CMA Voter's Guide

ENTERTAINER

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.”

–USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.”

–The Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

“This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

“To say Chris Stapleton is one of country music’s best singers is to sell him short. He’s one of the world’s finest singers of any genre, period.” –Associated Press

“Stapleton never lets audiences forget just why he’s one of the best vocalists in the business.”

– American Songwriter

“Undoubtedly one of the best in Nashville.” –Uproxx

“Chris Stapleton’s roar isn’t designed to scare you off. It’s regal; an announcement of an alpha figure asserting his primacy.” –New York Times

“Underwood succeeded at making a solid case that she’s the highest-suited and most valued card in the metaphorical deck that is country music.” –Tennessean

“One of music’s most unparalleled voices.” –American Songwriter

“She now appears driven by carving her legacy amongst modern mainstream music history’s greatest and most influential pop cultural forces.” –Tennessean

“One of music’s mightiest vocalists.” –Billboard

“Underwood has one of the most powerful voices in modern music.” –Seattle Times

Pollstar declared, “Wallen’s strength is how he makes fans feel like his songs are their lives,” and that fan connection has powered his 57-show run across five countries in 2023. With $3 from each ticket funneling into the Morgan Wallen Foundation – helping youth in areas of sports and music – Wallen has continued to leave a lasting impact in touring communities, donating to the rehabilitation of baseball fields in Boston, Chicago, Nashville and more to come. –Big Loud

“Country music’s next legend.” –Taste of Country

“Lainey Wilson offered up a masterclass in country storytelling on stage.” –Forbes

“With a dynamic stage show that emphasizes groove and movement as much as it does powerhouse singing, Wilson is prepped to remind everyone why she’s a superstar in the making.” –Rolling Stone

FEMALE

Kelsea Ballerini is making “the best music of her career.” – Music Row

“I’m always looking for authenticity, and I’m really inspired by clever songwriting – songwriting that is not only thought-provoking and meaningful, but most of all original. Kelsea writes with all those qualities. She isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and really brave with her songwriting.” –Shania Twain, Time 100 Next “One of Nashville’s finest.” –Vulture

Miranda Lambert is “the best ambassador country has to the world right now,” proclaims Variety, with People also celebrating her as “this era’s finest female torchbearer of traditional country.” As a decorated songwriter, passionate animal advocate, powerful businesswoman, Las Vegas headliner and New York Times best-selling author, she continues to expand the tent of the genre, earning Stereogum’s praise as “the single greatest country star to come along this century.” –Essential Broadcast Media

“By bucking norms, Ashley McBryde became one of country’s most respected, and unlikeliest, stars,” proclaims Los Angeles Times, as NPR calls her “one of contemporary country’s most sumptuously natural singers.” Hits says she “blends Mary Chapin Carpenter’s looking into the human condition with Loretta Lynn’s how-the-lower-half-lives candor,” while The New York Times dubs her “country’s most down-toearth songwriter” who is “principally interested in peeling back the layers and speaking the truth,” praises Variety.

CARLY PEARCE

“Born to wear a country crown.” –Music Row “Climbed to her place among today’s celebrated three-chord truth-tellers.” –Tennessean “Pearce is a comfortable entertainer who has found her voice.” –Taste Of Country

Reigning CMA Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year winner Lainey Wilson is taking the music industry by storm. Earning four No. 1 songs in under two years and releasing her critically acclaimed and best-selling album Bell Bottom Country, which Wilson co-wrote. It has amassed more than 658 million streams to date. This project is “cementing her status as the genre’s next superstar (Rolling Stone).”

–BBR

MALE

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.”

–USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.”

–The Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

“This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

“Nashville’s New Roll Model” –Billboard

“For everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen.” –Variety

2023 Billboard Country Power Players issue cover star Jelly Roll’s Whitsitt Chapel is the largest countrydebut album in Billboard Consumption chart history. The three-time CMT Awards winner has sold out Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, earned two No. 1s at Country radio, launched his Backroad Baptism Tour and released an all-access documentary, Jelly Roll: Save Me (Hulu). –Stoney Creek

CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson has established a following of loyal fans who have sold out concerts coast-to-coast, seen him honored with an armful of awards and accolades, and watched his numerous national TV performances. To date, Cody has 17 career RIAA certifications, a Pandora Billionaire Award and nearly five billion global streams. He will release a new album, Leather, Nov. 3.

