Lainey Wilson Says It'll Be 'Extra Special' To Host The 60th CMA Awards
By Kelly Fisher
September 8, 2026
Lainey Wilson said it’ll be “extra special” when she returns to host the Country Music Association’s CMA Awards for her third consecutive year.
The Whirlwind hitmaker, 34, confirmed that she’s returning to host the CMAs during ESPN’s “College Game Day” over the weekend. Wilson performed on the 500th “College Game Day” show in her home state of Louisiana, noted a press release issued Saturday (September 5). The Country Music Association stated that this year’s milestone 60th CMA Awards will “celebrate 60 years of shining a spotlight on the industry's most outstanding talent and unforgettable moments.”
“I couldn't be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary,” Wilson said in a statement. “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!”
Wilson made her hosting debut at the CMA Awards in 2024, alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. She returned to host the show solo in 2025. This year marks Wilson's second consecutive time solo hosting the CMAs
CMA Award nominees will be revealed on Thursday (September 10). Additional information — including performers, presenters and more — has not been announced as of publication time on Tuesday (September 8). The Country Music Association’s press release notes that more than 7,000 professional voting members, spanning sectors of the country music industry, determine nominees and winners on country music’s biggest night.
The 60th CMA Awards will air on Wednesday, November 18 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+, and the following day on Hulu.
Wilson is also part of the star-studded, genre-spanning lineup of the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival presented by Capital One, along with BTS, Benson Boone, Cardi B, Goo Goo Dolls, Kenny Chesney, Major Lazer, Muse, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, Zara Larsson, and more. Ryan Seacrest will host the two-night event when it returns on September 18 and September 19 to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Fans can tune in to the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival as the event will be broadcast live each night via iHeartMedia radio stations throughout the country across more than 150 markets. Disney + and Hulu will be the Official Streaming Destination of the festival, with performances livestreamed each night exclusively to all Disney + and Hulu subscribers.