Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson kick off CMA Awards lineup

The Country Music Association has announced the first round of performers for the 60th annual CMA Awards.

Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley top the initial lineup.

The awards take place in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 18 inside Bridgestone Arena from 8-11 p.m.

A special tribute is planned for Dolly Parton.

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

The full list of announced performers includes Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore.

Lainey Wilson will host for the third year in a row.

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.

Ella Langley leads the field this year with nine nominations, making her the top contender.

Her nine nominations tie 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.

The single surpassed 23 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

That broke a record previously held by Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You.

Miranda Lambert stands out with seven nods.

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

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