Country music’s biggest names gathered at The Pinnacle in Nashville Wednesday night for the 19th Annual ACM Honors, an evening celebrating some of the artists, songwriters and industry leaders who have helped shape the genre.
The ceremony also raised more than $65,000 for ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music.
Carly Pearce returned as host for the sixth consecutive year, joined by Parker McCollum, who co-hosted the event for the first time. As well as The Voice of Music City Elaina Smith with the voice overs.
Among the night’s celebrated honorees were Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Bill Anderson, Brett James, The Carter Family, C2C: Country to Country, Leslie Fram, Mike Curb, Scott Zolke and the Paramount+ series Landman.
The ceremony also recognized previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year recipient Ella Langley, ACM Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon, along with the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Award winners from the 61st ACM Awards cycle.
Pearce and McCollum opened the evening with a tribute to Parton, performing several of her most beloved songs. Pearce later joined Kaitlin Butts and Carter Faith for “9 to 5,” while McCollum honored C2C with a performance of “Solid Country Gold.”
The night continued with a series of performances celebrating the honorees. Dylan Scott paid tribute to Tim McGraw with a performance of “Don’t Take the Girl” before presenting Mike Curb with the ACM Icon Award. Trisha Yearwood honored Leslie Fram with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award, while Gavin Adcock performed “Winner at Losing.”
Mark Collie and Flatland Cavalry celebrated Landman with a performance of “Midland After Midnight,” while Margo Price and Logan Ledger teamed up for “Coal Miner’s Blues/Ring of Fire” in tribute to The Carter Family.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when Brenda Lee joined the celebration, leading the crowd through “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” before The Carter Family joined her for “Can the Circle Be Unbroken (By and By).”
Sheryl Crow honored Eric Church with a performance of “Drink in My Hand,” while Faith performed Kacey Musgraves’ breakthrough hit “Merry Go ‘Round.” Big Kenny also took the stage before presenting entertainment attorney Scott Zolke with the ACM Service Award.
Dierks Bentley delivered an emotional performance of “I Hold On” in tribute to longtime friend and songwriter Brett James before presenting James’ sons with his ACM Poet’s Award.
The ceremony also celebrated Ella Langley’s ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year honor with a medley of her hits performed by Avery Anna, Kaitlin Butts and Gabriella Rose. Megan Moroney later performed “Beautiful Things” before presenting Jessie Jo Dillon with the ACM Songwriter of the Year award.
Zach John King closed out the night with a performance of “Get To Drinkin’,” bringing the 19th Annual ACM Honors to a celebratory finish.
With its combination of powerful performances, emotional tributes and recognition of the people behind country music’s biggest moments, the 2026 ACM Honors once again underscored the depth of talent and history that continues to define Nashville’s country music community.
