2025 CMA Award Nominees: Full List & Top Contenders
Explore the complete lineup of the 2025 CMA Award nominees with a data-driven look at top contenders, breakout artists, and major category favorites. This concise guide highlights who’s leading the race—and who could deliver the biggest surprise wins.
The announcement is out: the 2025 CMA Award nominees have been revealed, and the competition is fierce. Veteran stars mix with fresh faces, and the nominations spread across many categories promises an exciting awards night.
Let’s dive into who got nominated, what makes this year special, and what fans should watch.
Who’s Leading the 2025 CMA Award Nominees
– Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson each earned six nominations, more than anyone else this year.
– Zach Top follows with five nominations.
– Riley Green and Cody Johnson each have four nominations.
These artists are among the most talked-about, but many others got nods too. First-time nominees bring fresh energy.
Major Categories: 2025 CMA Award Nominees Breakdown
Entertainer of the Year
– Luke Combs
– Cody Johnson
– Chris Stapleton
– Morgan Wallen
– Lainey Wilson
Female Vocalist of the Year
– Kelsea Ballerini
– Miranda Lambert
– Ella Langley
– Megan Moroney
– Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
– Luke Combs
– Cody Johnson
– Chris Stapleton
– Zach Top
– Morgan Wallen
New Artist of the Year
– Ella Langley
– Shaboozey
– Zach Top
– Tucker Wetmore
– Stephen Wilson Jr.
Album of the Year
– Am I Okay? — Megan Moroney
– Cold Beer & Country Music — Zach Top
– F‑1 Trillion — Post Malone
– I’m The Problem — Morgan Wallen
– Whirlwind — Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year
– “4x4xU” — Lainey Wilson
– “Am I Okay?” — Megan Moroney
– “you look like you love me” — Ella Langley & Riley Green
– “I Never Lie” — Zach Top
– “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” — Luke Combs
First-Time Nominees in 2025 CMA Award Nominees
One of the exciting parts of the 2025 CMA nominations is the number of first-time nominees. These artists bring new perspectives to the field. Some names include:
– Tucker Wetmore
– Stephen Wilson Jr.
– Johnny Clawson
– Jon Decious
– Jessie Jo Dillon
– Josh Dorr
– Alexandra Gavillet
– Lalo Guzman
– Jimmy Harnen
These fresh faces are ones to watch.
What Makes the 2025 CMA Award Nominees Stand Out
– Strong female candidates across major categories like Female Vocalist of the Year.
– Broad genre crossover — albums and singles from artists like Post Malone are nominated alongside country stalwarts.
– More competition than usual in categories like Entertainer of the Year, due to multiple artists with high nominations.
Comparison: 2025 vs Prior Years
| Aspect | 2025 Highlights | Prior Years (2023–24) |
|---|---|---|
| Most Nominations Leader | Three artists tied for top spot — Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson, and Jordan Langley | Typically one clear frontrunner dominated nominations |
| New Artist Diversity | Strong presence of first-time nominees across major categories | Fewer fresh faces among the top nominees |
| Genre Mix | Recognition of country-pop crossovers and genre-blending singles/albums | Focus leaned more on traditional and mainstream country acts |
Why 2025 CMA Award Nominees Matter
These nominations reveal more than who might win—they show where country music is headed.
– Who’s pushing the boundaries of genre.
– How new artists are breaking in.
– What kind of representation is happening for women and diverse creators.
FAQ: 2025 CMA Award Nominees
Q1: When and where will the 2025 CMA Awards take place?
A: They will be held on November 19, 2025 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Q2: Who has the most nominations among the 2025 CMA Award nominees?
A: Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson have the highest count with six each.
Q3: Who are some first‑time nominees in 2025?
A: Tucker Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr., Johnny Clawson, Jon Decious, Jessie Jo Dillon, among others.
Q4: Are there any surprise nominations this year?
A: Yes. Pop‑country crossovers like Post Malone signal surprises in the Album and Song categories.
Why It Matters
The list of 2025 CMA Award nominees isn’t just about trophies; it’s a reflection of change in country music. With stronger female voices, more crossover influence, and new stars breaking through, this year’s nominees show how the genre continues to expand.
Expect the CMA Awards 2025 to be more than an awards show—it’s going to be a moment of shaping country’s next chapter.
