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Lainey Wilson Returns as Host of 2026 CMA Awards
Confirmed
In Short: Lainey Wilson will return to host the 60th Annual CMA Awards for a third year, marking her second consecutive solo hosting stint.
Lainey Wilson expressed her excitement about hosting the 60th Annual CMA Awards for a third time, stating, 'I couldn't be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary.
Wilson will once again take the helm of the country music awards show, which will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 15th, marking her second consecutive year as the sole host after co-hosting with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning in 2024.
Wilson's hosting career with the CMA Awards has been particularly successful, as she won Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year in 2025, bringing her total CMA Awards to 12.
I've had so much fun hosting the last two years, and this one's going to be extra special,' Wilson said, reflecting on her growth and the honor of hosting the prestigious event.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Before taking on her first solo hosting duties at the 2025 CMA Awards, Wilson turned to Reba McEntire, who has hosted the ceremony five times, for advice.
- Wilson also spoke about what the solo hosting opportunity meant to her at the time.
- Not only is @laineywilson today's guest picker, but she's also going to be hosting the CMAs for the THIRD time 👏 @ABCNetwork | @CountryMusic pic.twitter.com/H4fmCNdhjR The CMA Awards said in a press release that this year’s show will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Country Music’s Biggest Night; the show will presumably feature a tribute to Dolly Parton, who served as the first-ever female solo host of the CMA Awards back in 1988.
- Wilson will lead the star-studded evening as the CMA Awards celebrate 60 years of shining a spotlight on the industry’s most outstanding talent and unforgettable moments.