The countdown to the 2024 Country Music Association Awards is on, and as the biggest names in Nashville prepare for the big night, excitement is reaching fever pitch. The 58th annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning, and Lainey Wilson, will be held on Wednesday, November 20, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
This year’s nominations are highly competitive, with Morgan Wallen leading the pack, earning seven nominations. Both Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson are not far behind with five nods each. Adding to the excitement, Post Malone and Lainey Wilson are also among the top nominees, making this year’s CMA Awards one to watch.
Lainey Wilson, who had her moment to shine at last year’s ceremony when she became the first woman to win the Entertainer of the Year award since 2011, expressed her gratitude on social media when the nominations were announced in September. “Thank you @cma 😭🙏🏻❤️,” she shared on Instagram. Her nominations this year include the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award alongside heavyweights like Wallen, Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Jelly Roll.
Gear up for the evening as many award categories will be competed for. The nominees for Entertainer of the Year include Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson. Other notable categories and their nominees include:
Single of the Year:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (feat. Morgan Wallen)
“Watermelon Moonshine” – Lainey Wilson
“White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
Album of the Year:
Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
Fathers & Sons – Luke Combs
Higher – Chris Stapleton
Leather – Cody Johnson
Whitsitt Chapel – Jelly Roll
Song of the Year:
“Burn It Down” – Parker McCollum
“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (feat. Morgan Wallen)
“The Painter” – Cody Johnson
“White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
The Female Vocalist of the Year nominees feature Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, and Lainey Wilson, with the Male Vocalist category including Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen. Beyond these, the awards also recognize talented groups and duos, culminating with the New Artist of the Year category, where Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Zach Top will compete.
Jamey Johnson's unexpected arrest just one day prior to the awards has added another layer of intrigue to the event. The country singer was pulled over for speeding and later charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell. It's certainly not the kind of attention anyone hopes to receive right before such a high-profile occasion.
Despite this setback, Johnson stepped up on stage the following day and performed during the tribute to George Strait. This tribute was particularly poignant as the legendary country singer was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the CMAS. Johnson, known for his deep and rich voice, performed “Give It Away,” which he penned himself.
Known for having over 40 years of career experience hitting the musical charts, George Strait earned the Lifetime Achievement Award—an accolade reflecting his remarkable contributions to country music. Over the years, he has gathered 60 No. 1 hits on the Billboard chart and has sold more than 70 million albums, making him one of the most significant figures in the genre. His influence extends to countless aspiring artists, and during the event, he was celebrated by performers including Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson and Parker McCollum, who honored him through heartfelt and impressive renditions of his popular songs.
Outside of the music tribute arena, the CMAS welcomed other notable personalities, including Olympian Simone Biles, who was present to announce the Female Vocalist of the Year. Biles, well-known for her remarkable gymnastics achievements, adds her star power to the night, proving once again how the CMA Awards brings together talents from all spheres.
The event is shaping up to be not just a showcase of phenomenal performances and awards but also reflective of the changes and challenges within the country music industry. It presents both triumphs and tribulations, including Johnson’s run-in with the law juxtaposed against Strait’s well-deserved praise. Despite the drama, one thing is for certain: the 2024 CMA Awards will celebrate the heart and soul of country music, highlighting its legends and rising stars alike.