–Warner Music Nashville

“To say Chris Stapleton is one of country music’s best singers is to sell him short. He’s one of the world’s finest singers of any genre, period.” –Associated Press

“Stapleton never lets audiences forget just why he’s one of the best vocalists in the business.”

– American Songwriter

“Undoubtedly one of the best in Nashville.” –Uproxx

“Chris Stapleton’s roar isn’t designed to scare you off. It’s regal; an announcement of an alpha figure asserting his primacy.” –New York Times

With more than 24.5 billion career streams, Wallen was named “one of the biggest stars in pop, period” by the New York Times. Recent hit “Last Night” became the fastest charting No. 1 since 2015 and the longest running No. 1 solo song in Billboard Hot 100 history with 16 weeks, while One Thing At A Time claimed 15 non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200. –Big Loud

GROUP

“They continue to put forth the authentic artistry they have promised their listeners since 2008.”

“Lustrous harmonies are still part-and-parcel of their long-formulaic sound” –Variety

--“Little Big Town uses harmonizing and honesty to get themselves through the high times and the low moments.” –Entertainment Weekly

“Little Big Town are beacons of hope.” –American Songwriter

“Little Big Town continues to be brave enough to make their lyrics matter.” –Tennessean

“Little Big Town’s mesmerizing harmonies soar.” –Billboard

“The band’s ability to conjure everything from The Eagles and Jimmy Buffett to George Strait to pretty much any artist who has worn a suit designed by Nudie Cohn and Manuel Cuevas while walking down Music Row is impressive.” –Tennessean

“Midland keeps their decade-blending, neo-traditional country sound right in the pocket.” –Billboard

“The Grammy-nominated trio took the kaleidoscope of feelings that were running haphazardly through their creative souls, and they turned it into some of their best music yet … music that the legends of old would be proud of.” –People

“The cosmic trio captured the hearts of a breadth of music fans, selling out shows and dominating the road.” –American Songwriter

OLD DOMINION

Nine No. 1 hits, 4.5 billion on-demand streams, eight multi-platinum or platinum hits. –Sony Nashville “As their career continues, they seem to only get better and better.” –Forbes “Old Dominion’s built one of the strongest fan bases and touring businesses in modern country.” –Pollstar

The GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum Zac Brown Band continues their From The Fire Tour this fall, which has been hailed by critics across the country, including Boston.com, as “A marker of his success ... it remains clear that Zac Brown’s appeal is broad and welcoming. Venturing further than most country artists of his caliber, Brown shamelessly traverses any boundary of genre or expectation. What results is a diverse crowd that truly reflects the power of inclusive music.” –Warner Music Nashville

DUO

BROTHERS OSBORNE

“With TJ’s intoxicating baritone and John’s guitar fireworks, Brothers Osborne has become one of Nashville’s most beloved duos.” –Garden & Gun

“One of the key qualities that has driven Brothers Osborne to success is their ability to write songs that are as clever and unapologetically real as they are.” –American Songwriter

Three-time Grammy-winning duo Dan + Shay continue to etch a permanent mark on country music – and beyond – with their highly anticipated, fifth studio album, Bigger Houses. –Warner Music Nashivlle “Dan + Shay are back and better than ever.” –People

“Dan + Shay reclaim their country-pop crown on their fifth album, Bigger Houses.” –Nashville Lifestyles

The two-time CMA Awards Duo of the Year have amassed more than 11 billion streams globally and 49 total RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications in the U.S. alone. –WMN

“Symbiotic harmonies and endlessly catchy melodies.” –American Songwriter “They stand alone when it comes to current female duos. No other has come close to their success.”

–Houston Chronicle

“Powerhouse country duo” –Today

THE WAR AND TREATY

“Have made waves with their style and spirit, almost as if their sound was a synthesis of the complex melting pot of American culture itself.” –American Songwriter

“Known for having some of the most powerful voices in country music.” –CMT

“The War And Treaty sing to heal everyone in their audiences.” –NPR

“Voices that will stop you in your tracks.” –Garden & Gun

SINGLE

Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times

“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.”

USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.” –The Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone “This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

“HEART LIKE A TRUCK,” LAINEY WILSON

Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce

“When Wilson followed up her mainstream debut single with the even stronger ‘Heart Like a Truck,’ it became clear that she was here to stay.” –Rolling Stone

“Wilson’s voice has the kind of warm, weathered tone that makes a listener believe she’s lived every verse she sings – and in the song’s climax, she belts out the word ‘heart’ with abandon, showcasing an instrument as powerful as it is intimate. This is an absolute star in the making.” –Billboard

“NEED A FAVOR,” JELLY ROLL

Producer: Austin Nivarel; Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun No. 1 at Country and Rock radio; eight-time People’s Choice Country Award nominee, including The Song of 2023. –Stoney Creek

“One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars” –New York Times

Ranked one of the “20 Best Country Songs of 2023.” –Rolling Stone

“Jelly Roll’s ‘NAF’ Is Sixth Straight Multi-Week Country Airplay No. 1: Radio Is Reflecting Demand.” –Billboard

“Jelly Roll Back Atop Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart With ‘NAF.’”–Billboard

“NEXT THING YOU KNOW,” JORDAN DAVIS

Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley

“It’s not just the lyrics to Jordan Davis’ ‘Next Thing You Know’ … it’s the way he summarizes life, love, family. [Listeners] can be excused for feeling a bit breathless by the time he finishes what [we predict as the] 2023 CMA Song of the Year.” –Taste of Country

“His measured strategy for country music stardom is working.” –Tennessean

“Jordan Davis Is A Must Listen” –MusicRow

“Jordan Davis’ new song ‘Next Thing You Know’ will knock the wind out of you” –Taste of Country

“WAIT IN THE TRUCK,” HARDY f/LAINEY WILSON

Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, and Derek Wells; Mix Engineer: Joey Moi

RIAA Platinum-certified No.1 Single; over 363M global on-demand streams. –Big Loud

“A masterpiece collaboration from two of country music’s most exciting rising stars, and a worthy addition to country music’s canon of murder ballads.” –Billboard

“A harrowing tale of domestic violence and vigilante justice.” –Rolling Stone

“Vivid storylines and honest lyrics … memorable vocals and ear-grabbing production.”

American Songwriter

“FAST CAR,” LUKE COMBS

ALBUM

ASHLEY MCBRYDE PRESENTS: LINDEVILLE, ASHLEY MCBRYDE

Producers: John Osborne, John Peets; Mix Engineers: Gena Johnson, John Osborne

“A glorious detour into downhome character studies,” celebrates NPR, “led by one of Nashville’s brightest innovators.” The New York Times praises, “It’s a fluorescent carnival … that proves McBryde can be a skilled curator, as well as a performer,” while Esquire calls it “country music’s most ambitious and oddball album in recent memory.” Variety asserts, “The very existence of an album like Lindeville is enough to restore your faith in Nashville, however far afield it might have wandered.” –Warner Music Nashville

BELL BOTTOM COUNTRY, LAINEY WILSON

Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce

The title refers to her open-armed, down-home style – “country with a flare,” (Rolling Stone) and is “one of the more irresistible collections to come out of the [Country] genre in some time” (Variety). With more than 658 million streams, rising to No. 9 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart and No. 1 on iTunes charts, the record has become the proverbial soundtrack to Wilson’s meteoric rise as an artist, entertainer and actress. –BBR

GETTIN’ OLD, LUKE COMBS

Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineers: Michael H. Brauer, Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times “One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.”

–The Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone “This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

ONE THING AT A TIME, MORGAN WALLEN

Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery; Mix Engineers: Josh Ditty, Joey Moi, Eivind Nordland

Hailed a “hit-stuffed streaming blockbuster” by the New York Times, and named among the best albums in 2023 (so far) by the Tennessean and Billboard, One Thing At A Time claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart for 12 consecutive weeks – the most at the top for a Country album in more than 30 years. It remains in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 alongside the recordshattering Dangerous: The Double Album. –Big Loud

ROLLING UP THE WELCOME MAT, KELSEA BALLERINI

Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Mix Engineers: Dan Grech-Marguerat, Alysa Vanderheym

“Strikingly candid.” –The New York Times

“Moving and intimate.” –Rolling Stone

“Unvarnished vulnerability and cathartic songs.” –Billboard

“A brutal, beautiful telling.” –American Songwriter “Cuttingly honest.” –Taste of Country

SONG

“FAST CAR,” SONGWRITER: TRACY CHAPMAN

“The most promising and influential new country star of the last five years.” –New York Times “One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today

“A superstar who is shaping the future of the genre while also serving as one of its fiercest defenders.”

