Ella Langley wrote her name in country music history on May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, walking away from the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards with seven trophies in a single night. No artist in the 61-year history of the ACMs had ever won that many awards in one ceremony, surpassing a record shared by Garth Brooks in 1991, Faith Hill in 1999, and Chris Stapleton in 2016. Her breakout anthem “Choosin’ Texas,” co-written with Miranda Lambert and produced under Lambert’s production banner, claimed both Single of the Year and Song of the Year, cementing Langley as Ella Langley ACM Awards 2026’s defining story and country music’s most celebrated artist.
A Record That Stood for 35 Years
The previous record of six ACM wins in a single night had stood for decades, matched across three separate ceremonies by three of the genre’s biggest names. Ella Langley, 25 years old on the night of the ceremony, is now the sole holder of that record. Host Shania Twain, making her ACM hosting debut, called Langley “the artist this genre has been waiting for” before presenting one of the evening’s final honors. The crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena responded with a standing ovation after Langley’s third consecutive acceptance speech, one that recognized songwriting partners, her touring band, and the country radio stations that championed “Choosin’ Texas” for 16 consecutive weeks at number one. Over two consecutive ACM Award cycles, Langley has now collected 12 trophies total, breaking Faith Hill’s two-year record of 10 (1998–1999).
“Choosin’ Texas” Sweeps the Biggest Categories
“Choosin’ Texas” was co-written by Langley and Miranda Lambert, produced by Grammy-nominated producer Jesse Frasure, and released in mid-2025 on UMG Nashville. The song crossed every format line on radio, spending 16 weeks at number one on the country airplay charts before the awards ceremony. On May 17, it won Single of the Year and Song of the Year : with Lambert collecting the latter as co-writer. The track’s official music video, directed by Becky Fluke, took Video of the Year. Langley also claimed Music Event of the Year for her duet with Riley Green, “Don’t Mind If I Do,” a February 2026 collaboration that charted inside the top five at country radio.
Cody Johnson Claims Entertainer of the Year
While Langley dominated the individual awards, Cody Johnson finally claimed Entertainer of the Year on his fourth nomination, topping a competitive field that included Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, and Morgan Wallen. Johnson delivered a career-defining ACM performance with a medley from his current album, earning a roaring response from the Las Vegas crowd. His win validates more than a decade of relentless touring, independent label resilience, and the sold-out arena run that defined his 2025 calendar. It was a night that gave country music two clear stories: Langley’s historic sweep and Johnson’s long-overdue coronation.
Complete 2026 ACM Awards Winners: Major Categories
- Entertainer of the Year: Cody Johnson
- Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley
- Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Ella Langley
- Single of the Year: “Choosin’ Texas” : Ella Langley
- Song of the Year: “Choosin’ Texas” : Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert (co-writers)
- Music Event of the Year: “Don’t Mind If I Do” : Ella Langley feat. Riley Green
- Video of the Year: “Choosin’ Texas” : Ella Langley
Frequently Asked: Who won the most awards at the 2026 ACM Awards?
Ella Langley won seven awards at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards on May 17, 2026, in Las Vegas, breaking the all-time single-night record previously held at six. Her wins included Female Artist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year, and Music Event of the Year. Cody Johnson won Entertainer of the Year. The full winners list is published at ACMcountry.com.
Ella Langley’s seven-win night at the 61st ACM Awards is not just a record: it is a declaration about where country music is headed. “Choosin’ Texas” crossed every format line on radio throughout 2025 and 2026, and Langley’s fearless, confessional songwriting earned her every trophy she took home. The country music world is watching to see what she does next, and so are we. For more on the artists shaping country music in 2026 and 2027, explore our complete guide to Sunset Country Fest 2027, where the next generation of country’s biggest names will take the stage in Apopka, Florida.
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Sources & References
- ACM Country : Winners Announced for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards
- Variety : Ella Langley Sweeps ACM Awards With Seven Wins; Cody Johnson Wins Entertainer of the Year
- Billboard : Here Are the 2026 ACM Awards Winners: Full List
- Country Now : Ella Langley Sweeps 2026 ACM Awards With Seven Trophies
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Last updated: May 31, 2026 · Sunset Country Fest Editorial Team · Contact Us