Lainey Wilson Returns to Host the 60th Annual CMA Awards
Lainey Wilson will return to solo-host the 60th annual CMA Awards. The broadcast will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 18, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, across ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
The hosting announcement was made live on ESPN’s College GameDay, coinciding with the program’s 500th show on the road from Louisiana State University in Wilson’s home state. Wilson expressed enthusiasm for returning to the role during a milestone year for the association.
“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!”
Broadcast Details and Nominations Timeline
The 60th annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association, with Robert Deaton as executive producer, Alan Carter as director, and Jon Macks as head writer. Nominees for the upcoming ceremony will be revealed on Thursday, September 10, first on ABC’s Good Morning America, then via livestream on CMA’s official YouTube channel. Billboard will also carry the news.
Tickets for the 60th annual CMA Awards go on sale Friday, Sept. 18 at CMAworld.com/tickets. The Country Music Association relies on more than 7,000 professional voting members to select both the nominees and winners for these honors.
Historical Hosting Records at the CMA Awards
Hosting the ceremony places Wilson among a select group of artists who have led the broadcast multiple times. Vince Gill has solo-hosted the CMA Awards the most times (10). Following him are Johnny Cash with four times, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Kenny Rogers at three times each, Wilson with two (including the upcoming broadcast), alongside Glen Campbell, Parton, McEntire, and Bryan who have each hosted once.
Parton was the first woman to solo-host the CMA Awards in 1988. Reba McEntire did the honors in 1991.
Milestone Broadcast Locations and Hosts
Here are the hosts and locations of previous milestone CMA Awards broadcasts.
- 10th annual, 1976: Johnny Cash and Roy Clark; Grand Ole Opry House
- 20th annual, 1986: Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson; Grand Ole Opry House
- 30th annual, 1996: Vince Gill; Grand Ole Opry House
- 40th annual, 2006: Brooks & Dunn; Gaylord Entertainment Center (now known as Bridgestone Arena)
- 50th annual, 2015: Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood; Bridgestone Arena
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the 60th annual CMA Awards taking place?
The 60th annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT
Where can viewers watch the CMA Awards?
The show will air on ABC and Disney+ and will be available next day on Hulu.
When will the nominees be announced?
Nominees for the 60th annual CMA Awards will be revealed on Thursday, Sept. 10, first on ABC’s Good Morning America, then via livestream on CMA’s official YouTube channel.
Who determines the CMA Award winners?
More than 7,000 professional voting members belonging to the Country Music Association are responsible for deciding the nominees and winners.