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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Ella Langley dominates the ACM Awards and Cody Johnson wins entertainer of the year

Ella Langley accepts the award for female artist of the year during the 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Ella Langley accepts the award for female artist of the year during the 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Ella Langley accepts the award for female artist of the year during the 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)


Cody Johnson won entertainer of the year, but it was Ella Langley’s night from the start. The first honor of the Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday was for the coveted song of the year, given to Langley for the crossover hit “Choosin’ Texas,” presented to her by Michael Bublé.

“I’m not at a loss for words very often,” said Langley in her speech. “Thank you to the fans. I don’t know why you latched on to this song but thank you for doing it.”

Less than an hour later she was back on stage, winning single of the year for the same smash.

She also joined Riley Green shortly thereafter, as their duet “Don’t Mind if I Do” took home music event of the year.