2021 Country Now Awards: Complete List of Nominees

Country Now is celebrating the devoted artists that have made an influential impact on Music City and throughout the genre…

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Tiffany Goldstein

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November 15, 2021

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Country Now is celebrating the devoted artists that have made an influential impact on Music City and throughout the genre in 2021. For the first time – Country Now is recognizing signed and independent musicians that have scored high placement on the charts, released smash hits, held epic performances, and even the country newcomers who have placed their name on the map. 

Music fans will have the opportunity to participate in The 2021 Country Now Awards, as they will have the chance to scroll through all 14 categories and hand-pick each finalist. Fans can start voicing their opinion daily on Monday, November 15 at 9 AM CT. The polls will close on Tuesday, November 30 at precisely 11:45 PM CT – to support your favorite artist, head to countrynow.com/vote

For more information, visit CountryNow.com, follow @countrynow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Use hashtag #CountryNowAwards and ‘like’ Country Now on Facebook.

Country Now Awards 2021

Favorite Party Song  

This award goes to an artist whose song was released or reached peak chart position in 2021. 

“Bar Friends” – Restless Road

Written by: Jordan Schmidt, Kyle Clark, Tyler Filmore and Geoff Warburton

“Beer With My Friends” Shy Carter, Cole Swindell, David Lee Murphy

Written by: Shy Carter, Bryan Simpson and David Lee Murphy

“Beers And Sunshine” – Darius Rucker

Written by: Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, J.T. Harding and Josh Osborne

“Cold Beer Calling My Name” Jameson Rodgers, Luke Combs

Written by: Jameson Rodgers, Alysa Vanderheym, Brett Tyler and Hunter Phelps

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” Elle King, Miranda Lambert

Written by: Elle King and Martin Johnson

“Good Time” Niko Moon

Written by: Niko Moon, Anna Moon, Jordan Minton, Joshua Murty and Mark Trussell

“Hole in the Bottle” – Kelsea Ballerini

Written by: Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley and Steph Jones

“I Was On A Boat That Day” Old Dominion

Written by: Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally, Geoff Sprung, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen and Whit Sellers

“Tequila On A Boat” – Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane

Written by: Hillary Lindsey, Justin Ebach and Matt Alderman

“Throw It Back” BRELAND, Keith Urban

Written by: BRELAND and Keith Urban

Favorite Female Empowerment Anthem 

This award goes to an artist whose song was released or reached peak chart position in 2021.

“Footprints On The Moon” Gabby Barrett

Written by: Gabby Barrett, Zachary Kale and Jon Nite

“Girl Who Didn’t Care” Tenille Townes

Written by: Tenille Townes, David Pramik and Steph Jones

“It’s ‘Cause I Am” Callista Clark

Written by: Callista Clark, Cameron Jaymes and Laura Veltz

“Lady Like” Ingrid Andress

Written by: Ingrid Andress, Derrick Southerland and Sam Ellis

“Like A Lady” Lady A

Written by: Hillary Scott, Dave Barnes, Michelle Buzz, Martin Johnson and Brandon Paddock

“Raised Right” Reyna Roberts

Written by: Reyna Roberts, Danny Myrick and Kylie Sackley

“Remember Her Name” Mickey Guyton

Written by: Mickey Guyton, Blake Hubbard, Jarrod Ingram and Parker Welling

“Somebody Does” Tigirlily

Written by: Kendra Slaubaugh, Krista Slaubaugh and Zarni Devette

“Things A Man Oughta Know”  Lainey Wilson

Written by: Lainey Wilson, Jason Nix and Jonathan Singleton

“Woman You Got” Maddie & Tae

Written by: Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Laura Veltz and Mark Holman

Favorite Breakup Song 

This award goes to an artist whose song was released or reached peak chart position in 2021.

“ABBY” – Travis Denning

Written by: Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins and Chase McGill

“Breakups” – Seaforth

Written by: Liz Rose, Cameron Bedell, Tom Jordan and Mitch Thompson

“Just About Over You” – Priscilla Block

Written by: Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones and Emily Kroll

“Memory I Don’t Mess With” Lee Brice 

Written by: Lee Brice, Billy Montana and Brian Davis

“New Truck” – Dylan Scott

Written by: Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps and Ben Johnson

“Should Have Known Better” – Jessie James Decker 

Written by: Tom Barnes, Peter Kelleher, Ben Kohn and Madi Yanofsky

“That Ain’t Me No More” – Matt Stell

Written by: Hunter Phelps, Jake Mitchell, Hardy, Nick Donley and Smith Ahnquist

“Truth About You” Mitchell Tenpenny

Written by: Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Alderman and Thomas Archer

“Villain” – Lily Rose 

Written by: Lily Rose, Kyle Clark and Mackenzie Carpenter

“What He Didn’t Do” – Carly Pearce
Written by: Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton and Ashley Gorley

Favorite Sentimental Song

This award goes to an artist whose song was released or reached peak chart position in 2021.

