The Best, Most Heartfelt Moments of the 2026 ACM Awards

Stephanie SengweMon, May 18, 2026 at 3:40 AM UTC

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Shania Twain, Ella Langley, Lauren Alaina
Credit: David Becker/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty; David Becker/Getty

The 2026 ACM Awards took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, bringing together country's finest.

Hosted by Shania Twain, the award show delivered on emotional moments, fun surprises and plenty of performances. As host, Twain kicked things off on the red carpet as she had tongues wagging by rocking auburn locs. Meanwhile, Lainey Wilson was clearly in newlywed bliss as she brought her husband of seven days to the big show. The night's biggest winner, was of course Ella Langley, who walked away with five of the seven trophies she was nominated for.

Below, see the best moments from the 2026 ACM Awards.

01 of 06

Best at Time Management: Newlywed Lainey Wilson

Devlin "Duck" Hodges and Lainey Wilson
Credit: David Becker/Getty

Lainey Wilson made her first red carpet appearance as a married woman. The "Heart Like a Truck" singer attended the show with her beau, former NFL player Devlin "Duck" Hodges, whom she married on May 10. The appearance is just one on a long list of engagements. Asked how she managed to pull off her big day in-between her never-ending work obligations — the 33-year-old also headlined Stagecoach on April 25 — Wilson responded, "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.”

02 of 06

Hostess with the Mostess: Shania Twain

Shania Twain
Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty; David Becker/Getty; Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock

Four-time ACM winner Shania Twain hosted the award show for the first time and she didn't disappoint. The singer surprised viewers when she walked the red carpet rocking a different look. To accentuate her silver metallic gown, Twain rocked rocked full bangs teamed with long auburn tresses.

Like any good host, Twain kept us on the edge of our seats with multiple wardrobe changes as the show went on, ditching the bangs for a classic curly look.

03 of 06

Most Noble Reason to Skip Out on Your Biggest Night: Megan Moroney

Megan Moroney
Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty; Megan Moroney/Instagram

With nine nominations, Megan Moroney was the most nominated artist at this year's ACMs. However, the singer opted to skip the show, but for a good reason. In an Instagram Stories post featuring herself and her best friend, Natalie King wearing wedding-themed sweatsuits, Moroney wrote, "i'm so honored to be nominated tonight. i'm rooting on all my friends from afar! I'm out of the country this week on [maid of honor] duty to get my bestie married.”

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She capped off the post telling fans she'll be seeing them when she's back on the road. "i 🩷you guys & can't wait to see y'all in columbus!” she wrote. “counting down the days :)”

04 of 06

Best Night to Be Ella Langley

Ella Langley
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty

No one had a better night than Ella Langley, who took home five of the seven awards for which she was nominated. In her emotional acceptance speech for Female Artist of the Year, the singer thanked the trailblazing women who supported her. "Thank you to the women in this category, to the women in this life. This is a weird thing to do," she began.

"Today I was having a strange day, I don't know what it is about awards, but I have strange days in the mornings here. I walked right into Lainey's room and I just got emotional and she hugged me, wrapped me up and started praying for me. And then all of a sudden here comes Miranda Lambert in her little pink hat..." she trailed off, before concluding, "I would not be standing here without just the encouragement of so many women. Kelsea [Ballerini] thank you so much for loving on me. Caroline [Jones] I love you so much. Thank you to the women, I would not be standing here without that."

05 of 06

Most Apropos Shoutout to an OG: Everyone Wishes Willie Nelson a Happy Birthday

Shania Twain and Shaboozey
Credit: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock

Before presenting Single of the Year, Shaboozey was joined by Shania Twain and the duo got the audience to give a special birthday shout out to Willie Nelson, who celebrated another trip around the sun on April 29. "I think it would be a really special idea if we all recorded a birthday message for the most loved man in country music. He just turned 93," Twain said before she and Shaboozey turned and and recorded the audience sending birthday wishes to the country legend.

06 of 06

Most Heartfelt Moment: Lauren Alaina Introduces Dan + Shay

Lauren Alaina
Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty

In a more heartfelt moment towards the end of the show, Lauren Alaina got emotional while speaking about mental health and urging viewers to seek help if they need it.

"Like too many of you out there, I know what it's like to lose someone who struggled with their mental health, so anybody out there who's suffering, please know there's always someone to listen and someone to help, just please, please reach out," she said through tears.

Wiping her tears and continuing, Alaina introduced Dan + Shay who sang their new song "Say So," which was inspired by their shared friend, publishing exec Ben Vaughn, who died by suicide in January 2025.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”