How the 2022 CMA New Artist of the Year Nominees Stack Up

The 56th annual CMA Awards are this week, so it only feels right to look at this year's nominees. Winning New Artist of the Year is a coveted honor. Past recipients include Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, and Carrie Underwood. We've rounded up this year's nominees to see how they compare, and who has the best shot at winning.

Lainey Wilson

Being the only nominee in this category also up for Album of the Year, many think Wilson will have fairly good odds at winning this award. She is the reigning New Female Artist of the year from the ACM Awards and is set to tour with Luke Combs in 2023. Wilson rose to the top of the charts with "Things A Man Oughtta Know," and for her collaboration with Cole Swindell "Never Say Never." Wilson has quickly become a beloved ambassador of country music, so she will be one to look out for.

HARDY

HARDY has been a breakout success over the past couple of years, and for good reason. He toured alongside Wallen on The Dangerous Tour which proved to be one of the top-grossing tours of the year. His song "Give Heaven Some Hell" earned radio love, and his newly released song "wait in the truck" is becoming a favorite as well. HARDY is the reigning ACM Songwriter of the Year and has been nominated for CMA's in the past for hit songs he has written. A dynamic singer and performer, fans will certainly be rooting for HARDY.

Parker McCollum

McCollum won the 2022 ACM award for New Male Artist of the Year, and rightfully so. He has earned two No. 1 hits with "Pretty Heart" and "To Be Loved By You." His new release "Handle On You" was met with fan and critic adoration. McCollum also spent the better part of 2022 on tour with Thomas Rhett. Known for bringing back the old-school country style, he has paved his own way in a genre full of stars. This Texas native has a high shot at snagging this award from his fellow nominees.

Cody Johnson

Johnson's nomination in this category may come as a shock to his most loyal fans. He has been releasing music for several years and has done quite well. 2022 however was undoubtedly the year more people noticed Johnson and his unmistakeable talent. "Til You Can't" become a smashing success with its heartfelt message about soaking up every moment one can. He headlined festivals and won big at the 2022 CMT Music Awards. Johnson is certainly on track to becoming a superstar.

Walker Hayes

For the last year or two, it seemed impossible not to hear a Hayes song when turning on the radio. "Fancy Like" turned out to be a cross-over phenomenon even earning a Grammy nomination. "AA" followed up as another success for Hayes. Every release seems to become a viral moment and take country music to places not thought possible.

Do you like going to concerts? You can get $20 OFF your first order at SeatGeek! Use promo code: THENASHNEWS at checkout.

To hear more of country music’s best new releases, head to our Playlists Page and follow The Nash New Releases playlist on Spotify. For the latest in country music news follow The Nash News on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, and don’t miss our brand new newsletter!

Please note that this article may have affiliate links or The Nash News may receive compensation. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.