Newcomer Maren Morris scores 5 CMA nominations
Stapleton, Church also nominated 5 times; the late Joey Feek
Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and budding newcomer Maren Morris are the leaders at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards.
The three performers received five nominations each Wednesday. The CMAs will air live in the U.S. on Nov. 2 on ABC in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Stapleton is nominated for entertainer of the year along with Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan and Keith Urban. Stapleton's nominations also include musical event of the year, which he shares with wife Morgane for You Are My Sunshine.
Morris had a breakout year, getting nominations for female vocalist, new artist and album of the year for Hero. Her hit, My Church, is up for single and song of the year.
Church's nominations include album, male vocalist, music video, single and song of the year.
Church's nominations include album, male vocalist, music video, single and song of the year.
The duo Joey + Rory earned a nomination for vocal duo of the year. Joey Feek, who formed the group with her husband Rory, died earlier this year at age 40.
Underwood and Brad Paisley will host the awards ceremony.