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Ella Langley Leads 2026 CMA Awards Nominations; Lainey Wilson to Host 60th Ceremony
On September 10, the Country Music Association (CMA) announced the lineup for its 60th annual awards, setting the stage for a November 18 showdown at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The slate of nominees reflects a mix of rising stars and established veterans, but the standout is Ella Langley, who has collected nine nods—including the coveted Entertainer of the Year category—making her the most‑nominated artist on the ballot.
Langley’s haul comes on the heels of her second studio album, Dandelion (2026), which opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the single “Choosin’ Texas.” The track topped the Hot 100, Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, cementing Langley’s place among the genre’s fastest‑growing voices. Her recognition by the CMA underscores the increasing influence of female performers in a field that has historically been dominated by men.
Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, while Kacey Musgraves and Ben West each receive five. Lambert’s presence highlights the continued relevance of her songwriting and touring output, and Musgraves’ and West’s nominations point to a broader trend of collaborative production teams shaping contemporary country sound.
The Entertainer of the Year field features five contenders: Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson. Wilson, who has hosted the awards for the past three years, also earned a nomination in this category. In a statement released on September 6, Wilson expressed enthusiasm for hosting the 60th anniversary show, noting that it would be “extra special.” Her dual role as host and nominee illustrates the CMA’s tradition of spotlighting artists who elevate the genre’s visibility.
The Single of the Year category is dominated by female‑led tracks. Langley’s “Be Her” and “Choosin’ Texas” sit alongside Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You,” marking Swift’s first CMA nod in years and highlighting a rare pop‑country crossover. Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo” and Cody Johnson’s “The Fall” complete the field.
Album of the Year nominees include Ain’t In It for My Health by Zach Top, Dandelion by Ella Langley, Middle of Nowhere by Kacey Musgraves, Parker McCollum by the eponymous artist, and The Way I Am by Luke Combs. Production credits span from Carson Chamberlain on Top’s record to a collaborative effort on Musgraves’ album that involved Ian Fitchuk, Luke Laird and Daniel Tashian.
Song of the Year nominees feature five tracks: “Be Her” (songwriters Smith Ahnquist, Michael Hardy, Langley and Jordan Schmidt), “Beautiful Things” (Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon, Connie Harrington, Megan Moroney), “Choosin’ Texas” (Luke Dick, Langley, Lambert, Joybeth Taylor), “Dry Spell” (Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Musgraves, Josh Osborne) and “Gary” (Stephen Wilson Jr.). These selections showcase the CMA’s emphasis on songwriting craftsmanship across the genre.
Other categories reflect country’s breadth. Female Vocalist of the Year nominees are Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson. Male Vocalist of the Year nominees include Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top and Stephen Wilson Jr. Vocal Group of the Year features Lady A, Little Big Town, Midland, Old Dominion and The Red Clay Strays, while Vocal Duo of the Year includes Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline and Thelma & James.
The Musical Event of the Year category highlights collaborations such as “A Song to Sing” by Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, “Horses and Divorces” by Kacey Musgraves featuring Lambert, “I Can’t Love You Anymore” by Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen, “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” by Carly Pearce and Riley Green, and “McArthur” by Hardy, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen and Tim McGraw.
Musicians of the Year honors session players: Tom Bukovac (guitar), Jenee Fleenor (fiddle), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Rob McNelley (guitar) and Charlie Worsham (guitar). Music Video of the Year nominees include “Choosin’ Texas” (directed by Langley, Caylee Robillard and Wales Toney), “Dry Spell” (Hannah Lux Davis and Musgraves), “Gary” (Tim Cofield and Wilson Jr.), “The Fall” (Dustin Haney) and “White Horse” (Running Bear).
New Artist of the Year nominees are Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Tucker Wetmore and Stephen Wilson Jr., underscoring the CMA’s commitment to emerging talent.
The 2026 ceremony will air live on ABC and stream on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 18 at 8 p.m. ET, with a replay on Hulu the following day. The event marks the 60th anniversary of the CMA Awards, a milestone that highlights the organization’s enduring role in promoting country music worldwide.
