The Country Music Association has revealed its nominees for the 60th Annual CMA Awards, and this year belongs to Ella Langley. The rising superstar, powered by her chart‑dominating hit “Choosin’ Texas”, earned nine nominations, placing her at the very top of the leaderboard and cementing her status as one of country music’s most influential new voices.
Langley’s nominations span nearly every major category — a rare feat that underscores her explosive year and growing impact across the genre.
Ella Langley’s 2026 CMA Nominations
Langley’s nine nods include:
Entertainer of the Year
Single of the Year (“Be Her” and “Choosin’ Texas”)
Song of the Year (“Be Her” and “Choosin’ Texas”)
Album of the Year (Dandelion)
Female Vocalist of the Year
Musical Event of the Year (“I Can’t Love You Anymore” with Morgan Wallen)
Music Video of the Year (“Choosin’ Texas”)
Her dual nominations at the CMA‘s in both Single and Song of the Year — for two different tracks — highlight just how dominant her presence has been on radio, streaming, and the charts throughout 2026. “Choosin’ Texas” alone has broken records across multiple Billboard charts and helped propel Langley into arena‑headliner territory.
A Historic Moment for Women in Country Music at The CMA’s
Langley’s nine nominations tie the record for the most CMA nods earned by a female artist in a single year — a milestone previously reached by Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson.
She leads a powerful group of women dominating the 2026 ballot:
Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations.
Kacey Musgraves and Ben West earned five each.
Lainey Wilson, last year’s Entertainer of the Year, scored three nominations and returns as host for the third consecutive year.
This year’s CMA Awards are shaping up to be one of the most competitive — and most female‑driven — ceremonies in recent memory.
The 2026 CMA Awards: When & Where to Watch
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will take place:
Date: November 18, 2026
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Broadcast: Live on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET, with next‑day streaming on Hulu
Host Lainey Wilson promises an unforgettable night as the CMA celebrates six decades of country music excellence.
This Year’s CMA Awards Represent a Major Milestone
The 2026 CMA Awards mark a milestone 60th anniversary — and Ella Langley’s rise symbolizes a new era for the genre. Her blend of traditional storytelling, modern production, and undeniable star power has resonated across audiences, making her one of the most exciting artists to watch as country music continues to evolve.
With record‑breaking hits, industry‑shaping collaborations, and a nomination sweep that places her among the greats, Ella Langley is poised to make CMA history.
The 2026 CMA’s Full List of Nominations
The 60th Annual CMA Awards nominees have been announced, with Ella Langley leading the pack with nine nominations
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson
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
New Artist of the Year
Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Tucker Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr.
Musician of the Year
Tom Bukovac, Jenee Fleenor, Paul Franklin, Rob McNelley, Charlie Worsham
Album of the Year
Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top (Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey)
Dandelion – Ella Langley (Producers: Devin Dawson, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West; Mix Engineer: Dave Clauss)
Middle of Nowhere – Kacey Musgraves (Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Luke Laird, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian; Mix Engineers: Serban Ghenea, Konrad Snyder)
Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum (Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse; Mix Engineer: Eric Masse)
The Way I Am – Luke Combs (Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews)
Single of the Year
“Be Her” – Ella Langley (Producers: Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Ben West; Mix Engineer: Dave Clauss)
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley (Producers: Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Ben West; Mix Engineer: Dave Clauss)
“I Knew It, I Knew You” – Taylor Swift (Producers: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift; Mix Engineer: Laura Sisk)
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson (Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce)
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson (Producer: Trent Willmon; Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke)
Song of the Year
“Be Her” – Smith Ahnquist, Michael Hardy, Ella Langley, Jordan Schmidt
“Beautiful Things” – Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon, Connie Harrington, Megan Moroney
“Choosin’ Texas” – Luke Dick, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
“Dry Spell” – Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne
“Gary” – Stephen Wilson Jr.
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
Musical Event of the Year
“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & 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
Thanks for checking out Music Assent. Make Sure You Hit Subscribe for Future Updates. Follow us on Social Media @MusicAssent
