Four CMA Nods Catapult Riley Green Into Country Music’s Biggest Spotlight Yet

🎶 59th Annual CMA Awards: Full List of Nominees

The Country Music Association has unveiled the nominees for the 59th Annual CMA Awards, broadcasting live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 (8–11 PM EST on ABC, next day on Hulu).

This year, the spotlight is on three powerhouse women — Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson — who lead with six nominations each. Rising star Zach Top follows closely with five, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson snag four apiece.

CMA CEO Sarah Trahern praised the lineup:

“The nominees announced today represent some of the most impactful work happening across Country Music… Their commitment helps ensure the CMA Awards remain a true reflection of the genre’s excellence.”

🏆 Major Categories
Entertainer of the Year

Luke Combs

Cody Johnson

Chris Stapleton

Morgan Wallen

Lainey Wilson

Single of the Year

“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson

“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs

“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney

“I Never Lie” – Zach Top

“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

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

Song of the Year

“4x4xU” – Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson

“Am I Okay?” – Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney

“I Never Lie” – Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top

“Texas” – Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock

“you look like you love me” – Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere

🎤 Vocal Categories

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

Vocal Group of the Year: Lady A, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays

Vocal Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Maddie & Tae, The War And Treaty

🎶 Collaboration Highlights

Musical Event of the Year

“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (feat. Ella Langley)

“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll

“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)

“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)

“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)

🎸 Other Key Categories

Musician of the Year: Jenee Fleenor, Paul Franklin, Brent Mason, Rob McNelley, Derek Wells

Music Video of the Year: Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Ella Langley & Riley Green

New Artist of the Year: Ella Langley, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr.

✨ Takeaways

Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley are cementing their reign as the new queens of country.

Zach Top emerges as the breakout male artist to watch.

Crossovers: Post Malone and Blake Shelton’s “Pour Me A Drink” and Kenny Chesney’s collab with Megan Moroney signal country’s widening reach.

The night’s biggest suspense: Will Lainey Wilson repeat as Entertainer of the Year, or will Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, or Cody Johnson take the crown?