ACM Awards 2026: Full Winners List and Ceremony Highlights
The Academy of Country Music Awards returned to Frisco, Texas last night for a ceremony that celebrated the genre's biggest stars while shining a spotlight on emerging talent. The evening's top honor, Entertainer of the Year, went to Lainey Wilson for the second consecutive year, cementing her position as country music's dominant commercial and artistic force. Wilson delivered an emotional acceptance speech thanking her hometown of Baskin, Louisiana, and dedicating the award to young women pursuing dreams in small towns across America. Her win capped a night that balanced spectacle with genuine moments of connection.
Other major winners included Chris Stapleton, who took home Male Artist of the Year and Single of the Year for his haunting ballad 'Broken Halos Part II.' Stapleton's live performance of the winning track was widely regarded as the evening's musical highlight, his raw vocal power filling the arena with a visceral intensity that had audience members visibly moved. Female Artist of the Year went to Carly Pearce, whose acclaimed album 'Hummingbird' earned her the honor after years of consistent artistic growth and critical praise that finally translated into this career-defining recognition.
The New Male Artist and New Female Artist categories introduced audiences to names that will likely dominate future ceremonies. Tucker Cole, the East Texas singer-songwriter whose debut EP has been generating significant buzz, took the male honor with a humble acceptance that charmed the audience. The female award went to Jessie Creek, whose EP 'Golden Fences' has drawn comparisons to early Kacey Musgraves for its lyrical sophistication and emotional clarity. Both artists performed during the telecast, delivering sets that validated the academy's selections with undeniable talent.
The ceremony also featured several memorable collaborative performances, including a tribute to the late Toby Keith that brought together Keith's former tourmates and friends for a medley of his greatest hits. A surprise duet between Dolly Parton and Post Malone on a reworked version of 'Jolene' provided the evening's most talked-about viral moment, blending Parton's iconic vocals with Malone's unexpected country credibility. The ACM Awards continue to serve as country music's most effective showcase, balancing industry tradition with the genre's evolving future.