Cody Johnson took home the top honor as entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. However, Ella Langley stole the show from the beginning. She clinched the first award of the night, song of the year, for her hit “Choosin’ Texas.” Michael Bublé presented the award to Langley, who expressed gratitude saying, “Thank you to the fans. I don’t know why you latched on to this song but thank you for doing it.”

Within an hour, Langley returned to the stage, winning single of the year for the same track. She also shared the music event of the year award with Riley Green for their duet “Don’t Mind if I Do.” Langley secured her fourth award of the night as she was named female artist of the year. Emotional, she mentioned the support of other women, “I would not be standing up here without the encouragement of so many women.”

Cody Johnson, upon receiving the entertainer of the year award, shared, “Music is the sound of emotion.” He dedicated the award to fellow artist Luke Combs after being named male artist of the year earlier in the evening.

The awards night featured performances by notable country stars. Lainey Wilson kicked off the ceremony with her song “Can’t Sit Still.” This year’s event took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, returning after being held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, for three years.

Fast-paced performances followed with acts like Miranda Lambert singing “Crisco,” Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis’ “Ain’t A Bad Life,” and Avery Anna’s “Bang Bang.” Zach Top performed “Honky Tonk Till It Hurts,” and Little Big Town sang “Hey There Sunshine.” The Red Clay Strays delivered their song “Demons in Your Choir.”

Shania Twain hosted the event, walking in to her classic “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!.” She congratulated Lainey Wilson on her recent wedding and reflected on her career, “Make it loud for all our sheroes,” she cheered.

The Red Clay Strays won group of the year, while duo of the year went to Brooks & Dunn. Kix Brooks humorously commented, “I don’t know why y’all aren’t getting sick of us, but we love y’all.”

Prior to the main event, some awards were released. Langley was named artist-songwriter of the year. Jessie Jo Dillon won songwriter of the year, marking her third consecutive win. Stephen Wilson Jr. received visual media of the year for “Cuckoo.” New female and male artist awards went to Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore, respectively.

During the ceremony, Wetmore performed “Brunette,” and Parker McCollum, alongside Lee Ann Womack, delivered “Killin’ Me.” Kacey Musgraves, filled with humor, performed “Dry Spell” in a theatrical setup.

Carter Faith delivered an impressive rendition of “If I Had Never Lost My Mind.” Cody Johnson moved the crowd with “Travelin’ Soldier,” followed by Kane Brown’s “Woman.”

Album of the year was awarded to Parker McCollum for his self-titled album, surpassing competitors like Morgan Wallen and Zach Top.

The finale featured Dan + Shay, who performed “Say So” in memory of Ben Vaughn, and Blake Shelton’s tribute to Kenny Rogers with “The Gambler.”