Country star Lainey Wilson is returning to host the CMA Awards for a third consecutive year, taking the stage for the 60th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 18, 2026. The ceremony will take place live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available on Disney+ and next-day viewing on Hulu.

The announcement was made Sept. 5 during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast from Louisiana State University, Wilson’s home state. The reveal coincided with the sports program’s 500th road show. Wilson is a 12-time CMA Award winner and will be hosting the ceremony for the third year in a row. She previously shared hosting duties with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning in 2024 before becoming the show’s solo host in 2025.

Her return also makes Wilson the first woman to solo-host the CMA Awards twice. The 2026 ceremony will mark six decades of the CMA Awards, which were first held in 1967 and have become one of country music’s longest-running annual awards broadcasts.

The nominees for the 60th Annual CMA Awards are scheduled to be announced Thursday, Sept. 10, on Good Morning America, followed by a livestream through the CMA’s official YouTube channel. Tickets for the ceremony are scheduled to go on sale Friday, Sept. 18.

The 2026 hosting announcement comes as Wilson continues her music career alongside her television role. Her recent releases include the live album Live From Stagecoach, the Peace, Love, and Cowboys (Holiday Edition) EP and the deluxe edition of her 2024 album Whirlwind. Her recent music also includes “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” featuring John Mayer.

The 60th Annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with Wilson serving as host for the third consecutive ceremony and second consecutive year as solo host.