Riley Green, Ella Langley win big at Nashville Songwriter Awards
Riley Green and Ella Langley took the top prizes at the 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on September 22, 2026.
Green was named songwriter-artist of the year, the prize for performers who write their own material. Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” was named song of the year, according to Billboard reporting from the ceremony.
“Choosin’ Texas” was written by Langley with Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor and Luke Dick. Langley performed the song on the night alongside Taylor and Dick.
Blake Pendergrass was honoured as songwriter of the year. He was recognised for “20 Cigarettes” and “Just in Case,” both recorded by Morgan Wallen. Those two songs were also celebrated in the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” segment, which spotlights tracks voted by songwriters.
Green also performed during that segment. He sang “Don’t Mind If I Do” with Hannah McFarland. The song was one of the 10 honoured titles.
Two career honours were presented on the night. Vince Gill received the Kris Kristofferson lifetime achievement award. Paul Williams, president and chairman of the US rights organisation ASCAP, received the president’s keystone award from NSAI, the songwriters’ group behind the event.
What makes this stand out is the format. Writers perform their own songs and explain the work behind them, so the audience hears the songs from the people who created them.
Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton had been announced in July to help celebrate the honourees. The awards, presented by City National Bank, take place each September. Green has released a new album titled That’s Just Me.
