Ella Langley leads the nominations for the 60th annual CMA Awards.
The 27 year old Choosin' Texas singer has earned nine nods following a breakthrough year driven by the song’s viral success, further establishing her as a rising force in country music.
Miranda Lambert takes the next spot with seven nominations. Kacey Musgraves, Ben West, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr. have five apiece.
Langley will compete for Entertainer of the Year against Luke Combs, Johnson, Stapleton and last year’s winner, Lainey Wilson. Following another major year in her career, Wilson will both host the evening and vie to retain the title.
Taylor Swift is back among the Single of the Year contenders with I Knew It, I Knew You from Toy Story 5. It is her first nomination in that category since 2013, when she was recognised for her contribution to Tim McGraw’s Highway Don’t Care.
The nod also marks Swift’s second CMA nomination this decade. She was last nominated in 2022 for Video of the Year with I Bet You Think About Me, featuring Chris Stapleton.
Several names are making their CMA nominations debut this year, reflecting the range of talent gaining recognition across the genre. The newcomers include Smith Ahnquist, Avery Anna, Jack Antonoff, Tim Cofield, Carter Faith, Austin Goodloe, Muscadine Bloodline, Emily Ann Roberts, Caylee Robillard, Laura Sisk, Joybeth Taylor, Thelma and James, and Ben West.
Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena will host the ceremony on November 18, with the awards airing live.
