<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The first performers for the 2026 <a title="CMA Awards" href="https://countrymusicontour.com/cma-awards-tickets-pre-sale-starts-now/">CMA Awards</a> are announced</strong>, with <a title="Cody Johnson" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSCodyJohnson/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fcody-johnson-tickets%2F">Cody Johnson</a>, <a title="Ella Langley" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSLangley/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fella-langley-tickets%2F">Ella Langley</a>, <a title="Kacey Musgraves" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSMusgraves/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fkacey-musgraves-tickets%2F">Kacey Musgraves</a> and <a title="Miranda Lambert" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSMLambert/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fmiranda-lambert-tickets%2F">Miranda Lambert</a> among the artists heading to Nashville&#8217;s <a title="Bridgestone Arena" href="https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/1224809/264167/4272?subId1=WPScmnbBridgestone&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fbridgestone-arena-tickets-nashville%2Fvenue%2F221417&partnerpropertyid=5213910&MediaPartnerPropertyId=5213910">Bridgestone Arena</a> November 18.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://countrymusicnewsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/cma-performers.jpg" alt="60th CMA Awards performer graphic featuring the first announced artists for November 18, 2026" class="wp-image-42994"/></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who&#8217;s performing at the 2026 CMA Awards?</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first wave includes:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a title="Cody Johnson" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSCodyJohnson/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fcody-johnson-tickets%2F">Cody Johnson</a></li>



<li><a title="Ella Langley" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSLangley/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fella-langley-tickets%2F">Ella Langley</a></li>



<li><a title="Kacey Musgraves" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSMusgraves/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fkacey-musgraves-tickets%2F">Kacey Musgraves</a></li>



<li><a title="Miranda Lambert" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSMLambert/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fmiranda-lambert-tickets%2F">Miranda Lambert</a></li>



<li>The Red Clay Strays</li>



<li><a title="Tim McGraw" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSTMcGraw/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Ftim-mcgraw-tickets%2F">Tim McGraw</a></li>



<li>Tucker Wetmore</li>



<li>Zach Top</li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The mix puts established stars alongside artists carrying some of country music&#8217;s current momentum. <a title="Country Music News Blog" href="https://countrymusicnewsblog.com">Country Music News Blog</a> readers following both the newer voices and the familiar names will have plenty to watch for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A tribute to Dolly Parton</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The CMA says the special tribute will honor Parton&#8217;s influence and legacy across entertainment. The announcement does not yet identify the tribute&#8217;s performers or song selections.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That leaves the details to come, but a career with that many songs and that much reach gives the show&#8217;s producers a lot to draw from. We&#8217;ll be watching for the next announcement before guessing at the setlist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When and where to watch</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ceremony airs live Wednesday, November 18, at <strong>8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central</strong> on ABC. The CMA&#8217;s announcement also lists Disney+ and next-day availability on Hulu.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Find the <a href="https://cmaawards.com/performers-presenters/">official performer list</a> and <a href="https://cmaawards.com/">CMA Awards updates</a> as more details are released. This is the first wave of performers, so keep room on that watch list for additions.</p>