Behind-The-Scenes Moments At The ACM Awards That You Didn’t See On TV [LIST]
on May 18, 2026
Some of the most memorable ACM Awards show moments happen when television cameras aren’t recording.
Las Vegas went country on Sunday night (May 17) when the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards took over the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Shania Twain stepped in as host for the very first time, and for three-plus hours, the industry’s best singers, songwriters, and musicians were celebrated for their accomplishments over the past year.
RELATED: 10 ARTISTS WHO STAND TO MAKE HISTORY AT THE 2016 ACM AWARDS
But the awards are only part of what makes this night special. For the artists, the ACMs are a rare opportunity to slow down and spend time with friends they rarely get to see. It’s also a chance for some stars to meet for the first time.
When those moments happen, cameras are often there to capture them. From genuine reactions to surprise wins to performances that had the crowd on their feet — there were plenty of moments worth capturing.
Here are some of our favorite behind-the-scenes moments from the ACM Awards that television cameras didn’t capture.
Check them out below.
Ella Langley drops her trophy.
Ella Langley won so many awards that she struggled to hold onto them all. A video taken backstage shows her dropping one while posing for photos.
@accesshollywood Loving life again because #EllaLangley just made history 🏆⭐️ #ellafellas #acmawards ♬ original sound – One Way Air
Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton share a hug.
Chris Stapleton and Thomas Rhett appeared to enjoy catching up during the ACM Awards show. The two shared a hug and a quick conversation, as seen in a video shared by ACM.
4 Female Artist of the Year nominees pose for a photo.
Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson, four of the five Female Artist of the Year nominees, posed together for a photo during Sunday night’s ceremony. Only Megan Moroney was missing, but she chose not to attend the event in order to be the maid of honor in her best friend’s wedding.
Lauren Alaina’s husband dances during Kane Brown’s performance.
Lauren Alaina’s husband, Cam Arnold, was caught dancing along with Kane Brown’s performance of “Woman.” Arnold was seen in the audience twirling his suit jacket over his head as Kane sang.
Lainey Wilson sings “Heart Like A Truck” with a 7-year-old reporter.
7-year-old Ella Grace Fauver did red carpet duties as an interviewer ahead of Sunday’s awards show. During her interview with Lainey Wilson, Lainey invited Ella to sing with her. The two sang a brief rendition of “Heart Like A Truck.”
Parker McCollum reacts to Cody Johnson’s Entertainer of the Year win.
After winning Album of the Year, Parker McCollum was doing press interviews backstage when he learned that Cody Johnson won the Entertainer of the Year award. Cameras captured Parker’s raw reaction to the news.
Blake Shelton “vibes” with Miranda Lambert’s live performance of “Crisco.”
More than a decade has passed since Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert’s marriage ended, and it appears that their past is water under the bridge. Blake was caught nodding along as he watched his ex perform her latest single, “Crisco,” during the ACM Awards.
@heyitsally_l who doesn't love Miranda 🩷🪩 #mirandalambert #acmawards #fyp ♬ Crisco – Miranda Lambert
