Ella Langley is the name on everyone's lips as the nominations for the 60th Annual CMA Awards are out, and the singer-songwriter leads the field with nine nominations heading into country music's biggest night. The nominations were revealed on Thursday 10 September 2026, and Langley heads a strong list of contenders for the ceremony in Nashville this November.
The Big Nomination Numbers
Langley's nine nominations include Entertainer of the Year, her first nomination in the category, along with Single of the Year and Song of the Year for both "Be Her" and "Choosin' Texas", Album of the Year for "Dandelion", Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year for "I Can't Love You Anymore", and Music Video of the Year for "Choosin' Texas". For her full story, read our Ella Langley biography. You can also read the Choosin' Texas lyrics (Ella Langley) on LatestLyrics.
Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, including Single of the Year as producer on both Langley singles, Album of the Year as producer on "Dandelion", Song of the Year for "Choosin' Texas", Female Vocalist of the Year, and Musical Event of the Year. Kacey Musgraves and producer-songwriter Ben West have five nominations each, while Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr. have four each. Read our Cody Johnson biography for more on one of the night's leading men.
Taylor Swift earns her first CMA nomination since 2022, with Single of the Year for "I Knew It, I Knew You", her song for "Toy Story 5". This year's class also includes 13 first-time CMA nominees, among them Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Muscadine Bloodline and Thelma & James.
Entertainer of the Year: The Five Nominees
The night's biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, will be contested by Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson. Langley's nomination is her first in the category, while Johnson's four nominations also include Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year for "The Fall" and Music Video of the Year for "The Fall".
First Performers Announced
The Country Music Association announced the first round of performers on Thursday 5 November 2026. Taking the stage will be Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Zach Top, The Red Clay Strays and Tucker Wetmore, along with a special tribute to Dolly Parton. Read our Tim McGraw biography ahead of his return to the CMA stage. Additional performers and presenters are to be announced in the weeks ahead.
Taylor Swift has confirmed she will attend the ceremony, her first appearance in 10 years, after earning her first CMA nomination since 2022.
When and Where to Watch
The 60th Annual CMA Awards take place on Wednesday 18 November 2026, live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+, streaming the next day on Hulu. The eligibility period for this year's awards ran from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Lainey Wilson returns to host for a third consecutive year, her second year hosting solo. Wilson, a 12-time CMA Award winner, is also nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year for "Somewhere Over Laredo". Wilson recently released new music — see Lainey Wilson releases new single 'Kinda Love It'.
Watch the Official Video
Watch the official video for "Choosin' Texas", the song that earned Langley nominations for Single of the Year, Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 CMA Awards?
The 60th Annual CMA Awards air live on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+, from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Who leads the 2026 CMA nominations?
Ella Langley leads the field with nine nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year for "Dandelion" and two nominations each in Single of the Year and Song of the Year.
Who is hosting the 60th CMA Awards?
Lainey Wilson hosts the ceremony for a third consecutive year, her second year hosting solo, and is also nominated for Entertainer of the Year.
How can I watch the CMA Awards?
Watch live on ABC and Disney+ at 8/7c on 18 November 2026, or stream the show the next day on Hulu.
0 Comments
Please don't enter any spam link in the comment box.
Emoji