Swift returns to the CMA Awards stage for the first time since 2013, revisiting a history that includes two Entertainer of the Year wins and some of her earliest career milestones.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: November 13, 2026
Taylor Swift is officially returning to the CMA Awards stage. The Country Music Association and ABC announced Friday, November 13, that Swift will perform at the 60th Annual CMA Awards, marking her first performance at the ceremony since 2013.
The appearance also marks a decade since Swift last attended the CMA Awards. She joins the previously announced lineup for the November 18 ceremony, hosted by Lainey Wilson at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.
Details about what Swift will perform have not yet been announced.
Taylor Swift's History at the CMA Awards
Swift's relationship with the CMA Awards dates back to 2006, when she first attended the ceremony as an emerging country artist. The following year, she received her first CMA Award, winning the Horizon Award in 2007.
In 2009, Swift became the youngest artist in CMA Awards history to win Entertainer of the Year, a record she continues to hold. She earned the honor again in 2011.
Swift's final CMA Awards performance before her upcoming return came in 2013, when she performed "Red" alongside Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and several acclaimed musicians.
That same evening, Swift received the CMA Pinnacle Award, recognizing her achievements and international impact on country music. The award was presented by Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, George Strait, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and Rascal Flatts, all artists she had previously opened for during the early years of her career.
Swift last appeared at the ceremony in 2016, when she presented Garth Brooks with Entertainer of the Year.
Every Taylor Swift CMA Awards Performance (2007–2013)
Before her return in 2026, Swift performed at seven consecutive CMA Awards ceremonies, including two performances during the 2009 broadcast.
2007 – "Our Song": Swift performed the hit from her self-titled debut album during the 41st Annual CMA Awards, the same evening she received the Horizon Award.
2008 – "Love Story": Swift returned to perform the lead single from her second studio album, Fearless, which had been released just one day before the ceremony.
2009 – "Forever & Always": Swift opened the 43rd Annual CMA Awards with an elaborate performance of the Fearless album track.
2009 – "Fifteen": Later in the same broadcast, Swift performed "Fifteen" surrounded by students from her former school, Hendersonville High School. The evening ended with her historic first Entertainer of the Year victory.
2010 – "Back to December": Swift performed the ballad from her recently released third studio album, Speak Now.
2011 – "Ours": Swift delivered an acoustic performance of "Ours," another song from Speak Now, before winning her second Entertainer of the Year award later that evening.
2012 – "Begin Again": Swift performed the country ballad from her fourth studio album, Red, which had been released in October 2012.
2013 – "Red": Swift performed a special acoustic arrangement of the album's title track alongside Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Edgar Meyer, Sam Bush, and Eric Darken. It would be her final CMA Awards performance for the next 13 years.
Complete List of Taylor Swift's CMA Awards Wins
Swift has received 12 CMA Awards and special honors throughout her career, including two Entertainer of the Year victories, recognition for her songwriting, and awards for her collaborations with other country artists.
2007 CMA Awards
Horizon Award (now New Artist of the Year)
2009 CMA Awards
Entertainer of the Year
Female Vocalist of the Year
Album of the Year – Fearless
Music Video of the Year – "Love Story"
International Artist Achievement Award
2011 CMA Awards
Entertainer of the Year
2013 CMA Awards
Musical Event of the Year – "Highway Don't Care," Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
Music Video of the Year – "Highway Don't Care," Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
Pinnacle Award
International Artist Achievement Award
2017 CMA Awards
Song of the Year – "Better Man," written by Taylor Swift and recorded by Little Big Town
Swift's 2017 Song of the Year victory recognized her work as a songwriter, even though she did not record Little Big Town's version of "Better Man."
Her 2026 nomination for Single of the Year marks another opportunity to add to her CMA Awards history.
Taylor Swift Nominated at the 2026 CMA Awards
In addition to her scheduled performance, Swift is nominated for Single of the Year with "I Knew It, I Knew You," marking her 26th career CMA nomination, according to the Country Music Association's announcement.
The nomination marks her return to the CMA Awards ballot after several years and brings her country music career back into focus during the organization's anniversary celebration.
Taylor Swift Joins the 2026 CMA Awards Performers
Swift joins an extensive performance lineup celebrating the CMA Awards' 60th anniversary.
Previously announced performers include Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Tim McGraw, Vince Gill, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and The Red Clay Strays.
The ceremony will also feature a special tribute to Dolly Parton and a celebration of Brooks & Dunn, who will receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, HARDY, Halestorm, and Marcus King are scheduled to participate in the Brooks & Dunn tribute.
For the complete list of nominees, performers, and additional announcements, visit our 2026 CMA Awards guide.
How to Watch the 2026 CMA Awards
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM ET on ABC and Disney+. The ceremony will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.
Lainey Wilson returns as host for her third consecutive year.
Fans can also watch CMA Awards Backstage Live, presented by Bath & Body Works and hosted by Lauren Alaina and Haley Baylee.
Additional information and tickets are available at CMAawards.com.