Country Stars Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert Set to Rock CMA Awards

ABC and the Country Music Association have announced the first round of performers for the 60th annual CMA Awards.

The ceremony airs live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

The show will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on Disney+, with on-demand availability the next day on Hulu.

Ella Langley leads this year's nominations with nine, tying the record for most nominations by a female artist in a single year.

Her 2025 single "Choosin Texas" is nominated for three CMA awards, including song of the year.

That single spent 23 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking a record previously held by Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You."

Miranda Lambert co-wrote and produced Langley's hit single.

Lambert earned seven nominations this year, including producer of the year for her work on Langley's 2025 album, "Dandelion."

Both women are confirmed as performers for the Nov. 18 show.

They join a lineup that includes Cody Johnson, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore.

Lainey Wilson will host for the third consecutive year.

Wilson is a twelve-time CMA Awards winner.

"I couldn't be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary," Wilson said in a Thursday press release.

"I've had so much fun hosting the last two years, and this one's going to be extra special."

The 2026 show marks the 60th anniversary of the CMA Awards.

The ceremony began in 1967 and stands as network television's longest-running annual music awards show.

This year's event will include a special tribute to Dolly Parton.

Parton died in August at the age of 80 after what her family described as a "brief battle with cancer."

The country legend was known as the queen of country music and had a career spanning more than six decades.

Another highlight is the confirmed attendance of Taylor Swift.

Swift announced her plans to attend via her Instagram page after receiving a nomination for Single of the Year for "I Knew It, I Knew You," featured in "Toy Story 5."

The CMA Awards have long been a platform for cross-generational moments in country music.

Langley's nine nominations tie a record that underscores the strength of her breakout year.

Her dominance across multiple categories reflects both critical and commercial success.

Lambert's seven nominations, including the producer category, highlight her role as both artist and mentor to the next wave of country talent.

The producer of the year category recognizes achievement behind the boards, not just on stage.

Lambert's work on "Dandelion" helped shape an album that has defined much of the conversation around country music in 2026.

The full list of announced performers includes eight acts confirmed for the Nov. 18 broadcast.

Cody Johnson brings a traditional country sound that has earned him a loyal fan base and multiple awards.

Tim McGraw is a veteran performer with decades of hits and a history of memorable CMA stage moments.

Kacey Musgraves, a five-time nominee this year, brings a distinctive blend of country and pop influences.

The Red Clay Strays represent the growing roots-rock and Americana influence on mainstream country.

Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore round out the first round of announced performers, representing newer voices in the genre.

More performers are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the ceremony.

The CMA Awards began in 1967 as a way to honor achievement in country music.

It remains the longest-running annual music awards show on network television.

Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville has hosted the event for many years.

The venue seats approximately 20,000 people and is considered the home of the CMA Awards.

Red carpet coverage will begin before the main broadcast.

FOX 17 News has confirmed it will provide live coverage from the red carpet.

Tickets for the event are typically distributed through the Country Music Association and its partners.

The broadcast on ABC reaches millions of viewers across the United States.

The Disney+ simulcast and next-day Hulu availability reflect the industry's shift toward streaming.

This year's ceremony carries particular weight because of the 60th anniversary milestone.

Wilson's return as host for a third year signals stability and continuity for the production.

Her enthusiasm for the role was evident in her public statement.

Langley's record-tying nomination haul places her in rare company among female artists.

The previous record was set by a single artist whose name has not been specified in available materials.

The achievement underscores a historic year for Langley, who emerged as a dominant force in country music.

Her single "Choosin Texas" became a cultural phenomenon, spending nearly half a year at number one.