In short, Ella Langley’s nine nominations and Lainey Wilson’s return as host signal a strong focus on female artists and contemporary country trends. The full slate of nominees spans traditional and crossover styles, reflecting the genre’s evolving landscape and positioning the CMA Awards as a key platform for country music visibility in 2026.
Langley’s haul comes on the heels of her second studio album, Dandelion (2026), which opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the single “Choosin’ Texas.” The track topped the Hot 100, Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, cementing Langley’s place among the genre’s fastest‑growing voices. Her recognition by the CMA underscores the increasing influence of female performers in a field that has historically been dominated by men.
Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, while Kacey Musgraves and Ben West each receive five. Lambert’s presence highlights the continued relevance of her songwriting and touring output, and Musgraves’ and West’s nominations point to a broader trend of collaborative production teams shaping contemporary country sound.
The Entertainer of the Year field features five contenders: Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson. Wilson, who has hosted the awards for the past three years, also earned a nomination in this category. In a statement released on September 6, Wilson expressed enthusiasm for hosting the 60th anniversary show, noting that it would be “extra special.” Her dual role as host and nominee illustrates the CMA’s tradition of spotlighting artists who elevate the genre’s visibility.
The Single of the Year category is dominated by female‑led tracks. Langley’s “Be Her” and “Choosin’ Texas” sit alongside Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You,” marking Swift’s first CMA nod in years and highlighting a rare pop‑country crossover. Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo” and Cody Johnson’s “The Fall” complete the field.
Album of the Year nominees include Ain’t In It for My Health by Zach Top, Dandelion by Ella Langley, Middle of Nowhere by Kacey Musgraves, Parker McCollum by the eponymous artist, and The Way I Am by Luke Combs. Production credits span from Carson Chamberlain on Top’s record to a collaborative effort on Musgraves’ album that involved Ian Fitchuk, Luke Laird and Daniel Tashian.
Song of the Year nominees feature five tracks: “Be Her” (songwriters Smith Ahnquist, Michael Hardy, Langley and Jordan Schmidt), “Beautiful Things” (Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon, Connie Harrington, Megan Moroney), “Choosin’ Texas” (Luke Dick, Langley, Lambert, Joybeth Taylor), “Dry Spell” (Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Musgraves, Josh Osborne) and “Gary” (Stephen Wilson Jr.). These selections showcase the CMA’s emphasis on songwriting craftsmanship across the genre.
Other categories reflect country’s breadth. Female Vocalist of the Year nominees are Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson. Male Vocalist of the Year nominees include Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top and Stephen Wilson Jr. Vocal Group of the Year features Lady A, Little Big Town, Midland, Old Dominion and The Red Clay Strays, while Vocal Duo of the Year includes Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline and Thelma & James.
The Musical Event of the Year category highlights collaborations such as “A Song to Sing” by Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, “Horses and Divorces” by Kacey Musgraves featuring Lambert, “I Can’t Love You Anymore” by Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen, “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” by Carly Pearce and Riley Green, and “McArthur” by Hardy, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen and Tim McGraw.
Musicians of the Year honors session players: Tom Bukovac (guitar), Jenee Fleenor (fiddle), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Rob McNelley (guitar) and Charlie Worsham (guitar). Music Video of the Year nominees include “Choosin’ Texas” (directed by Langley, Caylee Robillard and Wales Toney), “Dry Spell” (Hannah Lux Davis and Musgraves), “Gary” (Tim Cofield and Wilson Jr.), “The Fall” (Dustin Haney) and “White Horse” (Running Bear).
New Artist of the Year nominees are Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Tucker Wetmore and Stephen Wilson Jr., underscoring the CMA’s commitment to emerging talent.
The 2026 ceremony will air live on ABC and stream on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 18 at 8 p.m. ET, with a replay on Hulu the following day. The event marks the 60th anniversary of the CMA Awards, a milestone that highlights the organization’s enduring role in promoting country music worldwide.
In short, Ella Langley’s nine nominations and Lainey Wilson’s return as host signal a strong focus on female artists and contemporary country trends. The full slate of nominees spans traditional and crossover styles, reflecting the genre’s evolving landscape and positioning the CMA Awards as a key platform for country music visibility in 2026.
