Lainey Wilson is returning as host of the CMA Awards! The 34-year-old country superstar and 12-time CMA Award winner will host the 2026 CMA Awards, marking her third consecutive year in the role.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary,” Wilson shared in a press release. “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 news was announced during Wilson’s appearance as the guest picker on ESPN’s College GameDay, which celebrated its historic 500th episode on the road at Louisiana State University in Wilson’s home state.
“This is my third time hosting the CMA Awards and I don’t know if I feel like a pro just yet. I don’t know if you can ever really fully become a pro at this. You got to be able to like roll with the punches and go with the moments, but that’s one of the things I love about hosting the CMAs. You really never know what’s gonna happen and it keeps me on my toes and I like living on my toes,” Wilson continued.
Lainey Wilson will once again lead “Country Music’s Biggest Night” as the CMA Awards celebrate their 60th anniversary.
“To be asked back to host the 60th Annual CMA Awards is crazy. I feel like they trust me and I take a lot of pride in that. I take a lot of pride in being the one that they called. I mean, this is the biggest night of Country music and has been for 60 years now. So, to be apart of that history is pretty sweet,” Wilson stated.
Wilson first hosted in 2024 alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning before taking on the ceremony solo in 2025. Over the years, she has learned how to be at the helm of the show and focus on being present in the moment rather than worrying about what’s next.
“I feel like last year I learned how important it was to be exactly where my feet are. Meaning, just not looking ahead. You know, we were nominated for things too… It was one of those things for me where I was like, okay, whatever I am doing in that moment, whatever I am talking about… I need to be so present in that moment and speak to these people on the other side of the TV screen,” Wilson added. “Speak to these people out in the audience and my Country music peers. And I feel like because of that, and because I was so intentional with that, it was the most fun CMA Awards that I had ever gotten to be a part of because there was so much to do. I was just like running around like a crazy person with 16 different outfit changes or whatever it was, but to be able to be present for that was really cool. I mean, these moments don’t just happen, so I’m so grateful for them.”
The landmark ceremony will honor some of country music’s most outstanding talent while looking back on decades of unforgettable performances, moments and memories that have helped shape the genre.
The 60th annual celebration promises a star-studded evening as Nashville takes center stage for one of country music’s biggest nights of the year.
At this time no other performers or presenters have been announced. However, the nominees for the 2026 CMA Awards will be unveiled on September 10. The nominations will first be announced on ABC’s Good Morning America, followed by a livestream on the CMA’s official YouTube channel beginning at 8 AM CST.
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will take place live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 8/7c. The ceremony will air live on ABC and Disney+ and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu. Tickets to attend the 60th Annual CMA Awards are on sale now at CMAworld.com/tickets.
