Ella Langley just won Best New Artist at the 2026 iHeart Country Awards, but can she pull off the biggest upset of the year by beating Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney for Female Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards?

ELLA LANGLEY IS ON A WINNING STREAK.  

She took home Best New Artist at the 2026 iHeart Country Awards, but the real test is coming at the ACM Awards where she’s up against country heavyweights Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney.

But here’s what has everyone talking…

Best New iHeart Country Artist Winner 2026-Ella Langley!

Megan Moroney currently leads with the most nominations, followed closely by Miranda Lambert. Ella’s red-hot album *Dandelion* keeps climbing the charts, but she’s still the dark horse in this race.

Yet the comparisons don’t stop at the awards.  

Fans have been pitting Ella against Megan for months — on stage and even in their personal lives through their connections to Riley Green. It’s become a classic trope: the blonde bombshell versus the sexy girl-next-door.

And that’s not all… 

Despite the rivalry and overlapping personal drama, there’s been zero public conflict between the women. Both continue to show grace and focus on their music.

From iHeart victory to the looming ACM showdown, the conversation around these queens is only getting louder.

Here’s a look at the official AMA nomination announcement and the buzz it’s creating…

This One is for the GIRLS! Let’s Hear it for the #ACMAwards Female Artist of the Year Nominees…

Even though Ella won Best New Artist at the iHeart Country Awards, Megan Moroney is the most nominated contender overall, even beating Miranda Lambert. This has fans wondering if Ella can make the jump from “best new” to “best female” or if Megan’s momentum will carry her to the win.

Yet the real intrigue lies in how these women are constantly compared. 

On stage and in their personal lives (especially through the Riley Green connection), Ella and Megan are often placed side by side. It’s the classic trope of the blonde bombshell versus the sexy girl-next-door, and fans can’t stop debating who stands out more.

Here is the truth that has fans wondering…

Despite the on-stage rivalry and personal links, there’s been no public drama between Ella and Megan. Both continue to rise on their own terms. With *Dandelion* performing strongly, Ella has a real shot at pulling off the upset.

So tell us… Do you think Ella can pull off the victory as the dark horse contender, or will Megan take the crown? Watch her perform and decide for yourself: