Cash earned an Album of the Year nomination for her release The River and the Thread, and Song of the Year nomination for "A Feather's Not a Bird." Ellis was honored for his album The Lights From The Chemical Plant and song "Only Lies," while Isbell earned nominations for his album Southeastern and his song "Cover Me Up."

Rodney Crowell rounds out the Artist of the Year nominees, while Sarah Jarosz is the fourth Album of the Year nominee, for her release Build Me Up From Bones.