The first performers for the 2026 CMA Awards are announced, with Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert among the artists heading to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 18.
The 60th annual ceremony will also include a special tribute to Dolly Parton. For fans making plans to watch, that gives this anniversary edition a reason to circle the date beyond the trophy announcements.
Who’s performing at the 2026 CMA Awards?
The first wave includes:
- Cody Johnson
- Ella Langley
- Kacey Musgraves
- Miranda Lambert
- The Red Clay Strays
- Tim McGraw
- Tucker Wetmore
- Zach Top
The mix puts established stars alongside artists carrying some of country music’s current momentum. Country Music News Blog readers following both the newer voices and the familiar names will have plenty to watch for.
A tribute to Dolly Parton
The CMA says the special tribute will honor Parton’s influence and legacy across entertainment. The announcement does not yet identify the tribute’s performers or song selections.
That leaves the details to come, but a career with that many songs and that much reach gives the show’s producers a lot to draw from. We’ll be watching for the next announcement before guessing at the setlist.
When and where to watch
The ceremony airs live Wednesday, November 18, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on ABC. The CMA’s announcement also lists Disney+ and next-day availability on Hulu.
Find the official performer list and CMA Awards updates as more details are released. This is the first wave of performers, so keep room on that watch list for additions.
