The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 58th annual CMA Awards. The final nominations list is determined by eligible voting CMA members comprised of professionals within the country music industry.
Morgan Wallen leads the pack this year with seven nominations. Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton follow with five each and Post Malone and Lainey Wilson each secure four. Vying for the night’s highest honor, CMA Entertainer of the Year, is Wallen, Stapleton, Wilson, Luke Combs and Jelly Roll.
First-time CMA Awards nominees include Andrew Baylis, Louis Bell, Brock Berryhill, Tom Bukovac, Will Bundy, Sean Cook, Benjy Davis, Shawn Everett, Riley Green, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Kat Higgins, Hoskins, Jeff Johnson, Noah Kahan, Ella Langley, Ryan Larkins, Raul Lopez, Josh Phillips, Post Malone, Nevin Sastry, Shaboozey, Ernest Keith Smith, Nate Smith, Konrad Snyder, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, Chris Villa, Chandler Paul Walters and Bailey Zimmerman.
Winners will be determined in a Final Round of voting by eligible voting CMA members. The third and final ballot will be emailed to members on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards Final Ballot ends Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
The 58th annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and next day on Hulu. Tickets go on sale on this Friday (Sept. 13) starting at 10 a.m. CT.
2024 Final CMA Awards Nominees (by ballot category order):
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
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
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
– Brooks & Dunn
– Brothers Osborne
– Dan + Shay
– Maddie & Tae
– The War And Treaty
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 (feat. 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
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
– Tom Bukovac – Guitar
– Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
– Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
– Rob McNelley – Guitar
– Charlie Worsham – Guitar
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
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
– Megan Moroney
– Shaboozey
– Nate Smith
– Mitchell Tenpenny
– Zach Top
– Bailey Zimmerman
2024 CMA Broadcast Awards – Finalists for Broadcast Personality of the Year (by market size):
WEEKLY NATIONAL:
– “American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Cumulus/Westwood One
– “Country Gold with Terri Clark” (Terri Clark) – Westwood One
– “Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – Jim Owens Entertainment
– “Highway Hot 30 with Buzz Brainard” (Buzz Brainard) – SiriusXM
– “Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence” (Tracy Lawrence and Patrick Thomas) – Silverfish Media
DAILY NATIONAL:
– “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, Morgan Huelsman, “SZN Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Mike D” Rodriguez, Abby Anderson, “Kick Off Kevin” O’Connell, and Stephen “Scuba Steve” Spradlin) – iHeartMedia
– “Michael J On Air” (Michael J. Stuehler) – iHeartMedia
– “Nights with Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One / Cumulus Media
– “PickleJar Up All Night with Patrick Thomas” (Patrick Thomas) – PickleJar / Cumulus Media
– “Steve Harmon Show” (Steve Harmon) – Westwood One / Cumulus Media
MAJOR MARKET:
– “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers, Jeff Kurkjian, Donnie Black, and Shannon Boyle) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
– “Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, and Sam Sansevere) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
– “Frito & Katy” (Tucker “Frito” Young and Katy Dempsey) – KCYY, San Antonio, Texas
– “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister” (Matt McAllister, Gabe Mercer, and “Captain Ron” Koons) – KKWF, Seattle, Wash.
– “The Most Fun Afternoons With Scotty Kay” (Scotty Kay) – WUSN, Chicago, Ill.
LARGE MARKET:
– “Dale Carter Morning Show” (Dale Carter) – KFKF, Kansas City, Mo.
– “Heather Froglear” (Heather Froglear) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
– “Jesse & Anna” (Jesse Tack and Anna Marie) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
– “Mike & Amanda” (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
– “On-Air with Anthony” (Anthony Donatelli) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
MEDIUM MARKET:
– “Brent Michaels” (Brent Michaels) – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
– “Joey & Nancy” (Joey Tack, Nancy Barger, and Karly Duggan) – WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.
– “New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
– “Scott and Sarah in the Morning” (Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay) – WQMX, Akron, Ohio
– “Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
SMALL MARKET:
– “Dan Austin Show” (Dan Austin) – WQHK, Fort Wayne, Ind.
– “Dave and Jenn” (Dave Roberts and Jenn Seay) – WTCR, Huntington-Ashland, W. Va.
