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The host for the 2026 annual Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) has been revealed. Lainey Wilson will spend her third consecutive year hosting country music's biggest night, as she celebrates the show's 60th year live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, where the country star will showcase this year's most influential country acts.
On Nov. 18th, country music's biggest stars will meet in Nashville to be recognized for their achievements in the industry this year - and who better to host than the nine-time CMA award winner herself?
The famous CMA Awards bring together country stars of various walks for one night to celebrate the year's country contributions, as well as all of the artists and professionals who dedicate their time, talents, and careers to the genre.
Wilson, a CMA Award host, nominee, and winner, has made her mark on the CMA Awards in more ways than one, winning impressive awards such as Entertainer of the Year in 2023, and Female Vocalist of the Year for a straight three years (2023-25.)
Though nominees and their categories won't be announced until Sept. 10th, via ABC's Good Morning America and followed by an announcement on the CMA's official YouTube channel, Wilson leading country music's biggest stars to their rightful awards, in the most entertaining and endearing way, is a sure bet.
A natural born performer, Wilson has always been one for the camera, appearing in TV and movie streaming hits like Yellowstone and Reminders of Him. In many of her TV show performances, Wilson has played herself, or a character seemingly close to her actual persona - which make her multiple CMA Award appearances as host extremely fitting, as this is a country star, and individual, whose charismatic personality seems to captivate crowds of all kinds.
The 'Heart Like A Truck' songstress first co-hosted the show back in 2024 with country icon Luke Bryan and football legend Peyton Manning. In 2025, Wilson hosted the CMAs solo for her first time - giving country music fans, stars, songwriters, and industry professionals the show of a lifetime.
With the 2025 CMA Awards, Wilson contributed to a memorable night for all involved, as she made her hosting look anything but her first time solo. The 'Wildflowers and Wild horses' crooner herself truly celebrated the genre with an opening medley of special performance nods towards stars new and old. She then welcomed on stage some of the year's biggest acts, took home major awards, and hosted multiple artists as breakthroughs were made for soon-to-be country megastars like Ella Langley and Zach Top.
Here at Holler, we're expecting another amazing night of hosting from Wilson, honoring the achievements and commemorating the songs, albums, stars, and moments that continue to both flesh country music out to its most sacred roots, and refine it to a new age.
The CMA Awards will air live on ABC and Disney+ on Nov. 18th at 8 p.m. and will be available for streaming on Hulu the next day. Tickets for the 60th annual show go on sale Sept. 18th.
