Country music’s biggest stars descended upon the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas this past weekend for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. Hosted by the legendary Shania Twain, the star-studded evening was packed with massive performances, emotional speeches, and a few historic milestones that will have the country community talking for weeks.
If you missed the live broadcast, don’t worry. Here is a full recap of the night’s biggest winners and moments for you. You can also stream on Prime.
Cody Johnson Takes Top Honors
The biggest story of the night belonged to Cody Johnson, who took home the evening’s most coveted prize: Entertainer of the Year. It marks Johnson’s very first time winning the top honor. In an emotional acceptance speech, he reflected on his long journey in the industry, recalling childhood memories of singing in his bunk bed and dreaming of one day standing on that very stage. In a classy move, he dedicated the milestone win to his fellow nominee, Luke Combs.
Johnson didn’t just walk away with the final trophy of the night; he also claimed the title of Male Artist of the Year. Proving why he deserved both honors, he later delivered a powerful, show-stopping performance of his cover of “Travelin’ Soldier.”
A Historic, Record-Breaking Night for Ella Langley
While Cody Johnson took the top title, Ella Langley was undeniably the most decorated artist of the evening, sweeping a staggering seven awards. Langley kicked off the main broadcast with a win for Song of the Year for her smash hit “Choosin’ Texas.” She quickly returned to the stage to accept Single of the Year for the same track, achieving a rare feat by taking home trophies as both the performing artist and a producer on the record. This monumental achievement marks the first time an artist has won back-to-back ACM Single of the Year honors since Miranda Lambert did it over a decade ago.
Later in the evening, Langley added Artist-Songwriter of the Year to her haul and tearfully accepted the trophy for Female Artist of the Year. During her speech, she praised the sisterhood of country music, giving a special shoutout to fellow nominees Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Kelsea Ballerini.
First-Time Wins and Iconic Streaks
The album categories brought some incredible firsts. Parker McCollum took home his very first Album of the Year trophy for his self-titled record. Presented by Keith Urban, McCollum used his time at the microphone to give a sweet shoutout to his pregnant wife, Hallie Ray Light, joking that the academy should give her a trophy with her own name on it.
In the group categories, The Red Clay Strays completed an incredible two-year arc, graduating from last year’s New Group of the Year win to claim the main Group of the Year title.
Meanwhile, the legendary Brooks & Dunn proved that some things never change. The iconic duo took home Duo of the Year for the 18th time, extending their lifetime ACM win total to an unmatched 32 awards.
Collaboration and Fresh Faces
The award for Music Event of the Year went to Riley Green and Ella Langley for their chart-topping duet, “Don’t Mind If I Do.” The victory counted toward Langley’s massive night and secured back-to-back wins in the category for both artists.
The future of the genre also looked incredibly bright as the academy celebrated its newest rising stars. Tucker Wetmore was crowned New Male Artist of the Year and brought his mother onto the stage alongside Shania Twain before performing his hit “Brunette.” On the female side, Avery Anna took home New Female Artist of the Year, celebrating the win with an energetic medley of “Bang Bang” and “Blood Runs Thicker.”
Behind the scenes, Jessie Jo Dillon made history of her own, capturing her third consecutive Songwriter of the Year honor.
Show-Stopping Performances
Beyond the trophies, the night was defined by 17 electric performances. Kane Brown turned heads with his brand-new country-pop single “Woman,” while Riley Green rocked the crowd with “Change My Mind.” Fans were also treated to exceptional sets from Zach Top, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert, making the 61st ACM Awards an unforgettable celebration of where country music has been—and exactly where it is heading.
Leave a Reply