Ella Langley Sweeps ACM Awards as Shania Twain Hosts First Vegas Ceremony

The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards made its debut in Las Vegas, moving away from its usual spot in Frisco, Texas, with Shania Twain taking on the role of host. The events kicked off at MGM Grand's Luchini Italian Restaurant with the third annual I'm Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion brunch, honoring people like Beverly Keel and the Compton Cowboys. A beach party called Next Wave at Mandalay Bay featured artists like Dasha and Keith Urban. On the red carpet, Lainey Wilson showed up with her new husband, Devlin Hodges, just a week after their wedding, while Kelsea Ballerini stunned in a Roberto Cavalli outfit. Ella Langley shone brightly, winning multiple awards, including Female Artist of the Year. Twain highlighted the milestone of female artists receiving more nominations than their male counterparts. The performances, including those by The Red Clay Strays and Kacey Musgraves, showcased the growing inclusivity in country music.