– “The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
– “Hilley & Hart” (Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart) – KATI, Columbia, Mo.
– “Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
2024 CMA Broadcast Awards – Finalists for Radio Station of the Year (by market size):
MAJOR MARKET:
– KCYY – San Antonio, Texas
– KKBQ – Houston, Texas
– KYGO – Denver, Colo.
– WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
– WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
LARGE MARKET:
– WIRK – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
– WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
– WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
– WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
– WWKA – Orlando, Fla.
MEDIUM MARKET:
– KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
– WBEE – Rochester, N.Y.
– WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
– WLFP – Memphis, Tenn.
– WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
SMALL MARKET:
– WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
– WKML – Fayetteville, N.C.
– WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
– WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.
– WYCT – Pensacola, Fla.
CMA Broadcast Awards winners will be determined by a Final Round of judging this month.
‘Toby Keith: American Icon’ Dubbed A Ratings Success For NBC
/by Lorie HollabaughStar-studded finale for Toby Keith: American Icon. Photo: Chris Hollo for Universal Music Group
Toby Keith: American Icon was a primetime ratings success when it aired on NBC a few weeks back.
The two-hour special drew 4.7 million viewers from its telecast on Aug. 28 and an additional airing on Peacock the next day. It was NBC’s most-watched primetime entertainment special in 2024, and places in the top 10 across all of broadcast.
The show was also the top-rated program on Aug. 28 among all broadcast competition in total viewers, and grew 10% from its America’s Got Talent lead-in.
Filmed at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the show included performances by Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Ella Langley, Ashley McBryde, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and more, plus a special performance by Keith’s daughter, Krystal.
The show and special were packaged by UTA, Keith’s longtime agency partner.
Kelsea Ballerini To Celebrate New Album With Madison Square Garden Show
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini will celebrate the release of her new album, Patterns, on Oct. 29 with a special one-night-only concert at Madison Square Garden. Aly & AJ and Tigirlily Gold will open the show.
“The whole time I was making this album, I was visualizing and dreamscaping ways to bring it to life for our live show, and it was something I couldn’t wait more than five days after its release to do,” shares Ballerini. “When good things happen, when new chapters begin, you want to share them with your people. This time around, it just so happens to be in a bucket-list venue in the heart of a city that is landmarked heavily in the music and visuals of Patterns. I’m so giddy to be celebrating this album release at Madison Square Garden…see you in New York City!”
Ballerini shared news of the big show in a fun way in an announcement video on her socials. In the clip, a helicopter gives a tour of New York to an unknown passenger. The camera then pulls back to reveal Ballerini’s dog, Dibs, in the passenger seat. Upon landing, the pooch hops in a cab, spins by a few of the locations that appear on Patterns and is dropped off near the historic arena where his mom is awaiting his arrival.
An exclusive ticket presale for Chase cardholders starts today (Sept. 9), with general sales starting this Thursday (Sept. 12), Ballerina’s birthday. For more information, click here.
Chris Young Notches 14th No. 1 At Country Radio With ‘Young Love & Saturday Nights’
/by Liza AndersonChris Young. Photo: John Shearer
Chris Young has notched his 14th No. 1 at country radio with “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” an interpolation of David Bowie‘s hit “Rebel Rebel” that serves as the title track of his ninth studio album.
The chart-topper was co-written by Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Josh Thompson and posthumously Bowie, marking his first country No. 1, and co-produced by Young, Corey Crowder and Chris DeStefano.
“Every number one is special, but this one—my 14th—really hits differently,” the artist shares. “To be part of Bowie finding success in country music eight years after his passing is truly an honor, and it’s been wild to watch audiences at my live shows reacting to this song that has its roots in a rock staple from 50 years ago. Just wow.”
Christian Hayes Inks With Capitol Records & Readies Debut EP
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Tom March (Chairman & CEO, Capitol Music Group), Christian Hayes and Lillia Parsa (President, Capitol Music Group). Photo: Lester Cohen
Singer-songwriter Christian Hayes has signed with Capitol Records ahead of the release of his debut EP, Last I Love You, on Sept. 20. The five-track EP will feature Hayes’ singles “Leaving,” “LILY,” “Cheyenne” and two new songs.
“Last I Love You is the prequel to who I am now,” says Hayes. “It’s a group of songs that tell a story about who I was and where I come from. I’m excited for this to be my first release with Capitol—this is just the beginning and I am so grateful.”
