The countdown is on! The 2024 Country Music Association Awards are almost here. Every year, fans and stars get excited to see who’s in the race for country music’s top honors. This time, the CMA Awards 2024 shortlist is packed with surprises, fan favorites, and fresh faces. Let’s break it down category by category, so you know who to watch and cheer for in each one!
Entertainer of the Year
All Heading
This is the big one. The award that crowns the absolute best overall performer in country music. The shortlisted nominees are:
- Luke Combs
- Lainey Wilson
- Chris Stapleton
- Carrie Underwood
- Morgan Wallen
Who’s got the edge? Luke Combs had a monster year. But Lainey Wilson is on fire. Keep your eyes on this one—it could go either way!
Male Vocalist of the Year
This category honors the strongest male voice in country. These guys are all powerhouses:
- Chris Stapleton
- Luke Combs
- Kane Brown
- Morgan Wallen
- Cody Johnson
Watch out for: Chris Stapleton. He’s a fan favorite and a past winner, but Morgan Wallen’s streaming numbers are sky-high.
Female Vocalist of the Year
The ladies brought their A-game this year. The shortlist for Female Vocalist is:
- Lainey Wilson
- Miranda Lambert
- Carly Pearce
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Ashley McBryde
Our pick? It’s hard not to root for Lainey Wilson. She’s been unstoppable lately.
Album of the Year
These albums weren’t just fun to listen to—they made a real impact. Here’s who made the cut:
- “Gettin’ Old” – Luke Combs
- “Bell Bottom Country” – Lainey Wilson
- “One Thing at a Time” – Morgan Wallen
- “Higher” – Chris Stapleton
- “Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville” – Ashley McBryde
Notable trend: A really strong mix of traditional and new-school sounds. This will be a tight race!
Song of the Year
This award goes to the songwriters behind the lyrics. It’s all about the craft:
- “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
- “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
- “Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson
- “Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney
- “Wait in the Truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
Watch for: “Fast Car.” A Tracy Chapman classic, reimagined by Luke Combs and loved by fans everywhere.
Single of the Year
It’s the song that was everywhere this year. Played on repeat on radios, streaming apps, and TikTok.
- “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
- “Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson
- “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
- “Rock and a Hard Place” – Bailey Zimmerman
- “Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney
Fan favorite: Lainey’s anthem “Heart Like a Truck” has serious momentum. But don’t count out Bailey Zimmerman’s breakout hit.
New Artist of the Year
Meet the future of country music! These artists are making waves in a big way:
- Bailey Zimmerman
- Megan Moroney
- Zach Bryan
- Hailey Whitters
- Dillon Carmichael
One to watch: Zach Bryan. His storytelling and raw style have earned him a passionate fanbase.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Sometimes, two voices are better than one. Check out the teams nominated this year:
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Maddie & Tae
- The War and Treaty
- LOCASH
Hot pick: Brothers Osborne are consistent favorites. But The War and Treaty bring something new and exciting!
Vocal Group of the Year
It’s not just about one voice—it’s about harmony. The top country groups of 2024 include:
- Lady A
- Zac Brown Band
- Old Dominion
- Little Big Town
- Midland
Fan favorite? Old Dominion’s polished sound and heartfelt lyrics keep them in the lead. But Midland’s retro flair is gaining love too.
Music Video of the Year
Sometimes the story told on screen makes a song even better. Here’s the top video list:
- “Wait in the Truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
- “Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney
- “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
- “Human” – Cody Johnson
- “Pretty Doesn’t” – Kelsea Ballerini
Visual storytelling: “Wait in the Truck” plays like a mini movie. It’s emotional and unforgettable.
Musical Event of the Year
This one celebrates the most exciting collaborations in country music:
- “Wait in the Truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
- “She Had Me at Heads Carolina (Remix)” – Cole Swindell with Jo Dee Messina
- “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan with Kacey Musgraves
- “Thank God” – Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown
- “90s Kids” – Jake Owen & Carly Pearce
Top contender: Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves brought chills with “I Remember Everything.”
Summary: A Star-Studded Show Ahead
The 2024 CMA Awards are shaping up to be one of the most exciting ceremonies yet. With returning stars, stellar newcomers, and genre-pushing collaborations, there’s something for every type of country fan.
Whether you’re rooting for the legends or cheering on the newcomers, one thing’s for sure—this year’s awards will be packed with sparkle, music, and lots of cowboy boots. Set your DVR or clear your calendar!
red carpet, country stars, CMA awards
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