“Ain’t Even Met You Yet” – Chris Lane

Written by: Chris Lane, Michael Lotten and Jordan Walker.

“Bye Mom” – Chris Janson

Written by: Chris Janson and Brandon Kinney

“Forever After All” – Luke Combs 

Written by: Luke Combs, Drew Parker and Rob Williford 

“Gone But Not Forgotten” – Brantley Gilbert 

Written by: Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Jason Blaine and Jay Brunswick

“Knowing You” – Kenny Chesney 

Written by: Adam James, Brett James and Kat Higgins

“Made For Me To Love” – RaeLynn 

Written by: RaeLynn, Drew Kennedy and Ben Stennis

“Made For You” – Jake Owen 

Written by: Joey Hyde, Neil Medley and Benjy Davis

“My Boy” – Elvie Shane

Written by: Elvie Shane, Lee Starr, Nick Columbia and Russell Sutton

“Songs You Never Heard” – Luke Bryan

Written by: Luke Bryan, Luke Laird and Josh Osborne

“The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett 

Written by: Gabby Barrett, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick and Zachary Kale

“We Didn’t Have Much” – Justin Moore 

Written by: Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover and Paul DiGiovanni

Favorite Viral Song

This award goes to an artist whose song gained notoriety through a viral trend or sound in 2021.

“Beer Beer, Truck Truck” George Birge 

Written by: George Birge and Erynn Chambers

“Fancy Like” Walker Hayes

Written by: Walker Hayes, Cameron Bartolini, Josh Jenkins and Shane Stevens

“I’m A Survivor” Reba

Written by: Shelby Kennedy and Philip White

“Just The Way” Parmalee, Blanco Brown

Written by: Matt Thomas, Kevin Bard and Nolan Sipe

“Neon Moon” Brooks & Dunn

Written by: Ronnie Dunn

“Payin’ For It” Levi Hummon feat. Walker Hayes

Written by: Levi Hummon, Walker Hayes and Eric Arjes

“Redneck Be Like” Thomas Rhett

Written by: Thomas Rhett, Parker Welling, Jordan Reynolds, Josh Miller and Rhett Akins

“Stop Draggin’ Your Boots” Danielle Bradbery

Written by: Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson

Favorite Collaboration 

This award goes to the artists whose collaboration was released or reached peak chart position in 2021.

“Beers On Me” Dierks Bentley, BRELAND, HARDY

Written by: Ashley Gorley, Luke Dick, Ross Copperman, Breland, Hardy and Bentley

“Buy Dirt” Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan

Written by: Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Matt Jenkins and Josh Jenkins

“Drinkin’ Beer, Talkin’ God. Amen.” Chase Rice & Florida Georgia Line

Written by: Chase Rice, Hunter Phelps, Cale Dodds and Corey Crowder

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” Elle King & Miranda Lambert

Written by: Elle King and Martin Johnson

“Famous Friends” Chris Young and Kane Brown

Written by: Chris Young, Corey Crowder and Cary Barlowe

“Freedom Was A Highway” Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley 

Written by: Jimmie Allen, Ash Bowers and Matt Rogers

“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde

Written by: Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce

“Chasing After You” Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris

Written by: Brinley Addington and Jerry Flowers

“Getting Over Him” Lauren Alaina, Jon Pardi

Written by: Lauren Alaina with Emily Weisband and Paul DiGiovanni

“Half Of My Hometown” Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney

Written by: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally and Jimmy Robbins

“If I Didn’t Love You” Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood

Written by: Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Kurt Allison and Lydia Vaughan

“Thinking ‘Bout You” Dustin Lynch & MacKenzie Porter

Written by: Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps and Will Weatherly

Favorite Debut Album 

This award goes to an artist whose debut album was released between Jan.1 and Nov. 1, 2021.

