The spotlight will once again shine on three promising young acts from Alabama during the upcoming Academy of Country Music CMA Awards, airing Wednesday evening. Notable nominees Riley Green, Ella Langley, and the Red Clay Strays have been announced as performers, showcasing their talent alongside their nominations.
This year’s event mirrors last year’s ceremony, where Green and Langley captivated audiences with their popular duet “You Look Like You Love Me,” which won the Musical Event of the Year award. In a show of continued success, this hit is nominated again for Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Additionally, Langley is recognized as a nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year—a notable accolade for her rising career.
Furthermore, Green and Langley are nominated for Musical Event of the Year once more, this time for their collaboration on Green’s “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Anticipation runs high among fans who expect this performance to highlight their latest work while building on the success of their past duet.
Meanwhile, the Red Clay Strays maintain their nomination for Vocal Group of the Year, competing against prominent acts like Little Big Town, which also has Alabama connections, as well as Lady A and Old Dominion. The group, known for blending roots-rock with country influences, continues to carve out their unique niche in the industry. Frontman Brandon Wilson emphasizes their identity: “We are country people and we’re from the South. We do not play country music, we play more rock and roll than anything else.”
Excitingly, the band recently announced upcoming headlining shows at Madison Square Garden and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in 2026, marking a significant milestone in their career.
The CMA Awards will take place on November 19th at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, with the event broadcast live on ABC starting at 7 p.m. Central. For those who miss the live performance, it will be available for streaming on Hulu starting the following day. This event highlights the continuing rise of Alabama’s music talent and their contributions to the country genre.