NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music is preparing for a milestone celebration as the 60th Annual CMA Awards return to Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. With Lainey Wilson returning to host, a newly announced performer lineup, and a special tribute to Dolly Parton, this year's ceremony promises a look at both the music's history and the artists shaping its future.
For fans planning to watch from home, Country Road Entertainment has rounded up what has been officially announced so far, including the broadcast options, performers and leading nominees.
Lainey Wilson Returns as Host
Lainey Wilson will lead the CMA Awards for the third consecutive year and serve as solo host for the second year in a row. The 12-time CMA Award winner takes the stage for a particularly significant edition of the ceremony, marking six decades of the industry's annual honors.
The CMA Awards began in 1967 and have become a fixture of country music television. The 60th ceremony is an opportunity to recognize established stars while introducing newer performers to a national audience.
Who Is Performing at the 2026 CMA Awards?
The Country Music Association announced its first round of performers on November 5. The confirmed lineup so far includes:
- Cody Johnson
- Miranda Lambert
- Ella Langley
- Tim McGraw
- Kacey Musgraves
- The Red Clay Strays
- Zach Top
- Tucker Wetmore
The telecast will also feature a special tribute to Dolly Parton. This is the initial announced lineup, not necessarily the final list; additional appearances and presenters may be revealed before the show.
Ella Langley Leads the Nominations
One of the biggest stories heading into the ceremony is the strength of this year's nominees. Ella Langley leads with nine nominations, including recognition in major categories such as Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, extending her remarkable history with the awards. Kacey Musgraves and songwriter Ben West have five nominations apiece, while Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr. are among the artists with four.
These nominations set up a compelling contest between established country favorites and a new generation of performers. For fans who follow rising artists, the inclusion of Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore and Ella Langley in the performer lineup makes this year's show especially interesting.
A Celebration of Country Music History
The 60th anniversary offers more than an evening of trophies. The ceremony will bring together artists from different eras and sounds, reflecting the breadth of today's country music landscape.
Brooks & Dunn are also set to receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their enduring contributions to the genre. Alongside the announced tribute to Dolly Parton, those moments are likely to be among the evening's most closely watched segments.
When and Where to Watch
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
National live start: 8 p.m. Eastern / 7 p.m. Central
Television: ABC
Streaming: Disney+ live; Hulu the following day
Arizona viewers: The national live start corresponds to 6 p.m. Arizona time. However, the CMA's official local broadcast guide lists the Mountain-time ABC television airing at 7 p.m. Check your local station's schedule and streaming availability before tuning in.
Who Will Have the Biggest Night?
Will Ella Langley's nine nominations translate into major wins? Can Miranda Lambert add to her award-winning legacy? And which announced performance will become the moment fans are still talking about the next morning?
Country Road Entertainment will be following the announcements and performances as the milestone ceremony approaches. Tell us which artist you're rooting for and which performance you're most excited to see.
Information current as of November 10, 2026. Sources: CMA performer announcement, official nominations, and official viewing guide.
