Lainey Wilson Tapped to Host Prestigious 2026 CMA Awards

Lainey Wilson is set to make history as the first woman to solo-host the CMA Awards twice, having previously taken on the role last year. This follows her co-hosting duties in 2024 alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. Before Wilson, Dolly Parton was the first woman to solo-host the prestigious event in 1988, with Reba McEntire following suit in 1991.

The 60th annual CMA Awards are scheduled to broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 18, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. Viewers can tune in on ABC and Disney+, with the show available for streaming the next day on Hulu. Wilson expressed her excitement in a statement, saying, “I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary. 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!”

The announcement of Wilson’s return as host was made live on ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday, September 5. This timing coincided with the show’s 500th broadcast on the road, originating from Louisiana State University in Wilson’s home state, adding a personal touch to the news.

Among all hosts in the history of the CMA Awards, Vince Gill holds the record for solo-hosting the most times with 10 appearances. He is followed by Johnny Cash with four, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Kenny Rogers with three each, and Lainey Wilson, with two appearances including the upcoming show. Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Luke Bryan have each solo-hosted once.

At 34 years old, Wilson has achieved remarkable success in her career, accumulating 12 CMA Awards in just three years. This places her second among all female artists on the CMA leaderboard, trailing only Miranda Lambert, who holds 14 CMA Awards.

Details regarding the 60th annual CMA Awards nominees are eagerly awaited and will be revealed on Thursday, September 10. The announcement will first be made on ABC’s Good Morning America, followed by a livestream on CMA’s official YouTube channel. Billboard will also cover the news. Tickets for the historic 60th annual CMA Awards will go on sale Friday, September 18, and can be purchased at CMAworld.com/tickets.

CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the votes of over 7,000 professional members of the Country Music Association. The 60th annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association, with Robert Deaton serving as executive producer, Alan Carter as director, and Jon Macks as head writer.

Previous milestone CMA Awards broadcasts have seen notable hosts and venues:

• 10th annual, 1976: Johnny Cash and Roy Clark hosted at the Grand Ole Opry House.
• 20th annual, 1986: Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson hosted at the Grand Ole Opry House.
• 30th annual, 1996: Vince Gill hosted at the Grand Ole Opry House.
• 40th annual, 2006: Brooks & Dunn hosted at the Gaylord Entertainment Center (now Bridgestone Arena).
• 50th annual, 2015: Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood hosted at Bridgestone Arena.