When the nominees list for the 2023 CMA Awards arrived today, Lainey Wilson topped the list with a whopping nine nominations. It’s also her first year being nominated for the night’s biggest honor: Entertainer of the Year.
First-time nominee Jelly Roll is also a strong contender, trailing Wilson with five nominations, which is rare for a debuting artist to score so many nominations. Hardy and Luke Combs are tied for third-most-nominated: They each scored four mentions.
There will be a bevy of first-time nominees at this year’s ceremony. Out-of-genre musical legend Tracy Chapman is in the running to win Song of the Year, thanks to Combs’ hit cover of her classic “Fast Car.” Other first-time CMA Awards nominees include the War and Treaty, Zach Bryan, Megan Moroney, Hailey Whitters and Charlie Worsham.
Luke Combs is looking to take a third straight Entertainer of the Year trophy, something not accomplished since Kenny Chesney did it from 2006-08. Voters will decide during a window that opens on Oct. 2 and closes Oct. 27.
The 2023 CMA Awards will take place on Nov. 8 and air on ABC. Performers, presenters and more details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Luke Bryan and NFL quarterback Peyton Manning were previously announced as hosts of the 2023 CMA Awards. It’s the hosting duo’s second consecutive year on the job.
Read More: 2023 CMA Awards Nominees Revealed — Full List
2023 CMA Awards Nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce
Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War and Treaty
New Artist of the Year
Zach Bryan
Jelly Roll
Parker McCollum
Megan Moroney
Hailey Whitters
Album of the Year (Awarded to Artist(s) and Producer(s))
Ashley McBryde, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville (Producers: John Osborne, John Peets; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce)
Lainey Wilson, Bell Bottom Country (Producer: Jay Joyce)
Luke Combs, Gettin’ Old (Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineers: Michael H. Brauer, Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews)
Morgan Wallen, One Thing at a Time (Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery; Mix Engineers: Josh Ditty, Joey Moi, Eivind Nordland
Kelsea Ballerini, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Mix Engineers: Dan Grech-Marguerat, Alysa Vanderheym
