Riley Green Steals the Spotlight at the 2026 ACM Awards with ‘Change My Mind’
The energy in Las Vegas reached a fever pitch on Sunday night, May 17, as the 2026 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards unfolded. While the night was filled with star power, one moment stood out above the rest: the captivating performance by rising country superstar Riley Green.
A Smoldering Performance That Captivated the Crowd
Riley Green took the stage not just to sing, but to command the room. Dressed in his signature style—a classic black Stetson and a muscle-baring denim shirt—Green delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of his latest bad-decisions ballad, “Change My Mind.”
The production design added a layer of intimacy and authenticity to the act. The stage was transformed into the cozy interior of a rustic wood cabin, perfectly mirroring the storytelling essence of country music. However, the real magic happened during the bridge of the song. In a move that left fans swooning, Green stepped away from the cabin set and approached a side-stage microphone, bringing his slow-burning heat directly to the adoring audience.
A Year of Recognition: Nominations and Accolades
Riley Green’s presence at the 2026 ACMs wasn’t just about the performance; it was a celebration of his meteoric rise in the industry. This year, Green earned a staggering four nominations, highlighting his versatility as both a vocalist and a songwriter:
- Album of the Year: For the expansive Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe).
- Male Artist of the Year: Recognizing his overall impact on the current country scene.
- Music Event of the Year: For the hit collaboration “Don’t Mind If I Do” with Ella Langley.
- Artist-Songwriter of the Year: A category that showcases his lyrical prowess.
With a career already boasting four ACM wins—including Top New Male Vocalist in 2020 and two awards in 2024 for the smash hit “You Look Like You Love Me”—Green is firmly establishing himself as a cornerstone of modern country music.
Dominating the Billboard Charts
The success of “Change My Mind” is more than just fan hype; the numbers back it up. The track currently holds a strong position on the Billboard Hot 100, sitting at No. 34 as of May 16. Having spent 14 weeks on the chart with a previous peak of No. 27, it marks Green’s fourth top 40 hit.
This achievement follows a string of successes, including his solo hit “Worst Way,” which climbed to No. 20 in the summer of 2025, and his high-profile collaborations with Ella Langley. It is clear that Riley Green has found a formula that resonates deeply with listeners across North America.
As the country music landscape evolves, Riley Green continues to blend traditional roots with contemporary appeal, ensuring that his voice—and his stories—will be heard for years to come.
