Nominees in Country Music At The IHeartRadio Music Awards
January 14th 2023
Every year, fans of all genres look forward to the annual iHeartRadio awards. The radio broadcasting company has just released nominations for its 2023 ceremony, and of course country music was well represented. This year’s rollout introduced a few new categories, and as usual invites fans to vote for their favorites in a select few.
Additionally, while distinctive categories for each genre, including country, remain - some of them seem to make a point of representing several music genres. Country riser Bailey Zimmerman, for example, is up for the Social Star Award. Parmalee is nominated for Best Duo/Group. Superstar Kelsea Ballerini has been nominated for Best Collaboration for “half of my hometown,” featuring Kenny Chesney; so have Elle King & Miranda Lambert for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).” Morgan Wallen’s “Wasted On You,” a standout from Dangerous: The Double Album which has become a mainstream crossover, is up for Best Lyrics. This major category also includes “Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan.
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
The unique category of Favorite Tour Style honors Carrie Underwood’s glamorous looks on her Denim & Rhinestones tour. Favorite Documentary celebrates Shania Twain’s vulnerable Not Just A Girl. Favorite Residency contains nods for both of these stars, respectively for Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency and Let’s Go! Finally, the Favorite Tour Photographer category honors the behind-the-scenes team responsible for immortalizing fan-favorite moments. Luke Combs’ photographer, David Bergman, is included.
Getty For iHeart
Three categories exclusively honor country artists - Country Song Of The Year, Country Artist Of The Year, and Best New Country Artist. Below is a full list of nods in them:
Country Song of the Year:
“Buy Dirt” - Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan
“half of my hometown” - Kelsea Ballerini ft. Kenny Chesney
“She Had Me At Heads Carolina” - Cole Swindell
“The Kind of Love We Make” - Luke Combs
“Wasted On You” - Morgan Wallen
Country Artist of the Year:
Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Best New Country Artist:
Bailey Zimmerman
Cody Johnson
Elle King
Elvie Shane
Priscilla Block
Overall, what a list! We look forward to the ceremony on March 27, broadcasting live on Fox at 8:00 p.m. EST - but until then, don't forget to vote for your favorites on iHeartRadio's website! We're so happy to see the growing representation of country artists in music award shows.