Keith Urban and Miranda Lambertlead the nominations with five each, competing against each other in three categories: music video of the year, single of the year and song of the year. Little Big Town is close behind with four nods, which actually also helped Taylor Swift earn her first CMA Award nomination in three years as the songwriter for the band's hit single "Better Man" (she was last nominated in 2014 for female vocalist of the year, losing to Lambert).
The 51st Annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, with Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood hosting the night for a 10th time. The show will take place at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. Check out the nominees below.
Female Vocalist of the Year-Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Maren Morris, Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year-Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban
New Artist of the Year-Luke Combs, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Brett Young, Lauren Alaina
Music Video of the Year-Little Big Town, "Better Man" Keith Urban, "Blue Ain't Your Color" Thomas Rhett feat. Maren Morris, "Craving You" Miranda Lambert, "Vice" Brothers Osborne, "It Ain't My Fault"
Vocal Duo of the Year Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, LOCASH, Maddie & Tae, Brothers Osborne
Entertainer of the Year Garth Brooks Luke Bryan Eric Church Chris Stapleton Keith Urban
Single of the Year “Better Man,” Little Big Town“ Blue Ain’t Your Color,” Keith Urban “Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt “Dirt On My Boots,” Jon Pardi “Tin Man,” Miranda Lambert
Album of the Year The Breaker, Little Big Town From A Room: Volume 1, Chris Stapleton Heart Break, Lady Antebellum The Nashville Sound, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit The Weight of These Wings, Miranda Lambert
Song of the Year “Better Man,” Little Big Town “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” Keith Urban“Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt “Dirt On My Boots,” Jon Pardi “Tin Man,” Miranda Lambert
Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum Little Big Town Old Dominion Rascal Flatts Zac Brown Band
Musical Event of the Year "Craving You," Thomas Rhett feat. Maren Morris "Funny How Time Slips Away," Glen Campbell with Willie Nelson"Kill A Word," Eric Church feat. Rhiannon Giddens "Setting the World on Fire," Kenny Chesney feat. Pink"Speak to a Girl," Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Musician of the YearJerry Douglas (Dobro)Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar)Dann Huff (Guitar)Mac McAnally (Guitar)Derek Wells (Guitar)