CMA-Fest-X-SoFi-Vertical-Stack-2026-Nashville.png

Nominees announced for 53rd CMA Awards

The Country Music Association has announced the final nominees for “The 53rd Annual CMA Awards,” as Maren Morris tops the list of finalists with six nominations.

Brothers Osborne receives four nominations, the second most nominations this year, while 11 garner three nominations each—Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Scott Hendricks, Dann Huff, Greg Kurstin, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood. For the night’s highest honor, reigning Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban is nominated again in the category alongside Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Chris Stapleton and Underwood.

Jimmie Allen and Ashley McBryde revealed select nominees on ABC’s “Good Morning America” today, live from their Times Square studio in New York, followed by a performance of “If I Know Me” by Morgan Wallen.

Immediately following the broadcast, Wallen and Midland visited Billboard‘s Times Square studio to reveal the remaining eight CMA Awards categories in addition to the CMA Broadcast Awards finalists on Billboard‘s Twitter and YouTube, as well as CMA’s Twitter and YouTube.

“This year, we have the privilege of honoring Country legends, new and emerging talent and even artists from outside our genre,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The breadth of Country Music’s landscape is evident in this year’s nominations, and we can’t wait to celebrate our deserving nominees in November.”

You can see the full list of nominees here.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Soda discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor about mental health advocacy and Nationwide’s efforts to support the next generation of agriculture leaders.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum joins us to discuss USDA’s latest reports on crop acreage and grain stocks, and how they impact farm margins and trade outlook moving forward.
RealAg Radio Host Shaun Haney joins us to break down the StatCan’s acreage report as traders await similar data from the USDA.
A private acreage estimate points to fewer corn acres and more soybeans ahead of the USDA’s upcoming final acreage report this week.
For farmers and ranchers, the biggest near-term pieces are in the safety net.
Chip Cortez with Specialty Risk Insurance joins us to discuss farm safety priorities during National Safety Month.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.