Watch Miranda Lambert Surprise Ella Langley With Her First ACM Award — and Her Reaction Is Everything

Last night, Ella Langley had the kind of moment every artist dreams of. During her Rock the Country set, she snagged her first-ever ACM Award, and none other than Miranda Lambert was there (virtually) to break the incredible news.

As Langley performed, a screen lit up beside her — and there was Miranda, grinning ear to ear.

“Hey, Ella, it’s me. I’m here to tell you how proud I am of you for being the top-nominated artist for the Academy of Country Music Awards this year,” Lambert said, as a visibly confused Langley pulled out her in-ear monitor to listen closer.

Miranda praised Ella’s talent and hard work before dropping the real bombshell:

“But I’m also here to tell you some news. You, my friend, have won New Female Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards! We are going to celebrate so big in Dallas, Texas — they ain’t even ready. So Rock the Country, y’all give it up for my friend and New Female Artist of the Year, Ella Langley!”

Overcome with emotion, Langley choked back tears and managed to say the only thing that came to mind:

“God bless America.”

A perfect reaction for a country girl standing on a country stage.

Later, ACM cameras caught up with Langley on her tour bus, where she tearfully tried to find the words to express what the moment meant:

“Every day of my life, I’ve prayed about this and dreamed about this. Everything I’ve ever done was to be able to do this.
I’m so grateful for my team, and for everyone listening to my music and seeing that it’s real life.
I’m just a real human being going through life like everyone else — and it means so much that people see that.”

You could hear the raw gratitude in her voice — no fancy speeches, just a genuine, heartfelt “thank you.”

 

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There’s no doubt about it: the ACM Awards got it right. With Ella Langley and Zach Top taking home New Artist honors this year, country music’s future is in good hands.

And for Ella? This is just the beginning. With one ACM win already under her belt and seven more nominations in play, don’t be surprised if she walks away from Dallas on May 8th with her arms full of awards.

One down… seven to go. 👏🎤