The Rome, Georgia native grew up in a family of storytellers, including his poet grandfather who gave Hayes his first journal. He took up guitar at the age of eight and, after high school, enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attended the University of Alabama. Hayes had written over 900 songs by the time he moved to Nashville and released his first single “Leaving” in February of 2024. Shortly after, the artist released “LILY” (short for “last I love you”) which captured listeners who quickly turned it into a viral hit, passing three million streams cross-platform. His most recent track, “Cheyenne,” was released in July.
Hayes will play his inaugural festival next week at AmericanaFest.
Along with his recent singing to Capitol Records, Hayes inked with WME for booking, Universal Music Publishing Group for publishing, Wildrose Projects for management and Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy for business management.
‘Homes For Hope’ Dinner Raises Over $75K Habitat For Humanity’s Music Row Build
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Mark Brown, Penny Gattis and Randall Foster
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build (MRB) raised over $75,000 to support this year’s build on Oct. 12 and the MRB’s ongoing fund with its inaugural “Homes for Hope” dinner at Mangia in Berry Hill on Aug. 27.
Pictured (L-R): Kimberly Gleason, Phillip Lammonds and Leslie DiPiero
“This is what the MRB is all about—bringing the music community together to do more for affordable housing and to improve the lives of those we live and work with right here in Nashville,” says Penny Gattis, MRB Chair. “I’m truly grateful to all our industry friends who came out and made our first ‘Homes for Hope’ event such a huge success.”
The MRB aims to establish a fund that contributes annually to a future Habitat homeowner as well as broader initiatives and goals, such as building an entire neighborhood that provides affordable housing to those who work in the music industry.
For more information, click here.
Zach Bryan Reclaims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenZach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik
Zach Bryan has moved back into the No. 1 spot on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The singer-songwriter claimed the top position as the sole writer on his charting tunes “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.”
Josh Phillips sits at No. 2 this week with the recently-crowned MusicRow Awards Song Of The Year “Dirt Cheap.” Charlie Handsome is in the No. 3 spot this week with 14 credits from Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion album, along with “Cowgirls,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Whiskey Whiskey.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 4) and Louis Bell (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, More Appear On New Album To Benefit Criminal Justice Reform
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Steve Earle, The War and Treaty and more will appear on a new project, Better Than Jail, a benefit album to raise awareness and support for the urgent need to improve our criminal justice system.
Set for release on Oct. 4, the album also includes Lukas Nelson, Cedric Burnside, Hayes Carll and Allison Moorer, Bonnie Raitt, Margo Price, Old Crow Medicine Show, Raul Malo, Silverada and Taj Mahal performing covers of iconic prison songs, paying homage to a rich musical legacy while advocating for meaningful change.
The artists have lent their time, talent and platforms to shine a light on the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform through the iconic and storied songs. In addition to covers, Better Than Jail will also feature an original song, “Color of a Cloudy Day,” written and performed by Isbell and Shires. The track, originally written for the 2015 documentary film The Fear of 13, will be widely available for the first time with the release of Better Than Jail. A cover of The Crickets‘ 1960 track “I Fought the Law” by Earle, serves as the album’s lead single, and is available now.
Proceeds from the sale of Better Than Jail will help two organizations doing on-the-ground work to improve the criminal justice system: Equal Justice USA and Free Hearts. By supporting these organizations, Better Than Jail aims to invest in community-based services that decrease the use of jails and keep incarcerated individuals connected to their families. It also advocates for providing more meaningful reentry resources to help formerly incarcerated people find jobs and housing, reducing barriers to successful reintegration into society.
The album’s art was commissioned from Omari Booker, whose songbird emerging from guitar-string bars draws on his real-life experience of birds while in prison and evokes for him the hope and humanity that art and music provided during his time incarcerated.
“Musicians have been singing about the failures of our justice system long before the US exploded into the most incarcerated country in the world,” says Brian Hunt, Better Than Jail producer and President of Believe Entertainment Group. “These iconic artists breathe new life into storied songs, empowering the organizations who address this issue head on. We must do more to improve our criminal justice system, and this album harnesses the transformative power of music to rally the call.”
