Zach Bryan Scores 5 AMA Nominations While Zach Top Gets Snubbed

With the American Music Awards just around the corner, this year’s list of nominees has sparked plenty of debate—especially within the country music community.

One major point of contention is the inclusion of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter in the country music category. While the album touches on country themes, many fans argue it leans too heavily into pop to be considered a true country release.

Meanwhile, Zach Bryan’s presence among the nominees marks a significant shift. This year, he’s landed five nominations—not just in the country categories, but in major all-genre ones as well. That’s a stark contrast from his past treatment by industry gatekeepers.

This year, the Academy of Country Music Awards failed to recognize him at all, drawing backlash from fans and critics alike. Now, it seems the industry is trying to make up for lost time.

Bryan is nominated for:

• Artist of the Year, competing against heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Morgan Wallen.

• New Artist of the Year, highlighting his breakout status

• Favorite Country Male Artist, facing off against Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs

• Favorite Country Album for The Great American Bar Scene

• Favorite Country Song for Pink Skies from the same album.

His growing recognition feels well-earned. Bryan has continued to build momentum and solidify his place in country music. One of his biggest moments this year was his headline set at the Stagecoach Festival, which fans have already dubbed one of the most unforgettable performances of 2025.

But the controversy doesn’t stop there. Many fans are voicing frustration over the absence of Zach Top, whose debut album Cold Beer & Country Music has been praised for its commitment to traditional country sounds. For some, his exclusion only adds to the ongoing debate about how mainstream institutions are defining “country music” in 2025.