Lainey Wilson is set to become the first woman to solo-host the CMA Awards twice. She solo-hosted the show last year after co-hosting it in 2024 with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. Dolly Parton was the first woman to solo-host the CMA Awards in 1988. Reba McEntire did the honors in 1991.
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 on ABC and Disney+ and will be available next day on Hulu.
“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!”
The announcement that Wilson is returning as host was made live on ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday (Sept. 5). It was timed to coincide with the show’s 500th show on the road from Louisiana State University in Wilson’s home state.
Among all hosts, Vince Gill has solo-hosted the CMA Awards the most times (10). He is followed by Johnny Cash (four), Tennessee Ernie Ford and Kenny Rogers (three each), Wilson (two, counting the upcoming show), Glen Campbell, Parton, McEntire and Bryan (one each).
Wilson, 34, has won 12 CMA Awards in just three years. She is already second among all female artists on the CMA leaderboard, trailing only Miranda Lambert, who has won 14 CMA Awards.
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. Billboard will also carry the news. Tickets for the 60th annual CMA Awards go on sale Friday, Sept. 18 at CMAworld.com/tickets.
CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by over 7,000 Professional voting members of the Country Music Association.
The 60th annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton serves as executive producer, Alan Carter is director, and Jon Macks is head writer.
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