The 2026 CMA Awards are shaping up to be a major night for country music this year, with the Country Music Association revealing its first group of performers for the milestone 60th annual ceremony.
The newly announced lineup includes Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore. Organizers have also confirmed a special tribute to Dolly Parton as part of this year’s celebration.
The 2026 CMA Awards will take place Wednesday, November 18, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The live broadcast is scheduled to air from 8 to 11 p.m.
Lainey Wilson is returning as host for the third consecutive year, continuing her run as one of the ceremony’s familiar faces.
This year’s nominations also feature several major contenders. Ella Langley leads the field with nine nominations, making her the artist to watch heading into the ceremony. Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, while Kacey Musgraves and Ben West each earned five.
Another notable name expected at this year’s show is Taylor Swift. The singer confirmed on Instagram that she will attend after receiving a Single of the Year nomination for “I Knew It, I Knew You,” featured in Toy Story 5.
First established in 1967, the CMA Awards have become one of country music’s biggest annual events. The ceremony is also recognized as network television’s longest-running annual music awards show.
With a mix of established country stars, rising performers and a tribute to Dolly Parton, 2026 CMA Awards are set to celebrate the genre’s past and present in Nashville.
