CMA Awards 2021: Everything you NEED to know

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Author: Emma DicksonPublished 8th Nov 2021

With one of the biggest nights on the country music calendar in just a couple of days, we thought we’d take a closer look at the 2021 CMA Awards!

It’s time to get red carpet ready – find out who is hosting, who will be performing, who is nominated for what and how to watch at home.

Following last year’s event at Nashville’s Music City Center, the 55th annual awards show will return to the Bridgestone Arena in Tennessee’s capital city in November.

Who is the main host?

Luke Bryan will host the evening’s ceremony, he will be the first person in 18 yeаrs to tаke on the responsibilities on his own.

In a statement from ahead of the big night, the 45-year-old American Idol judge said: “Being asked to host the CMA Awards was definitely something I put a lot of thought into before answering. The pressure that comes with that can be overwhelming, but I knew it was something I couldn’t pass up because I get to help honour and celebrate so many of my friends.”

Who will be there?

Lady A, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert will be honoured on the night. Miranda’s three nominations this year helped her become the third most-nominated artist in CMA history with 58 total nods.

This year, the CMAs are also ushering in a new generation of artists.

Who will be performing?

  • Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
  • Luke Combs
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Old Dominion
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Chris Young and Kane Brown
  • Jimmie Allen
  • Brothers Osborne
  • Eric Church
  • Dan + Shay
  • Mickey Guyton
  • Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
  • Blake Shelton

Who is nominated for a CMA Award?

Speaking ahead of award nominations, Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said: “This year, we have the opportunity to honour the superstars, new artists and emerging creators who are paving the way for Country Music. These nominees exemplify the creativity, passion and heart that make our Country Music community unlike any other genre.”

Leading the pack with five nominations each are Eric Church and Chris Stapleton. Gabby Barrett, Jason Hall and Jay Joyce are coming in close behind.

Check out the full list of nominees below 👇

Entertainer of the Year

Eric Church

Luke Combs

Miranda Lambert

Chris Stapleton

Carrie Underwood

Female Vocalist of the Year

Gabby Barrett

Miranda Lambert

Ashley McBryde

Maren Morris

Carly Pearce

Male Vocalist of the Year

Dierks Bentley

Eric Church

Luke Combs

Thomas Rhett

Chris Stapleton

Vocal Group of the Year

Lady A

Little Big Town

Midland

Old Dominion

Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year

Brooks & Dunn

Brothers Osborne

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Maddie & Tae

New Artist of the Year

Jimmie Allen

Ingrid Andress

Gabby Barrett

Mickey Guyton

HARDY

Album of the Year

29 - Carly Pearce

Dangerous: The Double Album - Morgan Wallen

Heart - Eric Church

Skeletons - Brothers Osborne

Starting Over - Chris Stapleton

Single of the Year

“Famous Friends” - Chris Young with Kane Brown

“Hell Of A View” - Eric Church

“One Night Standards” - Ashley McBryde

“Starting Over” - Chris Stapleton

“The Good Ones” - Gabby Barrett

Song of the Year

“Forever After All” - Luke Combs, Drew Parker, Robert Williford

“Hell Of A View” - Casey Beathard, Eric Church, Monty Criswell

“One Night Standards” - Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde

“Starting Over”- Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton

“The Good Ones” - Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick

Musical Event of the Year

“Buy Dirt” - Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan

“Chasing After You” - Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris

“Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)” - Elle King & Miranda Lambert

“Famous Friends” - Chris Young with Kane Brown

“half of my hometown”- Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)

Music Video of the Year

“Chasing After You” - Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris

“Famous Friends” - Chris Young with Kane Brown

“Gone” - Dierks Bentley

“half of my hometown” - Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)

“Younger Me” - Brothers Osborne

Musician of the Year

Jenee Fleenor

Paul Franklin

Aaron Sterling

Ilya Toshinskiy

Derek Wells

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