Lainey Wilson to Host 2026 CMA Awards: Complete Host History

Lainey Wilson returns for her third consecutive year as CMA Awards host as the show celebrates its 60th anniversary in Nashville.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: September 5, 2026

Lainey Wilson is returning to host the CMA Awards in 2026.

The 12-time CMA Award winner will host The 60th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 18, marking her third consecutive year as a host and second consecutive year hosting the show solo.

The CMA and ABC announced the news Saturday during ESPN's “College GameDay” broadcast from Louisiana State University in Wilson's home state of Louisiana.

The 2026 CMA Awards will air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+. The show will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.

For nominations, performers, winners, voting information, and more, visit our complete 2026 CMA Awards guide.

Lainey Wilson Returns as 2026 CMA Awards Host

Wilson first joined the CMA Awards hosting lineup in 2024 alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. She returned as the show's solo host in 2025 and will take the stage alone again for the 60th anniversary celebration in 2026. CMA confirmed Wilson as the solo host of the 2025 ceremony.

“I couldn't be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary,” Wilson said. “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 2026 CMA Awards nominees will be revealed Thursday, September 10, beginning on ABC's “Good Morning America,” followed by a livestream on the CMA's official YouTube channel.

Tickets for The 60th Annual CMA Awards are scheduled to go on sale Friday, September 18.

CMA Awards Hosts Through the Years

Over the past six decades, the CMA Awards have been hosted by some of the biggest names in country music. Long-running hosts have included Vince Gill, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, while other years have featured one-time hosts and special combinations of artists.

Here is the complete list of CMA Awards hosts from 1967 through 2026:

• 2026 — Lainey Wilson

• 2025 — Lainey Wilson

• 2024 — Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning, and Lainey Wilson

• 2022-2023 — Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning

• 2021 — Luke Bryan

• 2020 — Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker

• 2019 — Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Dolly Parton

• 2008-2018 — Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood

• 2007 — No host; various presenters

• 2004-2006 — Brooks & Dunn

• 1994-2003 — Vince Gill

• 1993 — Clint Black and Vince Gill

• 1992 — Vince Gill and Reba McEntire

• 1991 — Reba McEntire

• 1990 — Reba McEntire and Randy Travis

• 1989 — Anne Murray and Kenny Rogers

• 1988 — Dolly Parton

• 1987 — Kenny Rogers

• 1986 — Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson

• 1985 — Kris Kristofferson and Anne Murray

• 1984 — Kenny Rogers

• 1983 — Willie Nelson and Anne Murray

• 1980-1982 — Mac Davis and Barbara Mandrell

• 1979 — Kenny Rogers

• 1977-1978 — Johnny Cash

• 1976 — Roy Clark and Johnny Cash

• 1975 — Glen Campbell and Charley Pride

• 1973-1974 — Johnny Cash

• 1972 — Glen Campbell

• 1970-1971 — Tennessee Ernie Ford

• 1968-1969 — Dale Evans and Roy Rogers

• 1967 — Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry

Who Has Hosted the CMA Awards the Most?

Several country stars have become closely associated with hosting the CMA Awards.

Vince Gill hosted or co-hosted the show for 12 consecutive years from 1992 through 2003, including 10 years as the sole host from 1994 through 2003.

Carrie Underwood also hosted for 12 consecutive years, beginning alongside Brad Paisley in 2008. Paisley and Underwood co-hosted together for 11 years through 2018 before Underwood returned in 2019 with Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton.

Lainey Wilson joined the CMA Awards hosting lineup for the first time in 2024. Her return in 2026 marks her third consecutive year hosting and her second year as the show's solo host.

When Are the 2026 CMA Awards?

The 60th Annual CMA Awards will take place Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The show begins at 8/7c and will air live on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

The CMA Awards were first held in 1967, making the 2026 ceremony the show's 60th annual celebration.

This page will be updated as future CMA Awards hosts are announced.

Sources: Country Music Association'

Photo Credit: Disney/Robby Klein