Ella Langley, the rising star of country music, had a memorable evening at the 61st Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, held on 17 May 2026 in Las Vegas. The talented artist walked away with an impressive five awards, including the prestigious titles of Female Artist of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. The ceremony, which was hosted by country music legend Shania Twain, showcased Langley’s tremendous accomplishments and cemented her status in the industry.
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During her emotional acceptance speech, the 27-year-old recounted her gratitude towards fellow artists, particularly acknowledging the invaluable support she received from women in the industry. “I’m trying to get to say something, but I can’t,” Langley expressed as she fought back tears. She credited artists such as Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Kelsea Ballerini for their encouragement, which she described as crucial to her success.
Langley shared an anecdote from earlier that day, reflecting on how she had a difficult time before the awards ceremony. She recounted a heartfelt moment with Lainey Wilson, who offered her a comforting embrace and a prayer. She also mentioned Lambert’s appearance in a distinctive pink hat, stating, “I would not be standing up here without just [the] encouragement of so many women.” Kelsea Ballerini received a special mention as Langley expressed her appreciation for their friendship and support. The heartfelt speech resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of camaraderie within the music community.
In addition to the Female Artist of the Year award, Langley’s accolades included Song of the Year and Single of the Year for her hit “Choosin’ Texas.” Collaborating artist Riley Green also joined her in winning the Music Event of the Year for their duet titled “Don’t Mind if I Do.” With a total of seven nominations, Langley’s achievement is a testament to her growing influence and talent within the country music genre.
The singer previously revealed during an interview on Country Countdown USA that Lambert, her co-writer for “Choosin’ Texas,” provided her with invaluable advice when the song reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Lambert had reminded her, “You are more important than this job,” a sentiment Langley credits with helping her to develop a sense of self-worth amidst the pressures of the music industry.
Langley’s success at the ACM Awards marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting not only her musical achievements but also her ability to connect with audiences and fellow artists alike. As her star continues to rise, many are keen to see what the future holds for this talented vocalist.
The evening was filled with unforgettable performances and emotional speeches, with Langley’s particularly standing out as a celebration of solidarity among women in country music. This year’s awards not only recognised individual talents but also fostered a sense of community and support within the industry.
As she moves forward in her career, Ella Langley showcases an inspiring blend of raw talent, humility, and a commitment to uplifting others in her field. The country music landscape is undoubtedly looking forward to witnessing her future endeavours and the impact she will continue to make on the genre.