Alabama acts make an impression on pop world at American Music Awards

Alabama musicians left their mark on the bright lights of Las Vegas this week, showcasing the state's undeniable talent during Monday night's American Music Awards.

Langley and Green Take the Stage

Hope Hull native Ella Langley arrived in Las Vegas with major momentum following a seven-trophy sweep at the Academy of Country Music Awards. While the pop-heavy stage of the AMAs proved a different environment, Langley secured two major wins, taking home honors for Best Female Country Artist and Best Country Song for her record-breaking hit “Choosin’ Texas.”

Jacksonville’s own Riley Green also represented the state well. Though the Best Male Country Artist award ultimately went to Morgan Wallen, Green captivated the crowd with a performance of “Worst Way.” According to Billboard.com, the performance earned the ninth spot out of 13 total sets, outranking industry veterans like Billy Idol and New Kids on the Block.

Expanding the Alabama Footprint

The talent from the Heart of Dixie extended beyond solo acts. The Zac Brown Band, which features Alabama native and drummer Chris Fryar, secured the award for Best Country Duo or Group.

Looking ahead, both Langley and Green show no signs of slowing down. Langley recently shared glimpses of some downtime on the islands, while Green is preparing for the release of his new single, “Think as You Drunk,” arriving this Thursday.

Summer Soundtrack Curators

Fans can expect to see more from both stars this summer. As reported by Country Insider, both artists were tapped to curate exclusive playlists for the Apple Music “Summertime Sounds 2026” series, which debuts in June.

Langley’s “Dandelion Summer” collection will highlight the musical influences behind her latest album, while Green’s curated list focuses on the nostalgia of the season. “Summer makes me think of home: Alabama, backroads, the lake, cookouts, and those songs that just sound better when it’s hot outside,” Green noted regarding his selection, which features tracks from Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, and Alabama.