The Country Music Association and ABC revealed the first performers for the 60th CMA Awards on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw and Cody Johnson lead an eight-act first round, with a special tribute to Dolly Parton also planned. Lainey Wilson returns as host for the ceremony on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, in Nashville.
Image: BrDen via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0 — Ella Langley in concert, 2025
First Round Of Performers
The first round brings together eight acts for the milestone 60th edition of the awards.
- Ella Langley — the nominations leader, with nine nominations.
- Miranda Lambert — seven nominations this year, taking her career total to 70, the most CMA nominations by a female artist in history.
- Tim McGraw — performing in the year of his 40th career CMA nomination, weeks after his October 2026 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Cody Johnson — four nominations this year.
- Kacey Musgraves — five nominations this year.
- Zach Top — two nominations this year.
- Tucker Wetmore — part of the first round of performers announced for the show.
- The Red Clay Strays — part of the first round of performers announced for the show.
The show will also include a special tribute to Dolly Parton. More performers and presenters are to be announced in the weeks ahead, according to the CMA.
For background on the headliners, read our Ella Langley biography, Cody Johnson biography and Tim McGraw biography.
When And Where To Watch
The 60th Annual CMA Awards take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The show runs from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET, live on ABC and Disney+, and will be available the next day on Hulu. Lainey Wilson hosts for a third consecutive year.
Taylor Swift has confirmed she will attend the ceremony, according to reports in the Tennessean on November 5, 2026, after earning her first CMA nomination since 2022.
The performers announcement follows the nominations reveal. See our 60th CMA Awards nominations coverage for the full list of nominees.
Watch The Official Video
Watch Ella Langley in the official video for "Choosin' Texas" above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing at the 2026 CMA Awards?
Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore make up the first round of performers, with a special tribute to Dolly Parton also planned.
When and where are the 2026 CMA Awards?
The show takes place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET, live on ABC and Disney+, and streaming the next day on Hulu.
Who is hosting the 60th CMA Awards?
Lainey Wilson, who returns as host for a third consecutive year.
Who leads the 2026 CMA nominations?
Ella Langley leads the nominations with nine, followed by Miranda Lambert with seven and Kacey Musgraves with five.
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