When the nominees list for the 2023 CMA Awards arrived today, Lainey Wilson topped the list with a whopping nine nominations. It’s also her first year being nominated for the night’s biggest honor: Entertainer of the Year.
First-time nominee Jelly Roll is also a strong contender, trailing Wilson with five nominations, which is rare for a debuting artist to score so many nominations. Hardy and Luke Combs are tied for third-most-nominated: They each scored four mentions.
There will be a bevy of first-time nominees at this year’s ceremony. Out-of-genre musical legend Tracy Chapman is in the running to win Song of the Year, thanks to Combs’ hit cover of her classic “Fast Car.” Other first-time CMA Awards nominees include the War and Treaty, Zach Bryan, Megan Moroney, Hailey Whitters and Charlie Worsham.
