With the 58th annual CMA Awards announcing its nominations this week, many familiar names in country music lead the field of nominees as recognized by the Country Music Association.
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Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and rapper-rocker-turned-country star Post Malone were all rewarded for a big year. Also, Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, Jelly Roll, and Megan Moroney each received three nominations. Thanks to his massive hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey received a nod for Single of the Year. He’s also up for Best New Artist.
But notably absent from a nomination is Beyoncé, whose Cowboy Carter became a cultural sensation and shined a light on Nashville’s outdated establishment. “Texas Hold ’Em” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but didn’t receive as much airplay on country radio.
Here’s a look at three artists to watch during this year’s ceremony, which takes place November 20 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Morgan Wallen
As expected, country star Morgan Wallen led the CMA Awards nominations with seven. His 2024 success had a little help from Post Malone—the two duetted on one of the biggest songs of the year, “I Had Some Help,” which spent six weeks this summer at No. 1. Their single is nominated in four categories: Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Musical Event of the Year. If there was a CMA category for Song of the Summer, it would probably have a lock on that too.
Post Malone
Post Malone’s country turn on his latest album F-1 Trillion surprised no one who’s been following his career. He’d hinted at it for years, and he’s now one of the leading contenders at the upcoming CMAs. His four nominations stem from the above-mentioned single with Morgan Wallen. Like “I Had Some Help,” Malone’s country album is full of high-profile collaborations, featuring Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, and Dolly Parton.
Lainey Wilson
Last year’s Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson’s four nominations match Post Malone’s. This year, she’s up again for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist, Single of the Year for “Watermelon Moonshine,” and Music Video of the Year for “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.” Wilson now has 19 CMA nominations and is this year’s most-nominated female artist. Still, she’s the only female in the entertainer category, going against Wallen, Combs, Stapleton, and Jelly Roll.
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