Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“There’s an artist nominated for this award whom I’ve personally seen dedicate his entire life to country music,” Cody Johnson said during his acceptance speech while referring to Luke Combs.
Cody Johnson emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night at the 2026 ACM Awards. The 38-year-old country star earned the prestigious Entertainer of the Year honor on Sunday, May 17, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. After receiving two previous nominations in the category, this marked his first victory.
During his acceptance speech, Johnson surprised the audience by dedicating the award to fellow nominee Luke Combs, admitting it was likely not something fans expected.
“There’s a fellow nominee for this award whom I’ve personally watched pour his entire life into country music,” Johnson shared.
He recalled being in Australia when Combs’ wife gave birth to one of their sons, describing the emotional toll it took on the singer for being unable to attend because he was performing overseas. Johnson said he witnessed the disappointment on Combs’ face, but also admired how he still stepped onstage the following night and delivered an unforgettable performance while sharing country music with fans abroad.
Johnson then dedicated his first Entertainer of the Year trophy to Combs, calling him a close friend and expressing his admiration.
The two artists previously toured together during Combs’ 2023 world tour. Combs and his wife, Nicole, are parents to three children. He missed the birth of their second son, Beau, in August 2023 while performing in Australia. They also share sons Tex, 3½, and Chet, who was born earlier this year.
Other nominees in the Entertainer of the Year category included Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen.
Earlier in the evening, Johnson also secured the Male Artist of the Year award. His latest album, Leather, was released in 2023, while his upcoming 10th studio album, Banks of the Trinity, is scheduled to arrive on June 26.
Johnson’s single “The Fall,” released last year, climbed to No. 4 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Hot Country Songs chart. In January, he also appeared on a remix of Brandon Lake’s song “When a Cowboy Prays.”