CMA Awards Nominations 2021: Chris Stapleton, Eric Church share top spots

Chris Stapleton has nominations in male vocalist, an album of the year, single and song of the year, and could take home additional trophies as a producer both on his album and single. Eric Church, who put out a three-part album in April collectively called “Heart & Soul,” also earned five nominations.

Country stars Chris Stapleton and Eric Church will go toe-to-toe with each other at this year’s Country Music Association Awards, with both vying in the same five categories, including entertainer of the year. In nominations announced on Thursday, Stapleton has nominations in male vocalist, album of the year, single and song of the year, and could take home additional trophies as producer both on his album and single. Church, who put out a three-part album in April collectively called “Heart & Soul,” also earned five nominations.