Country music’s biggest stars are preparing for a milestone celebration as the 60th Annual CMA Awards adds another impressive collection of performers, including Chris Stapleton, Mumford & Sons, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and Vince Gill.
The ceremony, scheduled for November 18 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, will celebrate six decades of the Country Music Association’s annual awards show with performances, collaborations and tributes honoring some of the genre’s most influential artists.
Among the evening’s anticipated highlights is a special appearance by Mumford & Sons, who will make their CMA Awards debut alongside Chris Stapleton. The collaboration brings together the British folk-rock group’s distinctive sound and Stapleton’s powerful country and soul influences.
Stapleton will also share the stage with rising country artist Stephen Wilson Jr., giving the four-time nominee two separate collaborations during the broadcast.
Lainey Wilson will return to host the ceremony for the third consecutive year. The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year is once again competing for the prestigious honor, along with nominations for Female Vocalist and Single of the Year. Wilson is also scheduled to perform.
Luke Combs joins the expanding performance lineup while competing in three categories, including Entertainer, Album and Male Vocalist of the Year. Megan Moroney, nominated for Female Vocalist and Song of the Year, will also take the stage.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill is another notable addition. The acclaimed singer, guitarist and former CMA Awards host will make a special appearance during the anniversary celebration.
One of the evening’s major tributes will recognize Brooks & Dunn, who are receiving the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Halestorm, HARDY and Marcus King will participate in a performance honoring the legendary country duo.
The celebration will extend beyond the newly announced performers. Previously confirmed artists include Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, Ella Langley, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore.
A separate tribute will honor Dolly Parton, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to country music and her influence across generations of entertainers.
This year’s awards competition is particularly significant for several artists. Ella Langley leads the nominations with nine, while Miranda Lambert follows with seven. Kacey Musgraves and songwriter-producer Ben West have five nominations each.
The Entertainer of the Year category features Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson, setting up one of the night’s most closely watched races.
With a combination of established legends, contemporary chart favorites and artists representing country music’s evolving sound, the 60th anniversary ceremony promises to showcase the genre’s past and present while introducing audiences to unexpected musical partnerships.
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live Wednesday, November 18, from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+. The ceremony will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
