When the nominations for the 60th annual CMA Awards are announced on Thursday (Sept. 10), the only real mystery is just how many nods Ella Langley will receive.
The “Choosin’ Texas” artist is unlikely to break Alan Jackson’s record of 10 nominations set in 2002, but that’s only because of timing. “Jaded,” her duet with Koe Wetzel, came out too late to be considered for musical event of the year or she’d be looking at four possibilities between musical event and video of the year for “I Can’t Love You Anymore” with Morgan Wallen and “Jaded” alone.
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Langley tied with Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson with six nominations last year to lead all artists, but she’s likely to head the field by herself this year, including landing her first entertainer of the year nod. If both she and reigning champ Wilson (also returning as the show’s host) receive EOTY nods, it will be the first time two women receive nominations in the same year since Wilson and Carrie Underwood were nominated in 2023.
History could be made if Langley, Wilson and Moroney all get nominated, which is a strong possibility, making it the first time in the 60-year history of the awards that three solo women are nominated in the same year. (Reba McEntire and The Judds were nominated from 1986-1988, while Shania Twain and The Chicks received nods in 1999 and Faith Hill and The Chicks in 2000).
Several of this year’s categories are extremely competitive, especially new artist of the year and male and female vocalist of the year.
The eligibility period is July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Additionally, for single of the year, the track must have reached the top 10 of Billboard’s Country Airplay or Hot Country Songs charts or the Country Aircheck chart.
Key nominations will be revealed by Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer on the morning show on Thursday, while Lee Ann Womack and American Idol season 24 winner Hannah Harper will host a livestream on the CMA YouTube channel to announce the full list.
The 60th CMA Awards will air on ABC and, for the first time, stream live on Disney + on Nov. 18 as part of a new six-year extension the CMA signed with Disney in May.
Below are predictions for who will receive nominations in several of the main categories.
