2026 CMA Awards Nominations Are Here And Ella Langley Leads the Pack!

The nominees for the 60th Annual CMA Awards are officially here, and this year’s lineup is packed with major stars, surprising nominations and the potential for some unforgettable history.

Leading the way is Ella Langley, who earned an incredible nine nominations, including her first-ever nomination for Entertainer of the Year.

That puts her in some very impressive company.

 

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Langley is also nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Dandelion. Her songs “Be Her” and “Choosin’ Texas” are both nominated for Single of the Year and Song of the Year.

But Ella isn’t the only artist having a huge year.

Miranda Lambert follows closely behind with seven nominations, while Kacey Musgraves and producer Ben West each received five.

Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr. each picked up four nominations.

And then there’s the category everyone will be watching closely:

Entertainer of the Year

• Luke Combs
• Cody Johnson
• Ella Langley
• Chris Stapleton
• Lainey Wilson

With some of the biggest names in country music competing for the night’s top honor, the race is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting parts of the ceremony.

There are also 13 first-time CMA Awards nominees this year, including Avery Anna, Jack Antonoff, Carter Faith, Muscadine Bloodline, Emily Ann Roberts and Thelma & James.

 

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And one unexpected name caught plenty of attention.

Taylor Swift received a nomination for Single of the Year for “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which she co-produced with Jack Antonoff.

The 2026 nominations also include major categories for Album of the Year, Female and Male Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Group, Vocal Duo, Musical Event, Music Video and New Artist of the Year.

 

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And there’s even more to look forward to.

The 60th CMA Awards will celebrate six decades of country music history, with artists having the opportunity to set new records and reach major career milestones.

Adding to the excitement, Lainey Wilson will return as host, marking her third consecutive year leading Country Music’s Biggest Night.

The ceremony will take place November 18, 2026, live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.

With Ella Langley making a huge statement, Miranda Lambert close behind, Taylor Swift entering the conversation and some of country music’s biggest stars competing for Entertainer of the Year, the 60th CMA Awards could be one of the most memorable nights in country music yet.