“Backslider” – Elvie Shane 

Produced by: Oscar Charles

“Bet You’re From a Small Town” – Jameson Rodgers

Produced by: Chris Farren and Jake Mitchell

“Gold Chain Cowboy” Parker McCollum

Produced by: Jon Randall

“Here’s To Anyone” Laine Hardy

Produced by: Michael Knox

“Pelago” Ryan Hurd

Produced by: Ryan Hurd and Aaron Eshuis

“Remember Her Name” Mickey Guyton

Produced by: Nathan Chapman, David Kalmusky, Karen Kosowski, Jimmy Robbins, Johnny Simmen, Andy Skib, Gavin Slate and Forest Whitehead

“Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’” Lainey Wilson

Produced by: Jay Joyce

“Stack of Records” – Larry Fleet 

Produced by: Joey Moi

“Stronger Than I Am” Lily Rose

Produced by: Joey Moi, Matthew Morrisey and Julian Bunetta

“Travelin’ Kind” – Ashland Craft 

Produced by: Jonathan Singleton

Favorite Album

This award goes to an artist whose album was released between Jan.1 and Nov. 1, 2021.

29: Written In Stone – Carly Pearce

Produced by: Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne 

Body Language – Blake Shelton

Produced by: Scott Hendricks 

Country Again: Side A – Thomas Rhett 

Produced by: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure and Matt Dragstrem

Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen 

Produced by: Joey Moi, Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Matt Dragstrem and Dave Cohen

Famous Friends – Chris Young

Produced by: Chris Young, Corey Crowder, Mark Holman and Chris DeStefano

Good Things – Dan + Shay

Produced by: Dan Smyers, Jason Evigan, Jordan Reynolds and Scott Hendricks

Heart- Eric Church

Produced by: Jay Joyce

Human (The Double Album) – Cody Johnson

Produced by: Trent Willmon

Same Truck – Scotty McCreery

Produced by: Frank Rogers, Aaron Eshuis and Derek Wells

Star-Crossed – Kacey Musgraves

Produced by: Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian and Kacey Musgraves

Straight Outta The Country – Justin Moore

Produced by: Jeremy Stover

Weekends Look A Little Different These Days – Brett Young 

Produced by: Dann Huff

What a Song Can Do – Lady A

Produced by: Dann Huff, Martin Johnson and Brandon Paddock

Where Have You Gone – Alan Jackson

Produced by: Keith Stegall

Favorite TikTok Artist

This award goes to an artist who gained notoriety through a viral video(s) or sound on TikTok in 2021. 

Alexandra Kay

Ashley Cooke

Bear Bailey

Brandon Davis 

Cooper Alan 

Josh Woods

Kaleb Austin

Noah Schnacky

Ryan Griffin

Spencer Crandall
Thomas Mac 

Favorite Singing Competition Contestant 

This award goes to an artist who gained notoriety by performing on a competition show in 2021.

Alex Miller (American Idol – Season 19) 

Carson Peters (The Voice – Season 21)

Chayce Beckham (American Idol – Season 19) 

Hunter Metts (American Idol – Season 19)

Kenzie Wheeler (The Voice – Season 20) 

Kinsey Rose (The Voice – Season 21)
Lana Scott (The Voice – Season 21) 

Rachel Mac (The Voice – Season 20)

Favorite Breakthrough Artist 

This award goes to an artist who enjoyed breakthrough success in 2021. 

Callista Clark
Drew Parker 

Elvie Shane

HARDY

Jameson Rodgers

Lainey Wilson

Matt Stell

Mickey Guyton

Parker McCollum

Priscilla Block
Restless Road

Tenille Arts

Travis Denning

Walker Hayes

Favorite Duo or Group 

This award goes to the duo or group. 

Brooks & Dunn

Brothers Osborne

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line 

Lady A 

Little Big Town 

LOCASH 

Maddie & Tae 

Old Dominion

Parmalee

Pistol Annies

Runaway June

Zac Brown Band 

The Cadillac Three

Favorite Male Artist

This award goes to the artist. 

Blake Shelton

Chris Stapleton

Chris Young

Dustin Lynch

Eric Church

Jason Aldean

Kane Brown 

Lee Brice

Luke Bryan

Luke Combs

Morgan Wallen

Dierks Bentley

Scotty McCreery

Thomas Rhett

Favorite Female Artist

This award goes to the artist. 

Ashley McBryde

Carly Pearce

Carrie Underwood

Gabby Barrett

Kacey Musgraves

Kelsea Ballerini

Lauren Alaina

Lindsay Ell

Maren Morris

Miranda Lambert

RaeLynn

CLICK HERE TO VOTE. 

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Tiffany Goldstein

Written by

Tiffany Goldstein