First CMA Awards performers announced include Tim McGraw and Kacey Musgraves

Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves and more are set to perform at the 2026 CMA Awards.

The Country Music Association announced the first round of performers on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The 60th annual ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

It will air live from 8:00-11:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.

The show will be available for on-demand streaming the next day on Hulu.

Lainey Wilson will return as host for the third consecutive year.

“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 September.

“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 first batch of performers includes Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley and Tim McGraw.

Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore will also take the stage.

There will be a special tribute performance honoring the late Dolly Parton.

Several of the announced performers are among this year’s nominees.

Ella Langley leads all nominees with nine nominations.

She is up for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.

Miranda Lambert has seven nominations.

That brings her career total to a record 70 nominations for a female artist.

Kacey Musgraves has earned five nominations.

Cody Johnson is up for four awards.

Zach Top has two nominations, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.

The Red Clay Strays are nominated for Vocal Group of the Year, an award they currently hold.

Tucker Wetmore is nominated for New Artist of the Year.

Tim McGraw, who recently joined the Country Music Hall of Fame, is nominated for Musical Event of the Year.

He has 40 career nominations for the CMA Awards.

Other top nominees include Ben West, Langley’s co-producer, with five nominations.

Chris Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr. each have four nominations.

Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs and Dave Clauss, Langley’s mix engineer, each have three nominations.

On the same day nominations were unveiled, Taylor Swift announced she would attend the awards show.

Swift was nominated for Single of the Year for her hit “I Knew It, I Knew You.”