The nominees for the 2026 CMA Awards have been revealed, and while there are plenty of happy surprises, including Ella Langley being nominated for Entertainer of the Year, and Emily Ann Roberts receiving her first CMA Awards nomination (for New Artist of the Year), there are also several names who were inexpelicably left off this year’s list. Keep reading to find out which nine artists should have been nominated, but were not.
Riley Green
Riley Green did actually receive one nomination. Green and Carly Pearce were both nominated for Musical Event of the Year, for their “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” duet. But that’s Green’s only nomination. Surprisingly, Green wasn’t nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, or even Single of the Year, for “Change My Mind,” a No. 1 hit. Few artists work as hard as Green, and it’s unfortunate his hard work wasn’t recognized.
Ashley McBryde
Few artists have fans as supportive as Ashley McBryde, which is why they are understandably disappointed that McBryde’s name wasn’t mentioned in the list of nominees. McBryde’s latest Wild album was released within the eligibility period for voting for this year’s CMA Awards. She also released “What If We Don’t,” a thought-provoking tune that wouldn’t have been out of place for Single of the Year, or even Song of the Year.
Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean is likely used to not being nominated, since he hasn’t had any CMA Awards nominations since 2022. But his lack of industry recognition in no way signifies lack of effort on his part. Aldean had two No. 1 singles, with “How Far Does a Goodbye Go” and “Don’t Tell on Me.” Both songs are on his latest Songs About Us album, out in April. Aldean also headlined his Full Throttle Tour.
Alexandra Kay
We love the new artists that ere recognized this year, like Roberts and Avery Anna. But Alexandra Kay absolutely deserves to be included in the list of New Artist of the Year nominees. Kay’s sophomore Second Wind record came out in October. The record includes her current hit single, “Straight For the Heart.” There are also very few artists who are as devoted to her fans as Kay. Fortunately for Kay, her time is definitely coming.
Kane Brown
Admittedly, Brown hasn’t released a record since The High Road, out in early 2025. But he did have a massive hit with “Woman,” a song he co-wrote, which also includes an incredibly humorous video. Brown also headlined his The High Road Tour, playing some very impressive venues.
Surprisingly, Brown has never won a CMA Award. He hasn’t received a nomination since 2023.
Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery has, inexplicably, never even been nominated for a CMA Award. It’s an odd omission, since McCreery has a total of seven No. 1 singles. But it’s his last one, “Bottle Rockets,” a collaboration with Hootie & the Blowfish, which seemed almost certain to receive a nomination this year, at least for Musical Event of the Year.
Russell Dickerson
Russell Dickerson’s Famous Back Home album came out in the summer of 2025. Famous Back Home includes “Happen to Me.” Not only was the song a No. 1 country hit, but it also did well on Billboard‘s Pop Airplay chart. Sadly, like McCreery, Dickerson has never been nominated for a CMA Award.
Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen did receive two CMA Awards nominations, but they are both for Musical Event of the Year. Wallen and Langley are nominated for their “I Can’t Love You Anymore” duet, while Wallen, HARDY, Tim McGraw, and Eric Church are nominated for their “McArthur” collaboration. But Wallen didn’t receive any nominations on his own, which is very odd. Wallen had several hit singles, with “I Got Better,” “20 Cigarettes,” and “Don’t We.”
Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton didn’t release any new albums within the eligibility period for CMA Awards voting. But Shelton did have a No. 1 single with “Stay Country or Die Tryin’.” He also has another massive hit right now, wit “Let Him In Anyway.” Shelton’s best days in country music might still be ahead of him, even if he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves for his accomplishments.