The 2026 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, was an evening filled with memorable moments and major achievements. Hosted by the iconic Shania Twain, the star-studded event showcased the best in country music, celebrating both established artists and rising stars.
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Shania Twain, a four-time ACM winner herself, made her debut as the awards show host and did not disappoint. The singer turned heads as she walked the red carpet donning a striking silver metallic gown and a new hairstyle featuring long auburn tresses and bangs. Twain kept the energy high throughout the evening with multiple outfit changes that captivated the audience.
Among the evening’s highlights was the appearance of newlywed Lainey Wilson. Wilson, who tied the knot just a week prior on May 10, made her first red carpet appearance as a married woman, accompanying her husband, former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges. When asked how she managed to balance her wedding with her busy schedule, which included a performance at Stagecoach Festival earlier in April, Wilson humorously noted, “I was like, we gotta find a window. I’m like, as long as I got my phone, my keys, my wallet, my man, I’m good.”
Another striking absence was Megan Moroney, who was the most nominated artist of the night with nine nominations. However, she opted to miss the event for a commendable reason. Moroney shared on social media that she was in another country fulfilling her duties as maid of honour for her best friend’s wedding. “I’m so honoured to be nominated tonight. I’m rooting on all my friends from afar!” she wrote, expressing her excitement for those attending while assuring fans she would catch up with them upon her return.
Ella Langley emerged as the star of the night, winning five out of the seven awards she was nominated for, including the prestigious Female Artist of the Year. In her emotional acceptance speech, she paid tribute to the supportive women in the industry who have helped pave her way. “I would not be standing here without just the encouragement of so many women,” she said, thanking fellow artists who have inspired her journey.
In a heartwarming segment, Shania Twain and rising star Shaboozey invited the audience to participate in a birthday tribute for country music legend Willie Nelson, who celebrated his 93rd birthday on April 29. Twain proposed recording a special message for Nelson, reminding everyone of his longstanding impact on the genre and the love he receives from fans and colleagues alike.
The night also featured a poignant moment introduced by Lauren Alaina, who spoke openly about mental health issues, urging those struggling to seek help. Speaking through tears, Alaina, who has personal experience with loss related to mental health, emphasised the importance of reaching out for support. She set the stage for Dan + Shay, who performed their new song “Say So,” a tribute to their late friend, publishing executive Ben Vaughn, who tragically died by suicide in January 2025.
As the night unfolded, the ACM Awards demonstrated both the celebratory and heartfelt aspects of country music, providing a platform for artists to honour their craft while addressing pressing societal issues. The blend of joy, nostalgia, and emotional resonance kept audiences engaged, ensuring that the 2026 ACM Awards would be remembered for years to come.