Following the release of the second ballot for The 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards, which determines the ultimate nominations, our own Holly Gleason dives into the three biggest awards.

Entertainer of the Year: At the top of the heap are the obvious streaming/touring behemoths, back-to-back and reigning Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs and the ubiquitous Morgan Wallen. Kane Brown has become a musical force in mainstream country, while old guard favorite Chris Stapleton has six nominations and no win.

Female Vocalist of the Year: There were a dozen years during which this category was dominated by Carrie Underwood with five trophies and Miranda Lambert with seven, but the last four have all seen first-time winners. While getting a record up the radio chart isn’t any easier for women, the space for female vocalists making an impact feels as if it’s starting to open up—and several very singular women have walked through that door.

Male Vocalist of the Year: Six of the last eight years, Chris Stapleton has taken home this award, the two years he didn’t win Luke Combs’ affable everyman renderings brought home the prize. Morgan Wallen received his first nom in the category last year while Kane Brown hasn't, yet. Other contenders include...

The CMA Awards will air live 11/8 on ABC from Bridgestone Arena.

Pictured are last year's winners.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Lainey Wilson: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Chris Stapleton: Kevin Winter/Getty Images