Lainey Wilson to Return as Host of 2026 CMA Awards

60th anniversary award show marks singer’s third straight year leading Country Music’s Biggest Night

Lainey Wilson will return to the role of CMA Awards host when Country Music’s Biggest Night airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 18.

This marks the third straight year that Wilson has hosted the award show — which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026 — and the second straight year she served as solo host; her first time in the role, Wilson co-hosted with Luke Bryan in 2024.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary,” Wilson, a 12-time CMA Award winner including Entertainer of the Year in 2025, said in a statement. “I’ve had so much fun hosting the last two years, and this one’s going to be extra special. Can’t wait to see y’all in November!”

Wilson announced her CMA Awards hosting return Saturday on ESPN College GameDay, which broadcast from Louisiana State University in Wilson’s home state.

The CMA Awards said in a press release that this year’s show will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Country Music’s Biggest Night; the show will presumably feature a tribute to Dolly Parton, who served as the first-ever female solo host of the CMA Awards back in 1988.

The nominees for the 60th annual CMA Awards will be announced Thursday, September 10 on Good Morning America. Disney+ and ABC will carry the award show on Wednesday, November 18.

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