Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey: Who Should Win and Who Will Win at the 2024 CMA Awards?

As country music reaches new heights of pop crossover, we predict the winners at the 58th CMA Awards, with rising stars and genre-defying collaborations leading the charge.

The 58th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, set to air on November 20, 2024, promises to be a celebration of the genre’s exciting fusion with pop, as global superstars like Post Malone, Jelly Roll, and Shaboozey compete for coveted awards. This year, country music is experiencing its biggest pop crossover moment in a generation, and the CMA stage is set to showcase some of the most boundary-pushing and genre-defying performances in its history.

The nominees this year are a mix of country stalwarts and mainstream pop artists, reflecting the rapid evolution of the genre. The 12-month CMA Award cycle from July 2023 to June 2024 has seen monumental achievements, including record-breaking stadium tours, chart-topping singles, and a new generation of country artists making waves in mainstream music.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: The Battle of Titans

Who will win: Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton, whose breakout performance with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards is still remembered as one of the most iconic moments in country music history, is a frontrunner for Entertainer of the Year. Stapleton’s journey from country underdog to mainstream superstar has been impressive. His live performances can now fill stadiums, and his collaborations with country legends like Willie Nelson and George Strait showcase his status as one of the genre’s top entertainers. With a decade of consistent success, Stapleton’s legacy is cemented, and the CMA voters will likely recognize his commanding influence.

Who should win: Jelly Roll
While Stapleton is a formidable contender, Jelly Roll has arguably had one of the most inspiring years of any nominee. From sold-out arena shows to his innovative performances, including bringing inmates on stage, Jelly Roll has demonstrated a unique ability to connect with audiences. His rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, and he’s proved that he can entertain in ways that transcend traditional country norms. Despite his own claims that he prefers more collaborative awards, Jelly Roll’s boundary-pushing performances and undeniable stage presence make him a standout for this category.

SINGLE OF THE YEAR: The Pop-Country Fusion

Who will win: “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
The collaboration between Post Malone and Morgan Wallen on “I Had Some Help” has become a moment in country music history. Post Malone’s transition into country music has been a defining moment in the genre’s evolution, blending pop sensibilities with traditional country themes. With Wallen already a massive force in country music, their joint effort on this song creates a perfect storm of commercial appeal, catchy hooks, and undeniable radio success. This track stands as a milestone for country’s mainstream crossover, making it a strong contender for Single of the Year.

As we look ahead to the CMA Awards, one thing is certain: country music is evolving faster than ever before, and artists are no longer confined to the boundaries of their genre. The inclusion of pop crossover artists like Post Malone, the rise of genre-blending performances from artists like Jelly Roll, and the continued success of country’s traditional stars like Chris Stapleton all point to a bright future for the genre.

Who will take home the trophies? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the CMA Awards are no longer just about country music; they’re about celebrating the artists who are shaping the future of the entire music industry.