Man” pair just took home their 18th trophy for ACM Duo of the Year.
The country music veterans beat out Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Thelma and James, and Muscadine Bloodline. Brooks & Dunn released their debut album, Brand New Man, all the way back in 1991. More than three decades later, they just played for a crowd of more than 80,000 people on Morgan Wallen’s Still the Problem Tour.
“I don’t know why y’all aren’t getting sick of us, but God bless you for hanging with us,” declared Kix Brooks.
One year after winning the Academy of Country Music Award for New Vocal Group of the Year, country-rockers the Red Clay Strays have taken home Vocal Group of the Year honors.
Fuck yeah! Go Red Clay Strays #ACMAwards
— Crystal M (@TvFilmJunkie)
“It doesn’t feel real, truly,” lead singer Brandon Coleman said. “We’re just some rednecks from Mobile, Alabama, and when we started playing in bars, we never thought it would go this far.”
Grammy-winning singer Michael Bublé presented the award for Song of the Year tonight. To no one’s surprise, it went to Ella Langley for “Choosin’ Texas”.
The nine-time nominee shared the stage with co-writers Luke Dick, Joybeth Taylor, and the most-awarded artist in ACM history, Miranda Lambert.
“Thank you to the fans,” Langley said. “I don’t know why y’all latched onto that song, but thank you for doing it!”
Ella with Song of the year for Choosing Texas!! Yasssss #ACMawards
— LifewithLindsay (@LindsayyOnAir)
The hype around “Choosin’ Texas” hasn’t cooled since Langley released the song in October 2025. It’s the longest-running number-one streak atop the all-genre Hot 100 by a female artist ever.
The Academy of Country Music’s reigning Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson, is getting things going at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tonight.
Decked out in leather and studs, Wilson performed her brand-new single, “Can’t Sit Still”.
She really CAN’T sit still. I mean come on, touring writing, wedding, ACM’s yada yada. If @laineywilson sits, they’re not gonna be able to get her up for another five years. 😜 #ACMAwards
— Amy Paige (@OnAirAsAmy)
The newlywed is among the night’s most-nominated artist with seven. She has a chance to repeat as Entertainer of the Year, facing off against Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, and Chris Stapleton.
With the 61st annual ACM Awards just minutes away at the MGM Grand Gardens Arena in Las Vegas, one of the night’s most-nominated artists is already a winner.
Ahead of the May 17 ceremony, the Academy of Country Music announced that Ella Langley has nabbed the Artist-Songwriter of the Year trophy.
Langley beat out Luke Combs, Riley Green, Megan Moroney, and Morgan Wallen in the category to win the award.
New Female Artist of the Year Avery Anna delivered a knockout performance of her newest song, “Blood Runs Thicker”.
my baby avery anna 🥹🥹 #ACMawards
— payton 𐚁 (@luckynswt)
Anna was announced as the winner by the Academy of Country Music ahead of the May 17 ceremony. She beat out Mackenzie Carpenter, Dasha, Caroline Jones, and Emily Ann Roberts.
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