ACM awards 2026: Cody Johnson dedicates big win to fellow singer Luke Combs

Cody Johnson added another feather to his cap on Sunday as he won the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 2026 ACM Awards.

The 38-year-old country singer dedicated his award to fellow nominee Luke Combs during his acceptance speech.

"There's a man that was up for this award that I personally watched devote his life to country music," Cody began.

He further said, "I was there the night in Australia when his wife gave birth to one of their sons. And I watched the anguish, I watched the defeat on his face for not being there, because he was across the world playing music in a sold-out arena."

"The next night, right after, I watched him get on stage and absolutely murder the stage, and go on stage and play country music and preach the message of country music to a bunch of Australians across the world," continued the Wild As You hitmaker.

"So, tonight I want to dedicate my first Entertainer of the Year award to my buddy, Luke Combs," added Cody. "I love you, brother."

For those unversed, the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards took place on Sunday evening at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.