CMA Awards 2024: A night of country music’s finest
The 58th annual CMA Awards are just around the corner, and the nominations have set the stage for an exciting showdown. Leading the pack is Morgan Wallen with seven nominations, thanks in part to his collaboration with Post Malone on the hit song “I Had Some Help.” This track alone has garnered four nominations, showcasing the power of cross-genre collaborations.
Top contenders and notable mentions
Following Wallen, Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton each have five nominations. Post Malone and reigning entertainer of the year Lainey Wilson are tied with four nominations each. This year’s nominations reflect a blend of established stars and rising talents, making the competition fiercer than ever.
Entertainer of the year: A tight race
The entertainer of the year category is particularly competitive, with four of last year’s nominees returning: Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen. The newcomer in this category is Jelly Roll, who has had a phenomenal year. Notably absent is Carrie Underwood, who was a nominee last year.
Luke Combs has previously won this title in 2021 and 2022, while Stapleton and Wallen have yet to claim this honor. Jelly Roll‘s inclusion marks a significant milestone in his career, reflecting his growing influence in the country music scene.
New artist of the year: A loaded category
The new artist of the year category is packed with talent, featuring Shaboozey, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Zach Top. Shaboozey stands out with his breakout hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which has dominated the charts. However, Moroney and Zimmerman also have strong cases, making this category one to watch closely.
Album of the year: A diverse lineup
The album of the year nominees showcase a range of styles and influences. Kacey Musgraves‘ “Deeper Well,” Luke Combs‘ “Fathers & Sons,” Chris Stapleton‘ “Higher,” Cody Johnson‘ “Leather,” and Jelly Roll‘ “Whitsitt Chapel” are all in the running. Each album brings something unique to the table, reflecting the diversity within the country music genre.
Musical event of the year: Celebrating collaborations
The musical event of the year category highlights some of the best collaborations in country music. Nominees include Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan for “Cowboys Cry Too,” Post Malone and Morgan Wallen for “I Had Some Help,” Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves for “I Remember Everything,” Morgan Wallen and Eric Church for “Man Made a Bar,” and Ella Langley and Riley Green for “You Look Like You Love Me.” These collaborations showcase the power of teamwork and the blending of different musical styles.
Musician of the year: Honoring the instrumentalists
The musician of the year category recognizes the talents of instrumentalists who contribute to the magic of country music. Nominees include Tom Bukovac (Guitar), Jenee Fleenor (Fiddle), Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar), Rob McNelley (Guitar), and Charlie Worsham (Guitar). These musicians play a crucial role in shaping the sound of country music and deserve recognition for their contributions.
A night to remember
The CMA Awards telecast is scheduled for November 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu the following day. The event will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster. The show promises to be a night of unforgettable performances and well-deserved accolades.
Full list of 2024 nominees
Entertainer of the year
- Luke Combs
- Jelly Roll
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
Single of the year
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
- “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
- “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
- “Watermelon Moonshine” – Lainey Wilson
- “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
Album of the year
- “Deeper Well” – Kacey Musgraves
- “Fathers & Sons” – Luke Combs
- “Higher” – Chris Stapleton
- “Leather” – Cody Johnson
- “Whitsitt Chapel” – Jelly Roll
Song of the year
- “Burn It Down”
- “Dirt Cheap”
- “I Had Some Help”
- “The Painter”
- “White Horse”
New artist of the year
- Megan Moroney
- Shaboozey
- Nate Smith
- Mitchell Tenpenny
- Zach Top
- Bailey Zimmerman
Female vocalist of the year
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Ashley McBryde
- Megan Moroney
- Kacey Musgraves
- Lainey Wilson
Male vocalist of the year
- Luke Combs
- Jelly Roll
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
Vocal group of the year
- Lady A
- Little Big Town
- Old Dominion
- The Red Clay Strays
- Zac Brown Band
Vocal duo of the year
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Maddie & Tae
- The War and Treaty
Musical event of the year
- “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini (with Noah Kahan)
- “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
- “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan (ft. Kacey Musgraves)
- “Man Made a Bar” – Morgan Wallen (feat. Eric Church)
- “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green)
Musician of the year
- Tom Bukovac – Guitar
- Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
- Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
- Rob McNelley – Guitar
- Charlie Worsham – Guitar
Music video of the year
- “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
- “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
- “I’m Not Pretty” – Megan Moroney
- “The Painter” – Cody Johnson
- “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” – Lainey Wilson
The CMA Awards are a celebration of the best in country music, and this year’s nominees reflect the genre’s rich diversity and talent. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to country music, the 2024 CMA Awards promise to be a night to remember.