The Country Music Association released its list of nominees for the 2026 CMA Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 10, with Ella Langley and Taylor Swift among the artists recognized ahead of the ceremony airing Nov. 18.
Langley led this year's field with nine nominations, falling just one short of Alan Jackson's record of 10 nods, set in 2002. The 27-year-old picked up nominations in categories including Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, while her album "Dandelion" is up for Album of the Year.
Following the announcement, the "Choosin' Texas" singer celebrated on Instagram, writing, "What an honor @cma."
Entertainer of the Year Field
In the Entertainer of the Year category, Langley will compete against Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton for country music's top honor.
Miranda Lambert and the Female Vocalist Race
Miranda Lambert earned the second-highest number of nominations this year with seven. She'll face off against Langley, Wilson, Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Taylor Swift's Return to Single of the Year
Also appearing on this year's list is Taylor Swift, whose "Toy Story 5" song "I Knew It, I Knew You" earned her a nomination for Single of the Year. The song reunited the 36-year-old with producer Jack Antonoff. It marks the first time Swift has been nominated in the category since 2013, when she featured on Tim McGraw's "Highway Don't Care."
Male Vocalist and Vocal Group Categories
Combs, Johnson, Stapleton, Zach Top and Stephen Wilson Jr. have all been nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year.
Meanwhile, Lady A, Little Big Town, Midland, Old Dominion and The Red Clay Strays earned nominations for Vocal Group of the Year.
New Artist of the Year Nominees
The Country Music Association will also honor newcomers to the genre, with Emily Ann Roberts, Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Tucker Wetmore and Wilson Jr. nominated for New Artist of the Year.
Lainey Wilson to Host for Third Year
This year's ceremony will see Wilson return to host for her third year in a row.
"I'm excited to celebrate my friends. It's just been a huge few years for country music, so, it's gonna be a party," Wilson said following the announcement, adding that she is also looking forward to celebrating country music.
The 2026 show also marks the 60th year of the CMA Awards. "I've had so much fun hosting the last two years," Wilson added, "and this one's going to be extra special."
The 2026 CMA Awards air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 18.
Full List of Nominees
Entertainer of the Year:
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Ella Langley
- Chris Stapleton
- Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year:
- "Be Her", Ella Langley
- "Choosin' Texas", Ella Langley
- "I Knew It, I Knew You", Taylor Swift
- "Somewhere Over Laredo", Lainey Wilson
- "The Fall", Cody Johnson
Album of the Year:
- "Ain't In It For My Health", Zach Top
- "Dandelion", Ella Langley
- "Middle of Nowhere", Kacey Musgraves
- "Parker McCollum", Parker McCollum
- "The Way I Am", Luke Combs
Song of the Year:
- "Be Her," Songwriters: Smith Ahnquist, Michael Hardy, Ella Langley, Jordan Schmidt
- "Beautiful Things," Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon, Connie Harrington, Megan Moroney
- "Choosin' Texas," Songwriters: Luke Dick, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
- "Dry Spell," Songwriters: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne
- "Gary," Songwriter: Stephen Wilson Jr.
Female Vocalist of the Year:
- Miranda Lambert
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Kacey Musgraves
- Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year:
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Zach Top
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
Vocal Group of the Year:
- Lady A
- Little Big Town
- Midland
- Old Dominion
- The Red Clay Strays
Vocal Duo of the Year:
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Muscadine Bloodline
- Thelma & James
Musical Event of the Year:
- "A Song To Sing", Miranda Lambert (with Chris Stapleton)
- "Horses and Divorces", Kacey Musgraves (feat. Miranda Lambert)
- "I Can't Love You Anymore", Ella Langley & Morgan Wallen
- "If I Don't Leave I'm Gonna Stay", Carly Pearce & Riley Green
- "McArthur", HARDY, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen & Tim McGraw
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:
- "Choosin' Texas", Ella Langley
- "Dry Spell", Kacey Musgraves
- "Gary", Stephen Wilson Jr.
- "The Fall", Cody Johnson
- "White Horse", Chris Stapleton
New Artist of the Year:
- Avery Anna
- Carter Faith
- Emily Ann Roberts
- Tucker Wetmore
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
