The 2025 CMA Awards nominations are led by Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley with six nominations each, highlighting a strong presence of women in country music, alongside notable male artists like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs. The awards will be broadcast on Nov. 19 from Nashville, with categories including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and New Artist of the Year, reflecting both traditional and contemporary country music trends.
Aspiring country singer Austin Tanner violated his bond conditions by attending the CMA Awards in Nashville, leading to an Alabama judge issuing a warrant for his arrest. Tanner, who was indicted on insurance fraud charges, was prohibited from leaving Alabama without permission. His bond revocation hearing is scheduled for December 4.
The 2024 Country Music Association Awards in Nashville showcased a mix of fashion hits and misses on the red carpet. Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson were among the best-dressed, with Musgraves donning a dramatic Georges Hobeika denim dress. Shaboozey also impressed with a mint-green suit and bedazzled Crocs. However, Keith Urban's casual attire and Kelsea Ballerini's ill-fitting gown were noted as fashion misses.
Shaboozey, a rising star in country music, faced microaggressions at the 2024 CMA Awards despite his significant contributions to the genre with his hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)." The event was marred by jokes about his name, highlighting issues of racial insensitivity within the industry. Shaboozey, who has had a successful year with Grammy nominations, deserves more respect and an apology for the treatment he received at the CMAs.
Shaboozey, nominated for new artist and single of the year at the CMA Awards, responded to a controversial comment made by Cody Johnson's producer, Trent Willmon, who mentioned "kicking shaboozey" during Johnson's acceptance speech for album of the year. The comment sparked confusion and anger among fans, but Shaboozey seemed unfazed, tweeting "Ain’t nobody kicking me!" Despite not winning a CMA, Shaboozey is up for five Grammy Awards in 2025.
The 2024 CMA Awards featured a mix of memorable and controversial moments, including a standout tribute to George Strait and a strong hosting debut by Lainey Wilson. Highlights included Ella Langley and Riley Green's duet and Kacey Musgraves' performance, while Shaboozey's treatment and Post Malone's off-key singing were criticized. The absence of major artists like Morgan Wallen and the unexpected win by Brooks & Dunn for Vocal Duo of the Year sparked debate, as did the show's reliance on repeat performances.
George Strait, the 'King of Country,' amused fans with his seemingly unimpressed reactions during the 2024 Country Music Awards performances, sparking laughter on social media. Despite his apparent disapproval of the current state of country music, Strait was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The event featured performances by artists like Chris Stapleton and Post Malone, who made his CMA debut. Strait later expressed gratitude to his fans and family, particularly his wife Norma, during his acceptance speech.
Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen were the big winners at the CMA Awards in Nashville, with Stapleton taking home three awards, including male vocalist of the year, and Wallen winning entertainer of the year. The event featured performances from artists like Post Malone and a tribute to George Strait, who received a lifetime achievement award. Despite controversy over Beyoncé's lack of nominations, the night celebrated country music's resurgence and drew stars from various fields, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.
Megan Moroney was awarded the new artist of the year at the CMA Awards, expressing gratitude to her fans and producer Kristian Bush. She highlighted the support from her fans and her connection with Bush, who produced her albums "Lucky" and "Am I Okay?" Moroney, who performed at the event, was nominated for three awards and won one.
The 58th annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville celebrated top talents in the genre, with Morgan Wallen winning Entertainer of the Year and Chris Stapleton's "White Horse" securing both Single and Song of the Year. Cody Johnson's "Leather" was named Album of the Year, and Megan Moroney was recognized as New Artist of the Year. The event, hosted by Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, and Peyton Manning, also honored George Strait with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Chris Stapleton won his eighth Male Vocalist of the Year award at the CMA Awards, leaving fellow artist Luke Combs visibly shocked. Stapleton, who now holds 19 CMA awards, also won Song of the Year and Single of the Year. During his acceptance speech, he humorously forgot to thank his wife, Morgane, but later apologized and acknowledged her contributions. The event highlighted Stapleton's dominance in country music and Combs' entertaining reactions.
Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan performed their song "Cowboys Cry Too" at the 2024 CMA Awards, marking the first national television performance of the track. The song, from Ballerini's album "Patterns," was nominated for Musical Event of the Year. Their emotional performance featured a candlelit stage with desert scenes and cowboy silhouettes, enhancing the song's theme.
The 2024 CMA Awards honored George Strait with a tribute performance featuring artists like Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson, celebrating his illustrious career in country music. Strait received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant impact on the genre. Despite his long career, Strait continues to release music and break records, including a recent record for the largest ticketed concert in the U.S. The awards show will be available to stream on Hulu.
George Strait, known as the "King of Country," is being honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 58th Annual CMA Awards. Despite his country music legacy, Strait initially played in a rock band and was influenced by The Beatles. He achieved a remarkable feat by selling out Cowboys Stadium in under an hour in 2009. Strait has also shown remarkable loyalty to MCA Records, his label since 1981, where he signed a contract initially for just one song.
Paul Franklin, a renowned Nashville session musician, has been nominated 32 times for the CMA Musician of the Year award without a win, setting a record he doesn't boast about. Known for his steel pedal guitar work, Franklin has contributed to thousands of recordings across genres, including collaborations with artists like Kenny Rogers, Shania Twain, and Taylor Swift. Despite his extensive career, his name first appeared on an album cover in 2013 with "Bakersfield," a tribute to classic country music. Franklin is nominated again for the 2024 CMA Awards, potentially marking his long-awaited win.
