CMA Awards 2026 Nominations: Notable Omissions and Unexpected Picks
The 60th CMA Awards nominations were announced on September 10, with Ella Langley leading the field at nine nods, including her first entertainer of the year nomination. Miranda Lambert set a record with her 19th female vocalist nomination, while Little Big Town earned a 21st consecutive vocal group nod. Morgan Wallen was a notable snub, receiving only two nominations in the musical event category despite his past entertainer of the year win.
The 60th ceremony will debut a new broadcast format, airing on ABC and streaming live on Disney+ on November 18, with a Hulu stream following the next day, per a six-year agreement signed in May. The eligibility window spanned July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with specific chart requirements for single of the year contenders.
Historic milestones also emerged from the announcement. Miranda Lambert's 19th female vocalist nod surpasses Reba McEntire's previous record. Little Big Town secured a 21st consecutive vocal group nomination, the longest streak for any group. Conversely, Morgan Wallen's limited recognition stands out, given his prior entertainer of the year win.
The nomination slate could reshape the narrative around country music's current stars, potentially elevating Ella Langley as a new leading figure while casting a shadow over Morgan Wallen's recent dominance. The expanded streaming availability may broaden the audience, allowing casual viewers to engage with the awards in real time. For artists like Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town, these nods reinforce their enduring relevance, which could influence future tour bookings and industry recognition.