Kane Brown didn't earn a single CMA Awards nomination in 2018, and it's hard to explain why. He deserved it! Here are five reasons we feel the "What Ifs" singer was country music's most snubbed artist this year.

Reasons No. 1 and No. 2? "What Ifs" and "Heaven." Two chart-toppers put him in rare company in country music. "What Ifs" is worth of some sort of special consideration for Song, Single or Vocal Event of the Year. Heck, his ACM Awards performance on its own is worth a nomination!  Platinum singles and a rabid, organically grown fanbase are two more reasons Brown deserved some love from Country Music Association voters ahead of November's ceremony.

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If Brown is feeling bitter, he's justified. While a relative newcomer, he's had massive success in a short time and has never been nominated for a CMA Award, despite being popular within the industry and the general public. He has earned three ACM nominations, including two in 2018. Plus, remember that ACM Awards performance with Lauren Alaina?

Brown's fans aren't the only fans upset their favorite artist is missing from the CMA Awards nominees list — Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Tim McGraw also got shut out. Conversely, Luke Combs earned a surprise nomination in the Male Vocalist of the Year category (a full look at Taste of Country's Snubs and Surprises is below).

Remember: The best way to watch the 2018 CMAs is on TV, with ToC on your phone!

9 Snubs, Non-Snubs and Surprises Among CMA Awards Nominations:

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