The Washington Post

“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone

“This is Combs’ time, and he’s seizing the moment.” –Billboard

“HEART LIKE A TRUCK,” SONGWRITERS: TRANNIE ANDERSON, DALLAS WILSON, AND LAINEY WILSON

As Wilson’s third No. 1 song, “Heart Like A Truck” is rooted in honesty and self-awareness. The ballad has captivated audiences across the globe, showcasing “all the bruises and scars Wilson said she had endured trying to make it in Nashville” (American Songwriter). Each lyric intertwines with the next allowing listeners to turn their fears into triumphs and finding freedom within strengths. –BBR

“NEXT THING YOU KNOW,” SONGWRITERS: JORDAN DAVIS, GREYLAN JAMES, CHASE MCGILL, AND JOSH OSBORNE

“It’s not just the lyrics to Jordan Davis’ ‘Next Thing You Know’ … it’s the way he summarizes life, love, family. [Listeners] can be excused for feeling a bit breathless by the time he finishes what [we predict as the] 2023 CMA Song of the Year.” –Taste of Country

“His measured strategy for country music stardom is working.” –Tennessean

“Jordan Davis Is A Must Listen” –MusicRow

“Jordan Davis’ new song ‘Next Thing You Know’ will knock the wind out of you” –Taste of Country

“TENNESSEE ORANGE,” SONGWRITERS: DAVID FANNING, PAUL JENKINS, MEGAN MORONEY, AND BEN WILLIAMS

Hit No. 1 on Country Radio.

“The Best Songs of 2023 So Far” –Rolling Stone

“The 40 Best Songs of 2023 So Far” –Los Angeles Times

“Moroney’s writing is as razor-sharp as it is self-aware.” –Hits

“Aa sweet, swooning rumination on the allegiances that love can make us defy.” –Rolling Stone

“WAIT IN THE TRUCK,” SONGWRITERS: RENEE BLAIR, MICHAEL HARDY, HUNTER PHELPS, AND JORDAN SCHMIDT

Named one of the best songs of 2022 all-genre by Los Angeles Times, Billboard, American Songwriter, and more.

“It’s been a while since country music had a murder ballad break through the way Hardy’s ‘Wait in the Truck’ featuring Lainey Wilson has.” –American Songwriter

“The matter-of-fact song … is lighting up country music, with CMA Song of the Year whispers already emerging.” –Billboard

“The kind of Song of the Year that throws a knife through a life-defining moment.” –Hits

EVENT

“SAVE ME,” JELLY ROLL WITH LAINEY WILSON

Producers: Zach Crowell and David Ray Stevens

“It’s going to be difficult to find a vocal performance as honest as Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson’s throughout ‘Save Me,’” –Taste of Country

“The gospel-tinged collab made the most of each artist’s sturdy vocals and engaging stage presence.” –Billboard

“SHE HAD ME AT HEADS CAROLINA (REMIX),” COLE SWINDELL & JO DEE MESSINA

Producer: Zach Crowell

The Washington Post called it “One of the biggest hits of the year.” Swindell says, “It’s crazy what a song can do. I’ve known that, but I never thought one after 10 years could take me to a completely different level. I’m so grateful to Jo Dee and respect her so much. We wouldn’t have the song without her or the writers. It’s an honor to be nominated alongside her for a CMA Award.”

“THANK GOD,” KANE BROWN WITH KATELYN BROWN

Producer: Dann Huff

No. 1 single on the Country Airplay Chart.

“Notably, the Browns mark the second married couple to go hand-in-hand to the top of Country Airplay with a duet (after Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in 1997)” –Billboard “Touching duet” –The Hollywood Reporter

“‘Thank God’ is the kind of song that will bring new fans to the genre – something Brown has shown he’s capable of in the past.” –Taste Of Country

“WAIT IN THE TRUCK,” HARDY FEATURING LAINEY WILSON

Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, and Derek Wells

The 2023 ACM Music Event of the Year.

“It casts an important light on a harsh reality and something that often quietly affects so many.”

American Songwriter

“A force in the bigger and more lucrative world of country.” –The New Yorker “Highlights how two artists who readily discuss being steeped in the genre’s traditions have successfully mirrored the genre’s classic tropes in the modern era.” –The Tennessean “Hardy isn’t afraid to find the gray within difficult topics.” –Time

“WE DON’T FIGHT ANYMORE,” CARLY PEARCE f/CHRIS STAPLETON

Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Carly Pearce

“Masterful.” –Rolling Stone

“A musical match made in heaven.” –Circle All Access

“Two of Kentucky’s finest.” –Whiskey Riff

“The pair’s vocals effortlessly soar together.” –Holler

VIDEO

“LIGHT ON IN THE KITCHEN,” ASHLEY MCBRYDE; Director: Reid Long

The Variety-dubbed “striking” video was shot in a single take as McBryde “showcases her storytelling soul,” observes American Songwriter. Featuring a cameo from McBryde’s own mother, the video contextualizes the song that’s “centered around a simple conceit of offering a safe place where hard-won wisdom is abundant” (Rolling Stone). Captured in black and white, it’s the cinematic expression of “the warmest hug in modern country music,” celebrates Holler. –Warner Music Nashville

“MEMORY LANE,” OLD DOMINION; Directors: Mason Allen, Nicki Fletcher

YouTube views at 2.7 million.