Hailey Benedict Signs With Big Loud & Local Hay Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Paul Biro (President / Operating Partner, Sakamoto Agency / GPS Management), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Brianne Deslippe (SVP of Global Marketing & Strategy, Big Loud Records), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), Joey Moi (Partner / Producer / President of A&R, Big Loud), Seth England (Partner / CEO, Big Loud), Patch Culbertson (EVP / GM, Big Loud), Stacy Blythe (EVP of Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records), Jeff Tanner (SVP of Business Affairs, Big Loud), Teresa Chance (Co-Owner, GrassRoots Promotion / GPS Management). (L-R, front row): Tera Lee Flaman (GM, GPS Management), Dallas Smith, Hailey Benedict, Scott Cooke (President, Local Hay Records), Nancy Tunick (Co-Owner, GrassRoots Promotion / GPS Management). Photo: Jessie Addleman
Big Loud Records and its Canada-based, Dallas Smith-founded Local Hay Records have signed Hailey Benedict to a record deal. She has also inked a global publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing/Local Hay.
Benedict first started her journey at 14 when Keith Urban pulled her on stage for a spontaneous performance in front of a sold-out arena, drawing international attention and instantly putting her into the spotlight. Last year, the singer-songwriter won the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. This past summer she performed on the main stage in her hometown at Big Valley Jamboree. She currently boasts 250,000 followers on TikTok and has earned a CCMA Award for Interactive Artist of the Year. At this year’s CCMAs, she is nominated for Breakthrough Artist.
“I’m ecstatic to begin this new chapter with such an incredibly creative and dedicated team that shares my vision for my songwriting, artistry, and career,” shares Benedict. “After a decade as an independent artist, it was crucial for me to partner with a record label that aligns with my values and passion for music. I truly believe I’ve found the perfect home with Big Loud and Local Hay. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every single person who has supported and championed my music and journey throughout the years. This would not be possible without your support, and I can’t wait to see what is to come next.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Hailey to our team,” says Scott Cooke, President of Local Hay Records. “Hailey has the drive, talent, and passion you dream about in a new artist. The sky is truly the limit.”
“Hailey wowed us in our first meeting with quality songwriting, heartfelt storytelling, and an unwavering authenticity that we could not ignore,” adds Sara Knabe, SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records. “Things My Mama Says’ is a special song, and our entire team is honored to share it with the world while we proudly welcome Hailey to Big Loud.”
Benedict will release her first single through the label “Things My Mama Says” on Oct. 4. The track features sincere advice and wisdom from a mother and a daughter’s acknowledgement of its impact despite her hesitancy to follow it.
Tyler Childers Added As Third Headliner For 2025 Gulf Coast Jam
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Childers has been announced as the third headliner for the 2025 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam, set for May 30–June 1.
The Panama City Beach festival also includes previously-announced headliners Lainey Wilson, Sam Hunt and Jordan Davis.
“Tyler has been on fire, and his fans are crazy about him,” says Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “He is one of our most requested artists, and he’s going to make Saturday night absolutely insane!”
“Having Tyler Childers on the Gulf Coast Jam stage is going to make night three of next year’s festival truly epic,” adds Gulf Coast Jam COO Mark Sheldon. “Our Jammers lost their minds when we announced Lainey and Sam, and I can’t wait to see the reaction when word gets out about Tyler.”
All passes, including General Admission, VIP Pit, Super VIP, Side Stage and ticket and hotel packages, are available now. For more information, click here.
BREAKING: Nominees Announced For 58th Annual CMA Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 58th annual CMA Awards. The final nominations list is determined by eligible voting CMA members comprised of professionals within the country music industry.
Morgan Wallen leads the pack this year with seven nominations. Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton follow with five each and Post Malone and Lainey Wilson each secure four. Vying for the night’s highest honor, CMA Entertainer of the Year, is Wallen, Stapleton, Wilson, Luke Combs and Jelly Roll.
First-time CMA Awards nominees include Andrew Baylis, Louis Bell, Brock Berryhill, Tom Bukovac, Will Bundy, Sean Cook, Benjy Davis, Shawn Everett, Riley Green, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Kat Higgins, Hoskins, Jeff Johnson, Noah Kahan, Ella Langley, Ryan Larkins, Raul Lopez, Josh Phillips, Post Malone, Nevin Sastry, Shaboozey, Ernest Keith Smith, Nate Smith, Konrad Snyder, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, Chris Villa, Chandler Paul Walters and Bailey Zimmerman.
