Source: Boston Globe / Getty
Here’s a rundown of 10 artists who shockingly didn’t make the cut for the 2024 CMA Awards nominations. Even with their impressive tracks and loyal fans, these names are missing from the list, leaving many country music lovers scratching their heads.
1. Kane Brown
Kane Brown has been overlooked by CMA voters once again, despite selling out stadiums, topping charts, and consistently bringing new fans to country music. Since 2015, he’s only earned four CMA nominations, all for collaborations—three with Chris Young on “Famous Friends” and one with his wife, Katelyn, on “Thank God.”
2. Jordan Davis
3. Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood, who was a CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee in 2023, is missing from this year’s list. A constant presence at the CMAs since 2006 with seven wins, her absence is surprising given her ongoing success in Las Vegas. However, with no new music since the deluxe edition of Denim & Rhinestones and a recent single that didn’t make the Top 10, her omission reflects the shifting trends in country music.
4. Beyoncé
Beyoncé has never been nominated for a CMA Award, given her pop and R&B background. However, it’s surprising she was overlooked in 2024, especially after her groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter. The country-influenced album, featuring legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, and rising stars redefining the genre, deserved nominations for Musical Event or Album of the Year.
5. HARDY
HARDY, a recent fan favorite, is missing from the CMA Awards nominees this year. Despite winning three trophies last year for “Wait in the Truck” and releasing his third studio album this summer, he’s been overlooked. Known for blending country and rock, HARDY won’t be adding any new trophies to his collection this time around.
6. Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan has missed the CMA Awards nominations for the second year in a row. Despite his role on American Idol, extensive touring, and charitable work, it wasn’t enough to earn him a spot this year.
7. Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett’s streak of missing CMA Award nominations continues into 2024. Despite his new album About A Woman missing this year’s eligibility cutoff and his impressive achievements, including two No. 1 singles and a successful 40-city tour, Rhett didn’t receive any nominations.
8. Scotty McCreery
Another surprising snub from the CMA Awards is Scotty McCreery. Despite his album Rise & Fall and hits like “Cab In A Solo,” McCreery has once again been overlooked by CMA voters. Since his American Idol days, he’s consistently been ignored, even with a standout album this year.
9. Carly Pearce
Carly Pearce’s absence from the 58th CMA Awards nominations is surprising, given her strong presence in country music. Although she was recognized at the GRAMMYs, she missed out on CMA nods. Pearce earned her first CMA nomination in 2019 and has been nominated each year since, but only has three wins to show for it.
10. Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney, known for his stadium sellouts and chart-topping summer anthems, is notably absent from this year’s CMA nominations. Despite his long-standing impact and dedication to his fans, this marks his second consecutive year without a nod, though he has been honored by the CMAs many times before.
