Overview
- The Country Music Association announced nominees on Sept. 10, 2026, with Ella Langley leading the field with nine nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year for Dandelion, and two Single of the Year nods.
- Miranda Lambert is a top contender with seven nominations and is credited as a co‑writer of 'Choosin’ Texas' and a co‑producer on Langley’s Dandelion, highlighting a mentor‑artist collaboration that helped drive Langley’s campaign.
- Taylor Swift returned to the CMA ballot with a Single of the Year nomination for 'I Knew It, I Knew You' from Toy Story 5, marking her first CMA nod in four years and earning producer Jack Antonoff his first CMA nomination.
- The CMA’s voting process now moves to its final phase with the third ballot to be emailed Oct. 1 and final votes due Oct. 27, and winners will be announced at the live broadcast on Nov. 18 from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC and Disney+ with next‑day streaming on Hulu.
- Langley’s dominance this year follows a blockbuster run for 'Choosin’ Texas' on the charts and a sweep at the ACMs, a momentum that could broaden country’s mainstream reach and spotlight established figures who helped craft her sound.