Winners will be determined in a Final Round of voting by eligible voting CMA members. The third and final ballot will be emailed to members on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards Final Ballot ends Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
The 58th annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and next day on Hulu. Tickets go on sale on this Friday (Sept. 13) starting at 10 a.m. CT.
2024 Final CMA Awards Nominees (by ballot category order):
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
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
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
– Brooks & Dunn
– Brothers Osborne
– Dan + Shay
– Maddie & Tae
– The War And Treaty
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 (feat. 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
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
– Tom Bukovac – Guitar
– Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
– Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
– Rob McNelley – Guitar
– Charlie Worsham – Guitar
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
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
– Megan Moroney
– Shaboozey
– Nate Smith
– Mitchell Tenpenny
– Zach Top
– Bailey Zimmerman
2024 CMA Broadcast Awards – Finalists for Broadcast Personality of the Year (by market size):
WEEKLY NATIONAL:
– “American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Cumulus/Westwood One
– “Country Gold with Terri Clark” (Terri Clark) – Westwood One
– “Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – Jim Owens Entertainment
– “Highway Hot 30 with Buzz Brainard” (Buzz Brainard) – SiriusXM
– “Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence” (Tracy Lawrence and Patrick Thomas) – Silverfish Media
DAILY NATIONAL:
– “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, Morgan Huelsman, “SZN Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Mike D” Rodriguez, Abby Anderson, “Kick Off Kevin” O’Connell, and Stephen “Scuba Steve” Spradlin) – iHeartMedia
– “Michael J On Air” (Michael J. Stuehler) – iHeartMedia
– “Nights with Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One / Cumulus Media
– “PickleJar Up All Night with Patrick Thomas” (Patrick Thomas) – PickleJar / Cumulus Media
– “Steve Harmon Show” (Steve Harmon) – Westwood One / Cumulus Media
MAJOR MARKET:
– “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers, Jeff Kurkjian, Donnie Black, and Shannon Boyle) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
– “Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, and Sam Sansevere) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
– “Frito & Katy” (Tucker “Frito” Young and Katy Dempsey) – KCYY, San Antonio, Texas
– “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister” (Matt McAllister, Gabe Mercer, and “Captain Ron” Koons) – KKWF, Seattle, Wash.
– “The Most Fun Afternoons With Scotty Kay” (Scotty Kay) – WUSN, Chicago, Ill.
LARGE MARKET:
– “Dale Carter Morning Show” (Dale Carter) – KFKF, Kansas City, Mo.
– “Heather Froglear” (Heather Froglear) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
– “Jesse & Anna” (Jesse Tack and Anna Marie) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
– “Mike & Amanda” (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
– “On-Air with Anthony” (Anthony Donatelli) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
MEDIUM MARKET:
– “Brent Michaels” (Brent Michaels) – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
– “Joey & Nancy” (Joey Tack, Nancy Barger, and Karly Duggan) – WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.
– “New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
– “Scott and Sarah in the Morning” (Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay) – WQMX, Akron, Ohio
– “Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
SMALL MARKET:
– “Dan Austin Show” (Dan Austin) – WQHK, Fort Wayne, Ind.
– “Dave and Jenn” (Dave Roberts and Jenn Seay) – WTCR, Huntington-Ashland, W. Va.
– “The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
– “Hilley & Hart” (Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart) – KATI, Columbia, Mo.
– “Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
2024 CMA Broadcast Awards – Finalists for Radio Station of the Year (by market size):
MAJOR MARKET:
– KCYY – San Antonio, Texas
– KKBQ – Houston, Texas
– KYGO – Denver, Colo.
– WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
– WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
LARGE MARKET:
– WIRK – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
– WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
– WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
– WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
– WWKA – Orlando, Fla.
MEDIUM MARKET:
– KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
– WBEE – Rochester, N.Y.
– WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
– WLFP – Memphis, Tenn.
– WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
SMALL MARKET:
– WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
– WKML – Fayetteville, N.C.
– WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
– WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.
– WYCT – Pensacola, Fla.
CMA Broadcast Awards winners will be determined by a Final Round of judging this month.