The Tamesis
The festivities continued at Next Wave, a beach party in the middle of the desert – which sounds like a fever dream but is actually very real. The ACM hosted a sunset bash hosted by emerging stars Dasha and Ashley Cooke, with a closing performance by Keith Urban. Beach blankets and cowboy boots were strewn across the entire esplanade at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino; their passengers abandoned them and became stranded in ankle-deep water around the stage. A gust of wind didn’t stop people from dancing and performers from swaying – although the gusts did create a few blowouts. “It’s like I’m in a 2000s romantic comedy,” Dasha said with a laugh. “It gave Beliber hair. It wasn’t very cute.”
At night, the hot pots are blazing and glow-in-the-dark beach balls are everywhere around the resort. (You know it’s a good party when Tucker Wetmore signs someone’s shoes with his wife’s eyeliner and Keith Urban jumps right into the pool — all in the same hour.)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 16: (LR) Dasha and Ashley Cooke perform on stage at Mandalay Bay Beach during ACM Next Wave: Village Beach Bash on May 16, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for ACM)David Becker/Getty Images
On the carpet the next afternoon, it felt less like an awards show and more like a big house party—just blue velvet curtains, strobe lights, and photographers yelling “Look here!” Guests chatted about the day’s news, from who lost the most at the casino the night before (Ashley Cook’s Hudson Westbrook) to who was sweeping the board later that night (everyone’s Ella Langley). It’s an endless parade of snakeskin boots and bolo ties, coiffed hair and sequined attire, all battling the intense Las Vegas heat. Luckily, a dapper Tyler Cameron stood in the middle of the carpet with a truckload of valley water to keep guests cool. (It’s easy to remember to stay hydrated when a tall glass of water reminds you on its own.)
It’s clear with every conversation that the country music world is very busy, both in life and in love. “That’s my husband,” the newlywed Leni Wilson said with a smile, raising her hips and giving Devlin Hodges a thumbs-up with her signature Southern humor. The two tied the knot a week ago and had little time to enjoy their newlywed bliss before starting their busy schedules. “It’s our honeymoon in Vegas!” As for whether Hodges is excited to see Wilson perform? “Oh, always,” he gushed. “He’s my biggest cheerleader,” she added.
“Last year was a high-octane year for me, so now I’m doing things quietly for the first time because I love talking,” Kelsey Ballerini said with a laugh, “and I just mind my own business.” It was all in style, obviously—in a gold-plated Roberto Cavalli dress from the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, and a vibrant blowout. Elsewhere on the carpet, vintage Ralph Lauren was on display: Stella Lefty wore a 1999 look from the brand, while Carter Faith opted for a 2013 one. “I was like the new girl here,” Faith said, “so it was pretty cool for me. I would sit there and be scared because I was surrounded by these people. I guess I had stars in my eyes.”
