Slow turnover among CMA Awards nominees has suddenly turned into a waterfall. The list of 2016 nominees includes first-timers, but excludes several long-timers. Maren Morris has seven nods approaching the show, while Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean have zero. One of the biggest hits of the year was shut out, while an unreleased album track earned a nod in the Vocal Event category.

Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood's "The Fighter" doesn't make this list of surprises and snubs (it's a great song, after all), but Underwood does solo. The 2016 CMA Awards present a first for the superstar, but it's lining up to be another big night for country newbies.

Chris Stapleton is still a newcomer, but he joins a distinguished group of singers in the Entertainer of the Year category. Aldean was shut out of this category, despite winning the same award at the ACMs in April. Perhaps more than any previous year, the nominations are a reflection of voters looking to make a statement. It's time for change — quick change. Out with the old and familiar (Aldean, Shelton, Miranda Lambert) and in with fresh new styles and perspectives (Morris, Stapleton, Joey + Rory?).

Read through our list of 2016 CMA surprises and snubs and then check out the full list of nominations below. The 2016 CMA Awards will air live on ABC on Nov. 2 at 8PM ET.

The CMAs Have a Surprising History!

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