Country music sensation Ella Langley has made a significant mark on the industry, leading the 2026 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards nominations with an impressive nine nods. This achievement is largely fueled by her immensely popular crossover hit, 'Choosin' Texas.' Her mentor, Miranda Lambert, also garnered substantial recognition with six nominations.
Celebrating a New Era in Country Music Excellence
Langley's Ascendancy: A Record-Breaking Year
Ella Langley's stellar performance in the country music landscape culminates in her leading position at the 2026 CMA Awards. Her hit single, 'Choosin' Texas,' has not only dominated charts but also propelled her to the forefront of this year's nominations, signifying a remarkable rise for the artist.
Key Contenders and Notable Achievements
Following closely behind Langley, Miranda Lambert received six nominations, underscoring her continued influence in the genre. Other prominent nominees include Kacey Musgraves and Ben West, each with five nods, while Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Stephen Wilson Jr. secured four nominations apiece. Dave Clauss, Luke Combs, and Lainey Wilson each earned three nominations, setting the stage for a highly competitive awards ceremony.
The Coveted Entertainer of the Year Category
The prestigious Entertainer of the Year award will see Ella Langley vying against a formidable lineup including Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and last year's winner, Lainey Wilson, who is looking to defend her title. This category is anticipated to be one of the night's most exciting races.
Single of the Year Highlights
Both of Langley's tracks, 'Be Her' and 'Choosin' Texas,' are nominated for Single of the Year. They compete alongside Taylor Swift's 'I Knew It, I Knew You' from 'Toy Story 5,' Lainey Wilson's 'Somewhere Over Laredo,' and Cody Johnson's 'The Fall.' Notably, Jack Antonoff earned his first nomination as a producer for Swift's song in this category.
Langley's Unprecedented Chart Success
February proved to be a historic month for Langley, as 'Choosin' Texas,' co-written with Miranda Lambert, simultaneously topped the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts, making her the only woman to achieve this feat. Her dominance was further cemented by winning all seven of her nominations at the 2026 ACM Awards.
Album and Song of the Year Nominees
The Album of the Year category features Langley's 'Dandelion,' Zach Top's 'Ain't In It For My Health,' Musgraves' 'Middle of Nowhere,' Parker McCollum's self-titled album, and Combs' 'The Way I Am.' For Song of the Year, the nominees include 'Be Her,' 'Beautiful Things,' 'Choosin' Texas,' 'Dry Spell,' and 'Gary.'
Lambert's Enduring Legacy and Collaboration with Langley
Miranda Lambert, holding the record as the most-awarded female artist in CMA history with 14 wins, played a pivotal role in Langley's success by co-producing her 'Dandelion' album and co-writing 'Choosin' Texas.' Langley is also set to feature on Lambert's upcoming album, 'Crisco,' contributing to the opening track, 'Snakeskin Boots.'
Recap of Previous Year's Winners
Last year, Lainey Wilson not only hosted and performed at the CMAs but also clinched the Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year awards. Cody Johnson was recognized as Male Vocalist of the Year, while Brooks & Dunn took home the Vocal Duo of the Year award.
Nominees for Vocal Group and New Artist of the Year
The Vocal Group of the Year category includes esteemed acts like Lady A, Little Big Town, Midland, Old Dominion, and The Red Clay Strays. Promising talents Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Tucker Wetmore, and Lainey Wilson are in contention for New Artist of the Year.
Female and Male Vocalist of the Year
The Female Vocalist of the Year award will be a contest between Lambert, Langley, Megan Moroney, Musgraves, and Wilson. Lambert has now surpassed Reba McEntire for the most nominations in this category, with a remarkable 19 nods. The male counterparts competing for Male Vocalist of the Year are Combs, Johnson, Stapleton, Top, and Wilson.
The Voting Process and Award Ceremony Details
The nominations and winners are determined by over 7,000 members of the Country Music Association, comprising industry professionals such as executives, artists, publicists, and songwriters. The 60th annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on November 18, available on ABC and Disney+, with streaming on Hulu the following day.
About the author
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Author and journalist whose work on culture, race, and history includes writing for Marvel's "Black Panther."
