Maren Morris Feels Validated by Her Three CMA Awards Nominations

Maren Morris' success story is inspiring. In 2015, she was seated at a bar across the street from where the CMA Awards were being held in Nashville. One year later, she was crowned New Artist of the Year at the 2016 awards show.

It was a breakthrough, and she continues to climb.

Morris has been nominated for three 2017 CMA Awards: Female Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year for "Craving You" with Thomas Rhett and Musical Event of the Year for Rhett's "Craving You." The singer shared her appreciation with fans on Instagram on Monday (Sept. 4) following the announcement of the nominees.

"Some years you're in a bar across the street watching, hoping 'someday,' and some years you feel like you finally solidified your place. Thank you, @CMA," Morris writes on Instagram.

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Morris is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year alongside fellow recent-comer Kelsea Ballerini, as well as genre leaders like Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood.

It's an impressive standing for the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year, an award she took home in 2016. Minutes after performing her career-making debut single, "My Church," Morris took the podium to address the crowd.

“Y’all … I can’t win this award right after performing. I’m gonna fall apart,” Morris said in 2016. “This is so crazy. So, last year I sat across the street at a bar and watched this show. I never thought as a songwriter I’d be standing here today. Thank you so much for voting for me.”

Remember: The best way to watch the CMAs is on TV, with ToC on your phone!

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