The Country Music Association (CMA) officially kicked off awards season today with the announcement of nominees for the 59th Annual CMA Awards, shining a spotlight on the artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals shaping the genre over the past year.

This year, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson each earned six nominations, leading the field in a year packed with standout releases and collaborations. Close behind, Zach Top received five nominations, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson scored four nods each. Veteran stars like Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen also made multiple appearances, vying for coveted honors including Entertainer of the Year.

“Each year, the CMA Awards shine a light on the creativity, passion, and dedication of our community,” said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “The nominees announced today represent some of the most impactful work happening across Country Music. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees.”

Top Contenders

Ella Langley: The rising star’s hit collaboration with Riley Green, “you look like you love me," earned nominations for Single and Song of the Year. She also secured nods for Female Vocalist, Musical Event (“Don’t Mind If I Do”), Music Video, and New Artist of the Year. Langley now totals seven career CMA nominations.

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A post shared by Ella Langley (@ellalangleymusic)

Megan Moroney: The reigning New Artist of the Year continues to impress with six nominations, including Single, Song, Album (Am I Okay?), Music Video, Female Vocalist, and Musical Event (“You Had To Be There” featuring Kenny Chesney). This marks her first Album of the Year nomination, bringing her career total to 11 CMA nods.

Lainey Wilson: The reigning Female Vocalist and Music Video of the Year winner also earned six nominations, including Entertainer, Single and Song of the Year (“4x4xU”), Album (Whirlwind), Female Vocalist, and Music Video (“Somewhere Over Laredo”). Wilson now boasts 25 CMA nominations, cementing her status as one of Country Music’s brightest stars.

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A post shared by Zach Top (@zachtop)

Other Highlights

• Zach Top’s Cold Beer & Country Music and “I Never Lie” earned five nominations, spanning Single, Song, Album, Male Vocalist, and New Artist of the Year.

• Cody Johnson earned four nominations, including his first-ever nod for Entertainer of the Year, along with Male Vocalist, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year.

• Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen each earned three nominations, including the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year.

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A post shared by Jelly Roll (@jellyroll615)

Notable Snubs

Fans were left shocked by some surprising omissions. Jelly Roll, who had five nominations in 2023, only received one nod this year for Musical Event of the Year. Morgan Wallen, despite dominating charts with I’m the Problem and multiple hit singles, earned just three nominations, missing out on Song or Single of the Year. Eric Church, known for pushing boundaries with his concept album Evangeline vs. the Machine, was completely overlooked.

First-time CMA nominees making their debut include Johnny Clawson, Jon Decious, Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Dorr, Alexandra Gavillet, Lalo Guzman, Jimmy Harnen, Brandon Lake, Micah Nichols, John Park, Aaron Raitiere, Matt Rovey, Kyle Sturrock, Wales Toney, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 8:00–11:00 PM EST on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

 Fans can expect unforgettable performances, show-stopping collaborations, and a celebration of the genre’s brightest stars.

Photo Credit: @ellalangleymusic on Instagram.