Country music is preparing for one of its biggest celebrations of the year, and the first wave of performers for the 60th Annual CMA Awards has officially been announced.
Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Tim McGraw, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore are among the artists confirmed to perform during the November 18 ceremony at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The anniversary celebration will bring together some of the genre’s most recognizable names alongside a new generation of country performers.
Langley heads into the ceremony with considerable momentum, leading all nominees with nine nominations. Her recognition includes major categories such as Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. She also earned two nominations apiece for Single of the Year and Song of the Year.
Miranda Lambert follows with seven nominations, adding another impressive chapter to her CMA history. With 70 career nominations, Lambert holds the distinction of being the most-nominated female artist in the organization’s history.
Kacey Musgraves is another major contender, earning five nominations across categories including Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Cody Johnson, the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, has four nominations, including a place in the Entertainer of the Year race.
The evening will also provide a special moment for Tim McGraw. The country superstar, recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, will take the stage as part of the anniversary festivities. McGraw has accumulated 40 CMA nominations throughout his career.
The lineup also highlights some of country’s newer success stories. The Red Clay Strays return as the reigning Vocal Group of the Year, while Zach Top, last year’s New Artist of the Year winner, is nominated in two categories. Tucker Wetmore is competing for New Artist of the Year.
Beyond the scheduled performances, the ceremony will include a tribute celebrating the life and musical legacy of Dolly Parton, whose influence helped shape country music across generations.
Lainey Wilson will oversee the festivities as host for the third consecutive year. The singer, who won Entertainer of the Year in 2025, will guide the broadcast through its celebration of six decades of CMA Awards history.
The Country Music Association has indicated that additional performers and presenters will be announced ahead of the event.
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live Wednesday, November 18, from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+. Viewers will also be able to stream the ceremony the following day on Hulu.
