The 2020 CMA Awards nominees were just announced, and while there are plenty of artists whose nominations we are applauding (including having both Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert nominated for Entertainer of the Year), there are also several that should have been nominated, but for some reason, were not. See the list of surprising snubs below.

1. Luke Bryan

This marks the second consecutive year that Luke Bryan wasn’t nominated for a CMA Award, and we are scratching our heads at this one. With a string of No. 1 hits, including “Knockin’ Boots” and “What She Wants Tonight,” and a successful Sunset Repeat Tour last year, not to mention a constant online presence, even amid a global pandemic, his omission is shocking.

2. Jason Aldean

Much like with Luke, Jason Aldean had every reason to expect he would receive at least one CMA Award nomination. His successful 9 album came out late last year, which included the rowdy “We Back.” He spent most of last year on his sold-out headlining Ride All Night Tour, and would have been out on the road this year. He deserved to hear his name included in the list of nominees.

3. Kelsea Ballerini

No one was probably more stunned than Kelsea Ballerini to not hear her name in the list of nominees. Her breathtakingly beautiful album, Kelsea, came out earlier this year, and she headlined her own Miss Me More Tour. But the perpetually driven singer says the lack of industry recognition will likely morph into something even more positive for her.

“last time this happened, I wrote homecoming queen the next day about the feeling. something beautiful will undoubtedly come from the current disappointment,” she tweeted. “nonetheless, congratulations to my friends & peers that got nominations. proud to be a part of the country family, always.”

last time this happened, I wrote homecoming queen the next day about the feeling. something beautiful will undoubtedly come from the current disappointment. nonetheless, congratulations to my friends & peers that got nominations. proud to be a part of the country family, always.

— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) September 1, 2020

4. Kenny Chesney

No one works harder than Kenny Chesney in country music, so his lack of nominations feels like a slap in the face to his work ethic. Kenny spent time on his Songs for the Saints Tour, and he also released his Here and Now album, which included “Tip of My Tongue” and the title track. He continuously engages with his No Shoes Nation fan club, and should have been recognized for his efforts.

5. Dustin Lynch

We are finally starting to accept that, no matter what Dustin Lynch does, for whatever reason, he will never be recognized by either the Country Music Association or the Academy of Country Music, and it makes zero sense. Dustin has never, ever been nominated for an award by the CMA or the ACM, in spite of having a sequence of successes in country music. Within the voting period for CMA Awards, the Tennessee native released his autobiographical Tullahoma album, had a platinum-selling single with “Ridin’ Roads,” and spent plenty of time in front of his fans. We’re sorry, Dustin. It isn’t fair.

6. Justin Moore

Justin Moore could have, and should have, been nominated in a few categories. His Late Nights and Longnecks album included the powerful song, “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” as well as “Why We Drink,” both No. 1 singles. He also embarked on his Late Nights and Longnecks Tour with Tracy Lawrence earlier this year, and had a series of successful shows before COVID-19 forced them off the road.

7. Kane Brown

Kane Brown has also never been nominated for a CMA Award, which seems to be a glaring absence, especially now. He didn’t have an album come out during the voting period, but he did have several hit singles, including “Homesick” and “Cool Again.” He also sold out Staples Center in Los Angeles, and had the chance to at least start his global Worldwide Beautiful Tour before he had to come off the road.