Parker McCollum Reflects On ‘Pretty Special’ CMA New Artist of the Year Nomination

Parker McCollum has earned his second consecutive nomination for CMA New Artist of the Year. Much like last year’s nod in this category, McCollum says that no matter the outcome, he is just grateful to be included among his fellow rising stars Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Zach Bryan and Hailey Whitters. 

Humbly Supports Fellow Nominees

In fact, he revealed he is especially rooting for Jelly Roll or Bryan to take home the New Artist of the Year win over himself, as a result of their massive success this year. 

“When you grow up watching the award shows and you think about being on ’em one day…luckily for me, I’ve won a couple already,” he told Country Now and other outlets in reference to his previous major award wins during a recent No.1 party. “So like last year I didn’t win either and it didn’t bother me one bit. I had already done the deal and seen the show and Lainey deserved that big time. This year is kind of the same way, Zach and Jelly Roll are really the ones who should win it. They really deserve it and had monster years.”

Last year was the first time McCollum saw his name on the CMA Awards ballot, and as he went on to explain, the honor of being nominated in any category will never be lost on him. He says, “I don’t think that will ever lighten up. I think it’ll always carry just as much weight each year and you never know when it’s the last one you’ll be nominated for, the last one you’ll get to go to. So I just try to be grateful for it.”

His recognition with the Country Music Accusation is especially sentimental seeing as how he grew up watching major award shows and dreaming of one day being among the influential country music artists that came before him. The Texas native also credited the members of his team for their unending support in helping him achieve his goals and continue paving his own path to stardom.

“I know the team I have behind me is probably the main reason why I got that nomination,” he continued. “For their sake and all their hard work, I hope it makes them feel good and feel like that they’re doing a good job ‘cause they really are. But you watch the CMA’s, I’ve watched them since I was a little bitty kid, so to get to see my face on the things, it’s pretty special.”

A Successful Year Of Touring

The 57^th Annual CMA Awards comes hot on the heels of McCollum’s busy year of touring. He recently wrapped up his run of headlining shows at various arenas and amphitheaters across the country, in addition to his time on the road in support of Morgan Wallen and Eric Church on select dates. 

McCollum took to Instagram on Monday to celebrate the end of his most recent stint of headlining shows by thanking all the fans who came out to see him sing his heart out each night. 

“The tour is over. That was the greatest year of my life yall! I am so damn grateful and so damn tired. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Time to go hunt the big deer,” he wrote in the caption. 

Burn It Down Tour 2024

The multi-Platinum selling singer/songwriter still has a few remaining shows throughout December before embarking on his 41-date U.S. Burn It Down Tour in 2024.

 “2024 is going to be the biggest and best show we have ever put together. I can’t wait for all the fans to come see what we are working up. The Burn It Down Tour is going to be absolutely epic,” McCollum shared of the upcoming trek. 

Produced by Emporium Presents, the tour will kick off on January 18 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA and continue with stops in Dayton, New Orleans, Indianapolis, and more before wrapping up in Corpus Christi, TX at American Bank Center Arena on August 31.

Special guests Corey Kent, Larry Fleet, George Birge, and Catie Offerman will join McCollum on select dates throughout the tour.

Tickets are available now and fans hoping to attend one of the upcoming shows should check local listings at EmporiumPresents.com for more information.