NEW YORK (AP) — Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and budding newcomer Maren Morris are the leaders at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards.
The three performers received five nominations each Wednesday. The awards show, in its 50th year, will air live Nov. 2 on ABC in Nashville, Tennessee at the Bridgestone Arena.
Stapleton is nominated for entertainer of the year along with Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan and Keith Urban. Stapleton’s nominations also include single, male vocalist, music video and musical event of the year, which he shares with wife Morgane for their performance of “You Are My Sunshine.”
Morris had a breakout year, getting nominations for female vocalist, new artist and album of the year for “Hero.” Her hit, “My Church,” is up for single and song of the year.
Church’s nominations include album, male vocalist, music video, single and song of the year.
The duo Joey + Rory earned a nomination for vocal duo of the year. Joey Feek, who formed the group with her husband Rory, died earlier this year at age 40.
Underwood and Brad Paisley will host the 2016 CMA Awards.
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