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The list of 2026 CMA Awards nominees<\/a> shows just how far voters\u00a0will go to protect traditional country music. It’s a curious stance given how important pop-country is to the genre’s health and future.<\/p>\n For over a decade I’ve assembled a biannual list of snubs and surprises.\u00a0In many ways it’s a bellwether assessment of where country music is heading that often answers difficult questions with an exclamation point.<\/p>\n Ella Langley<\/a>‘s\u00a0domination in 2026 came after she led the CMAs with six nominations in 2025. Conversely, Jelly Roll<\/a>‘s limited participation at the 2025 show (just one nomination) foreshadowed an even less enthusiastic response in 2026.<\/p>\n Pull the camera back further to reveal real trends in country music. This year’s list of snubs and surprises shows voters are all-in on anything with twang.<\/p>\n That’s bad news for hitmakers like Megan Moroney<\/a>, Stella Lefty<\/a> and Shaboozey<\/a>. All three have been hit with the absurd “not real country” label throughout their careers (criticism of Lefty comes with a specific vigor that fellow TOC editor Carena Liptak did her best to explain<\/a>) but all three had huge hits\u00a0during the eligibility period (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026).<\/p>\n All three were snubbed by CMA voters.<\/p>\n This matters because \u2014 as much as purists don’t want to admit it \u2014 country music has a long history of borrowing from pop to support and grow the genre. Kenny Rogers<\/a>, Shania Twain<\/a>, Rascal Flatts<\/a> and more are as essential as George Strait<\/a> and Loretta Lynn<\/a>. If the established country music sound isn’t challenged it splinters and dies (see rock music).<\/p>\n The Grand Ole Opry figured this out years ago and started to invite younger, more pop-friendly artists to perform and join. Despite critics, this institution has thrived as others have flat-lined or died (see most modern awards shows).<\/p>\n Voters may not like “Boston” and they may think Chase Matthew<\/a> and Lauren Alaina<\/a>‘s “All My Exes” is too pop to be nominated. They may remain skeptical of single-name artists like Shaboozey<\/a> despite his growing list of No. 1 hits. They may believe Moroney’s music is too pink for a dirt\u00a0road genre.<\/p>\n Related<\/em><\/strong>:\u00a0Remembering the Country Stars Who Died In 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Dan + Shay<\/a> bring new fans to country music. They should be perennial awards winners, not also-rans. Taylor Swift<\/a>‘s return to the genre is a win for everyone.<\/p>\n A failure to assess these artists with a sober mind over a long period of time is going to shrink the genre. Nobody wins when awards shows set record low audiences.<\/p>\n *Remember: The best way to watch the CMA Awards is on ABC with ToC on your phone.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n That shouldn’t surprise anyone as no one in country has been as successful in all the ways this year, but she’s not the only woman representing. Count six females, including a singer with an edge for newbie of 2026.<\/p>\n We’ll update as new songs are released in 2026 and the final list will drop in December.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n2026 CMA Awards Nominations – Snubs + Surprises Reveal a Dangerous Trend<\/h2>\n
Top 13 Country Songs of 2026, Ranked<\/h2>\n