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Introduction
As the Country Music Association’s biggest night approaches, all eyes are on Chris Stapleton and Brooks & Dunn, both of whom could rewrite CMA history. But they’re not alone: this year’s ceremony brims with other artists poised to make groundbreaking achievements.
Stapleton & Brooks & Dunn: Tied at the Top
If either Chris Stapleton or Brooks & Dunn take home another award, they could become the most-awarded artists in CMA history. Currently they each hold the record with 19 CMA Awards apiece Country NowKentucky Living.
Other Potential History-Makers
Lainey Wilson
With six nominations, Lainey Wilson is one of the top-nominated artists this year People.comAP News. If she wins across the board, she could become the most successful female artist ever at the CMAs AOL.
Ella Langley & Megan Moroney
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Ella Langley also leads the nominations with six. Her nods span key categories like New Artist, Female Vocalist, and Musical Event of the Year People.comAP News.
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Megan Moroney, tied with Wilson at six nominations, is recognized in major categories tied to her project Am I Okay? CMA WorldPeople.com.
Zach Top
With five nominations, Zach Top is another strong contender this year in categories like Album, Single, Song, Male Vocalist, and New Artist of the Year CMA WorldPeople.com.
Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen
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Cody Johnson: With four nominations including his first Entertainer of the Year nod, Johnson is on a potential historic trajectory CMA World.
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Riley Green, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen each have significant nominations in major categories this year—especially in Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist People.comAP NewsCMA World.
Summary Table of Contenders
| Artist | Potential History Moment |
|---|---|
| Chris Stapleton | Could extend CMA wins beyond 19, becoming record-holder |
| Brooks & Dunn | Same as Stapleton—on the cusp of history with one more win |
| Lainey Wilson | May become top female winner ever with six wins |
| Ella Langley | Breakthrough winner across multiple major categories |
| Megan Moroney | Similarly poised for leap from new artist to top-tier award winner |
| Zach Top | Strong contender for multiple awards in breakthrough year |
| Cody Johnson | Could secure his first Entertainer of the Year trophy |
| Luke Combs / Riley Green / Morgan Wallen | Heavy-hitters in key voting categories — may shape new CMA legacies |
What’s at Stake
The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live November 19 from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC, with streaming on Hulu the next day People.comWikipediaCMA Awards. As ballots are finalized and anticipation peaks, these artists stand at the edge of potential history—whether by surpassing record wins, breaking gender barriers, or launching meteoric rises.