Ella Langley has emerged as the leading contender at the 2026 CMA Awards following Thursday’s nomination announcement. The Alabama native secured nine nominations across major categories, positioning herself as a frontrunner for multiple awards at the 60th annual ceremony.
Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” dominated the nomination slate, earning recognition in the Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year categories. Additionally, her album “Dandelion” received a nomination for Album of the Year. The artist will also compete for Female Vocalist of the Year and the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award, country music’s highest honor.
Miranda Lambert follows as the second most-nominated artist with seven nominations, having collaborated with Langley on both the hit single and album production. Notable among other nominees is Stephen Wilson Jr., whose grunge-country composition “Gary” earned four nominations, including recognition for Male Vocalist of the Year. Taylor Swift returned to the CMA Awards for the first time in four years with a Single of the Year nomination for “I Knew It, I Knew You.”
The 2026 CMA Awards will air November 18 on ABC and Disney+, with Lainey Wilson, the reigning Entertainer of the Year winner, hosting the ceremony.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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