The 2026 ACM Awards barely had time to begin before Lainey Wilson took over the stage and made it clear that this was going to be her night.
With explosive energy, bold visuals, and a fearless live debut of her brand-new single “Can’t Sit Still,” Wilson delivered an opening performance so electrifying that fans instantly knew the atmosphere inside the arena had shifted. By the end of the night, that feeling was confirmed when she was crowned ACM Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year.
It was a defining moment for one of country music’s biggest stars.
Lainey Wilson Sets the Tone With “Can’t Sit Still”
From the first note, Wilson attacked the ACM stage with the same fiery confidence that has made her one of the most talked-about performers in country music.
Backed by dancers in coordinated white western-inspired outfits, she leaned into the song’s restless spirit, moving across the stage as flashing lights and rapid transitions amplified the performance’s nonstop intensity. The country-rock anthem felt tailor-made for a major awards show debut, and Wilson’s commanding presence kept all eyes on her from start to finish.
Viewers quickly lit up social media, praising the performance as one of the most exciting ACM openings in recent memory. Some fans even noted that the production evoked the larger-than-life country-pop spectacles that once defined classic ACM broadcasts.
A Special Night After Her Wedding to Devlin Hodges
The performance carried even more significance because it marked Wilson’s first major televised appearance since marrying former NFL quarterback Devlin Hodges.
The couple, affectionately known to fans as Lainey and “Duck,” tied the knot in Tennessee just days before the awards show. That made the ACM Awards not only a huge professional triumph, but also the first major celebration of Wilson’s new chapter as a married woman.
A Career Momentum That Shows No Signs of Slowing
Wilson entered the 2026 ACM Awards with extraordinary momentum.
In April, Netflix released a documentary chronicling her long and often difficult journey to stardom. The project gave fans an intimate look at the more than ten years of hard work, setbacks, and perseverance that eventually led to her breakthrough.
The documentary also highlighted the family members and close supporters who stood beside her throughout the journey, earning praise from viewers who appreciated seeing a more personal side of the country star.
Leading a Powerful Year for Women in Country Music
Wilson was once again among the night’s top nominees, joining standout artists such as Miranda Lambert and Megan Moroney in a year that showcased the dominance of female artists at the ACM Awards.
Her continued success has been fueled by a series of acclaimed performances, including her first time headlining the Stagecoach Festival earlier this year.
Whether on a festival stage or national television, Wilson has proven she can blend classic country storytelling with modern, high-energy showmanship.
The Lasting Impact of Bell Bottom Country
Much of Wilson’s rise can be traced to her breakthrough album Bell Bottom Country, a project that earned widespread acclaim and major awards recognition.
The album helped establish her as one of the defining voices of contemporary country music and raised expectations for every new release she has delivered since.
A Night to Remember at the ACM Awards
Held in Las Vegas, the 2026 ACM Awards featured performances from stars including Kacey Musgraves, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, and Little Big Town, with Shania Twain serving as host.
But despite a star-studded lineup, Wilson delivered one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.
By opening the show with “Can’t Sit Still” and later taking home Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson once again proved why she remains at the center of country music’s biggest conversation.
Her reign isn’t slowing down — if anything, it’s only getting louder.
