Cody Johnson Takes Home Entertainer of the Year at the 2026 ACM Awards
Cody Johnson, 38, had a night to remember at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, winning the coveted Entertainer of the Year award on Sunday, May 17, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This marked his first win in the category after three previous nominations, cementing his place among country music’s biggest stars.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Johnson made a surprise dedication to fellow nominee Luke Combs, acknowledging the sacrifices Combs has made in balancing his music career and family life. “There’s a man that was up for this award that I personally watched devote his life to country music,” Johnson said. He recounted witnessing Combs perform in Australia while missing the birth of his son, praising the singer for returning to the stage with unwavering dedication to his craft. “Tonight I want to dedicate my first Entertainer of the Year award to my buddy, Luke Combs. I love you, brother,” Johnson added to the crowd.
Earlier in the evening, Johnson also won Male Artist of the Year, highlighting his strong presence in country music over the past year. Johnson’s latest album, Leather (2023), has continued to resonate with fans, and he is preparing to release his 10th studio album, Banks of the Trinity, on June 26. His recent singles, including “The Fall,” which reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay and Hot Country charts, showcase the singer’s signature storytelling and musicality.
The 61st ACM Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, featured a lineup of stellar performances from country’s top talents, including Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Little Big Town, and Johnson himself. Twain expressed her excitement ahead of the ceremony, saying, “It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating Country Music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists for this unforgettable night.”
Fans were treated to several memorable live performances, including Musgraves debuting a new song from her upcoming album Middle of Nowhere, Wilson premiering her track “Can’t Sit Still,” and Green performing “Change My Mind.”
The ACM Awards aired live on Prime Video, giving viewers across the country a front-row seat to the celebrations and victories of country music’s brightest stars. Johnson’s double win, including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year title, is seen as a milestone moment in his career, affirming his status as one of the genre’s most compelling performers.
