Overview
- The Country Music Association and ABC announced Thursday that the initial performer list includes Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore.
- Ella Langley leads the 2026 nominations with nine nods, including Entertainer, Album and Female Vocalist of the Year, after winning three CMAs last year.
- Miranda Lambert earned seven nominations this year and now holds a record 70 career CMA nominations, the most for any female artist.
- Lainey Wilson will host the show for a third straight year, which will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 18 on ABC and Disney+ with next-day streaming on Hulu.
- The broadcast will feature a Dolly Parton tribute and Tim McGraw’s first CMA performance since 2017 following his Country Music Hall of Fame induction, and organizers say more performers and presenters will be revealed in the weeks before the ceremony.