At the May 17, 2026 ceremony in Las Vegas, Lainey Wilson’s touring crew captured the top honor of Crew of the Year at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards.. The crew also secured wins in five other categories, underscoring a season‑long push for gender balance on country‑music tours.

35 Women Power the Winning Crew

According to the event summary, Wilson’s crew includes 35 women, a figure that organizers highlighted as a milestone for a traditionally male‑dominated field. the crew’s leader praised the team’s “hard work and dedication,” noting that the all‑female representation helped reshape industry expectations.

Six Technical Awards for Wilson’s Team

The Strauss‑presented ceremony recognized Wilson’s crew in backline technician, stage manager, front‑of‑house engineer, tour video director, monitor engineer of the year and tour manager of the year, as reported by the source. These wins reflect a broader shift toward recognizing behind‑the‑scenes talent rather than just headline performers.

June Rescheduling After Nashville Ice Storms

The awards, originally slated for May, were moved to June after severe ice storms struck Nashville in January, disrupting touring schedules. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern referenced the delay during her introduction, emphasizing the resilience of touring professionals who kept the circuit moving despite weather setbacks.

Jim Halsey Receives Lifetime Touring Achievement Award

Veteran agent Jim Halsey was honored with the CMA Lifetime Touring Achievement Award, a nod to his six‑decade career managing legends such as Hank Thompson, George Jones and Reba McEntire. although Halsey could not attend, he accepted via video, and his clients Duane Allen and William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys presented the accolade.

Who Will Lead the Next Generation of Tour Crews?

While Wilson’s crew dominates this year, the source does not identify any emerging crews poised to challenge their supremacy in 2027. Observers are left wondering whether other artists will replicate the all‑female model or if the industry will see a more mixed composition moving forward.