The 2024 Country Music Association Awards are just around the corner, promising a night of celebration, competition, and unforgettable performances. The 58th annual CMA Awards will take place on Wednesday, November 20, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, with country star Luke Bryan, NFL legend Peyton Manning, and reigning Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson as co-hosts.
As Nashville’s finest prepare for the big night, here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect.
The Year’s Top Contenders
Leading the nominations this year is Morgan Wallen, who has a total of seven nods, including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. Hot on his heels are Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson, tied with five nominations each. Chart-topping newcomers Post Malone and co-host Lainey Wilson round out the top pack with four nominations apiece.
Wilson, who made history at last year’s awards as the first woman in 12 years to win Entertainer of the Year, expressed her gratitude via Instagram: “It’s an incredible honor to be nominated in each of these categories. And congrats to all my friends. Watching y’all win gets me fired up.”
Key Categories
Entertainer of the Year:
The most coveted award of the night sees Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, and Jelly Roll competing for country music’s highest honor.
Single of the Year:
Nominees include fan favorites like “Watermelon Moonshine” by Lainey Wilson, “White Horse” by Chris Stapleton, and “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen.
Album of the Year:
The competition in this category is fierce, with nominees like Kacey Musgraves (Deeper Well), Luke Combs (Fathers & Sons), and Jelly Roll (Whitsitt Chapel).
Song of the Year:
Celebrating the songwriters behind the hits, this category features “White Horse” (Chris Stapleton), “Dirt Cheap” (Cody Johnson), and “Burn It Down” (Parker McCollum).
Newcomers in the Spotlight
The New Artist of the Year category highlights the industry’s rising stars, including Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, and Bailey Zimmerman, all of whom have captured fans’ hearts with fresh sounds and undeniable talent.
Musical Collaborations and Visual Excellence
This year’s Musical Event of the Year nominees celebrate powerhouse collaborations, such as “I Had Some Help” (Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen) and “I Remember Everything” (Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves). Meanwhile, Music Video of the Year honors creative storytelling in hits like Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap” and Lainey Wilson’s “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”
A Night to Watch
The 2024 CMA Awards promises not only thrilling competition but also unforgettable performances and heartfelt speeches from country music’s brightest stars. With big names, rising talents, and a celebration of the genre’s diversity, this year’s awards are shaping up to be a memorable evening.
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