Morgan Wallen Leads 2024 CMA Awards with Seven Nominations, with Stapleton and Johnson Close Behind. See The Full List

The Country Music Association (CMA) has unveiled the highly anticipated nominees for the 58th Annual CMA Awards, spotlighting the finest talent in the genre. Tennessee native, Morgan Wallen takes the lead with an impressive seven nominations, while country heavyweights Texas' own Cody Johnson and crooner Chris Stapleton each follow closely with five nods for the night. Post Malone is also making his CMA nomination debut, while the bell bottom queen Lainey Wilson are both garnering four nominations, signaling a dynamic shift in the country music landscape.

Photo Credit: CMA 

The CMA Awards, set to broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 20th on ABC, are shaping up to be a thrilling night, packed with seasoned veterans and breakout stars. The coveted Entertainer of the Year category includes a mix of established icons and fresh faces, with Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson all vying for the title. Wallen's dominance in this year's nominations reflects his undeniable influence on the genre, while newcomers like Post Malone show how country music is evolving and embracing crossover talent.

Morgan Wallen: Country's Leading Man

Morgan Wallen’s seven nominations include top-tier categories like Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, marking his third consecutive year as a contender in both. His chart-topping collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” has been a massive success, earning him additional nominations for Single, Song, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year. Wallen’s second nomination for Musical Event of the Year comes from his hit “Man Made A Bar,” featuring Eric Church, showcasing his versatility and star power. Since his debut on the CMA stage, Wallen has amassed a remarkable 15 career nominations, solidifying his place as one of country music's leading figures.

Cody Johnson: A True Texas Powerhouse

Cody Johnson continues to carve out his space in the industry, earning five nominations this year, including Male Vocalist of the Year for the third consecutive time. His breakout single “Dirt Cheap” has earned nods for both Single and Music Video of the Year, while his album Leather is in the running for Album of the Year. Known for his traditional sound and electric performances, Johnson’s total nomination count now reaches 11, as he proves that his rise from the Texas country scene to national stardom is no fluke.

Chris Stapleton: Consistent Excellence

Chris Stapleton, known for his soulful voice and masterful songwriting, has earned five nominations this year, adding to his already impressive 39 career CMA nods. His nominations for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year reinforce his status as one of country music’s most respected artists. Stapleton’s hit “White Horse” earned him nominations for Single and Song of the Year, while his album Higher is in the running for Album of the Year. Stapleton’s enduring success is a testament to his artistry and impact on the genre.

Post Malone: A Genre-Defying Newcomer

Making his CMA debut, Post Malone surprises with four nominations, all tied to his collaboration with Morgan Wallen on “I Had Some Help.” The rapper-turned-country sensation has quickly captured the hearts of country fans, proving that genre boundaries are more fluid than ever. His nominations include Single, Song, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year, marking a significant moment for both him and the genre as he steps onto the CMA stage.

Lainey Wilson: Country's Reigning Entertainer

Lainey Wilson, who was crowned Entertainer of the Year in 2023, returns with four nominations, including another nod for Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. Her standout single “Watermelon Moonshine” is up for Single of the Year, and the stunning visuals for “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” have earned her a Music Video of the Year nomination. Wilson’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, with her career total now reaching 19 nominations. She continues to be a powerful force in the industry, blending traditional country with modern flair.

Notable First-Time Nominees

This year’s nominations also introduce a fresh wave of talent to the CMA stage. First-time nominees include artists such as Post Malone, Riley Green, Megan Moroney, and The Red Clay Strays, all of whom have made significant strides in country music this year. These artists represent the future of the genre, bringing with them unique sounds and styles that are resonating with fans and critics alike.

Surprises and Snubs

While the nominations reflect an exciting year for country music, notable absences from the list include country mainstays like Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, and Jason Aldean, raising eyebrows among fans. These artists, who have long been staples of the CMA Awards, will be watching from the sidelines this year as a new generation of country stars takes center stage.

As the countdown to the 58th Annual CMA Awards begins, fans can look forward to an unforgettable night celebrating the best in country music, from longtime legends to rising stars. With Morgan Wallen leading the charge, and a diverse mix of talent in every category, this year’s ceremony promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Don’t miss the live broadcast on November 20th on ABC, followed by streaming on Hulu the next day.

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 13th, through Ticketmaster.

“THE 58TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” – FINAL NOMINEES

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

• Luke Combs

• Jelly Roll

• Chris Stapleton

• Morgan Wallen

• Lainey Wilson

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)

• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey

Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry

Mix Engineer: Raul Lopez

• “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson

Producer: Trent Willmon

Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke

• “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)

Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins

Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore

• “Watermelon Moonshine” – Lainey Wilson

Producer: Jay Joyce

Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce

• “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton

Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton

Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)

• “Deeper Well” – Kacey Musgraves

Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian

Mix Engineers: Shawn Everett, Konrad Snyder

• “Fathers & Sons” – Luke Combs

Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton

Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews

• “Higher” – Chris Stapleton

Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton

Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

• “Leather” – Cody Johnson

Producer: Trent Willmon

Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke

• “Whitsitt Chapel” – Jelly Roll

Producers: Andrew Baylis, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, David Garcia, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Austin Nivarel, David Ray Stevens

Mix Engineers: Jeff Braun, Jim Cooley

SONG OF THE YEAR

Award goes to Songwriter(s)

• “Burn It Down”

Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose

• “Dirt Cheap”

Songwriter: Josh Phillips

• “I Had Some Help”

Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters

• “The Painter”

Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins

• “White Horse”

Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

• Brooks & Dunn

• Brothers Osborne

• Dan + Shay

• Maddie & Tae

• The War and Treaty

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

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Megan Moroney

• Shaboozey

• Nate Smith

• Mitchell Tenpenny

• Zach Top

• Bailey Zimmerman

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)

• “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini (with Noah Kahan)

Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym

• “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)

Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins

• “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan (ft. Kacey Musgraves)

Producer: Zach Bryan

• “Man Made a Bar” – Morgan Wallen (feat. Eric Church)

Producer: Joey Moi

• “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green)

Producer: Will Bundy

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)

• “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson

Director: Dustin Haney

• “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)

Director: Chris Villa

• “I’m Not Pretty” – Megan Moroney

Directors: Jeff Johnson, Megan Moroney

• “The Painter” – Cody Johnson

Director: Dustin Haney

• “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” – Lainey Wilson

Director: Patrick Tracy