“One of the more successful acts to emerge from Nashville in the past decade.” –Spin “Old Dominion clearly knows the songwriting recipe for success.” –Billboard

“NEED A FAVOR,” JELLY ROLL; Director: Patrick Tohill

“For everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen.” –Variety “With a string of accolades and an extremely dedicated following, Jelly Roll has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.” –American Songwriter

Eight-time People’s Choice Country Award nominee, including “NAF” for The Music Video of 2023. –Stoney Creek

“NEXT THING YOU KNOW,” JORDAN DAVIS

Director: Running Bear

“It’s not just the lyrics to Jordan Davis’ ‘Next Thing You Know’ … it’s the way he summarizes life, love, family. [Listeners] can be excused for feeling a bit breathless by the time he finishes what [we predict as the] 2023 CMA Song of the Year.” –Taste of Country

“His measured strategy for country music stardom is working.” –Tennessean

“Jordan Davis Is A Must Listen” –MusicRow

“Jordan Davis’ new song ‘Next Thing You Know’ will knock the wind out of you” –Taste of Country

“WAIT IN THE TRUCK,” HARDY f/LAINEY WILSON

Director: Justin Clough

More than 64 million views on YouTube alone. Winner of both the 2023 ACM Visual Media of the Year award and the 2023 CMT Collaborative Video of the Year award. One of the only country music videos to ever screen at the Tribeca Film Festival in its 22-year history. –Big Loud

NEW ARTIST

“Zach Bryan lands his first No.1 album on the Billboard 200 chart … the largest week for any rock album in four years. It’s also the first rock effort to hit No. 1 in more than a year … the album boasts the biggest streaming week ever for a rock album.” – Billboard “The whole album is a reason to believe.” –Variety

“Bryan’s transformation from a cult favorite to a bona fide superstar has been incredible and inspiring to witness.” –GQ

“Country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist.” –The New Yorker “Nashville’s New Roll Model” –Billboard

Topping Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart for a record-breaking 28 straight weeks, Whitsitt Chapel is the largest country-debut album in Billboard Consumption chart history. The three-time CMT Awards winner and five-time CMA Awards nominee has sold out Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, earned two No. 1s at Country radio, launched his Backroad Baptism Tour and released an all-access documentary, Jelly Roll: Save Me (Hulu). –Stoney Creek

“The Conroe, Texas native knows well that the process of building something sturdy and sustainable takes time, patience and tenacity.” –Billboard

“One of the hardest working artists on the circuit.” –American Songwriter

“He leans into his strengths as an artist instead of worrying about the tempting, trendy components that have never had a home in his songs.” –CMT

“Building his way towards iconic Texas country legacies” –Tennessean “Dialed in on the sound that differentiates him from the rest.” –MusicRow

“Six Breakout Music Artists of the Year So Far.” –American Songwriter “Not since Taylor Swift has a young woman told the truth so cleverly and completely.” –Hits “Georgia native Megan Moroney’s voice possesses an earthy rasp that grounds her vulnerable songwriting in a sense of hard-earned reality – it’s part of the reason why she’s become one of country music’s breakout stars of this year.” –Billboard “We’re in the presence of a major, major new talent.” –MusicRow

2023 ACM New Female Artist of the Year winner; hit single “Everything She Ain’t” RIAAcertified platinum. –Big Loud

“Whitters has proven herself a stellar songwriter and artist in equal measure.” –Billboard “Hailey Whitters’ blood, sweat, and tears have paid off – she has more than earned this moment.” –American Songwriter

“As both a writer and singer, Whitters has rapidly proven to be one of the most interesting voices in country music.” –NPR

“One of the most appealing country singers and songwriters working today.” –The New Yorker 2023 ACM New Female Artist of the Year winner; hit single “Everything She Ain’t” RIAA-certified platinum. –Big Loud