Who Will Be Nominated for 2026 CMA Awards? Billboard Offers Our Top Predictions
Will Ella Langley and other women dominate nominations this year, or will stadium headliners such as Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs lead the way?
Billboard predicts a competitive race for 2026 CMA Awards nominations, with a strong emphasis on female artists. Ella Langley, who received six nominations last year, is expected to lead the field with her first entertainer of the year nod. Should Wilson also receive this nod, it would mark the first time two women share the title since 2023.
Langley's chances could increase further if Wilson and Megan Moroney also receive nominations, making it the first instance in the awards' 60-year history of three solo women being recognized simultaneously. This is particularly noteworthy given that Reba McEntire and The Judds were the only previous examples, spanning 1986-1988.
The eligibility period for this year's awards extends from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, while the single of the year category is more stringent – the song must have topped Billboard's Country Airplay or Hot Country Songs charts or the Country Aircheck chart. Predictions are highly anticipated, with key categories including new artist of the year, male and female vocalist of the year, and single of the year.
The nominations will be unveiled by Lara Spencer on Good Morning America, while Hannah Harper will host a livestream on CMA's YouTube channel to announce the full list. The 60th CMA Awards will be broadcast on ABC and will stream live on Disney+ for the first time on November 18, as part of a six-year extension signed with Disney in May.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
