Country music's biggest night is almost here. The 60th Annual CMA Awards will bring Nashville's brightest stars together for a night of show-stopping performances and emotional wins. Here’s everything you need to know to catch all the action live.
When and Where to Watch the Main Event
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60th Annual CMA Awards will air live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. The three-hour broadcast begins at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (7 p.m. Central Time) on the ABC network. This year marks a significant milestone as the ceremony celebrates its 60th anniversary, promising a memorable show. For viewers in Mountain or Pacific time zones, the show will air on a delay, so be sure to check your local ABC listings to avoid spoilers.
Your Streaming Options: Live on Disney+ and More
For the first time, you can stream the CMA Awards live simultaneously on Disney+. This is a fantastic option for those without a traditional cable subscription. All you need is a Disney+ account to watch the ceremony as it happens. If you miss the live broadcast, don't worry. The entire show will be available for on-demand streaming on Hulu starting the next day, Thursday, November 19. Additionally, any live TV streaming service that carries your local ABC station—such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV—will also allow you to tune in.
Meet Your Host and Top Nominees
Reigning Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson is returning to host for the third consecutive year, and her second year solo. Wilson, a 12-time CMA Award winner, is also nominated for three awards this year. The artist leading the pack is Ella Langley, who made history by tying the record for the most nominations for a female artist in a single year with nine nods. Her nominations include the coveted Entertainer of the Year award. Other top nominees include Miranda Lambert with seven nominations, and Kacey Musgraves with five. The Entertainer of the Year category features Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson.
A Star-Studded Night of Performances
The CMA has announced its first round of performers, promising a night filled with incredible music. The lineup includes some of the year's biggest nominees and country legends. Fans can expect to see performances from Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, and Tucker Wetmore. More performers are expected to be announced as the show date gets closer. This year's ceremony will also feature a special tribute to the late Dolly Parton, honoring the profound legacy of the 'Queen of Country Music' who passed away in August.
Don't Forget the Red Carpet
The glamour begins before the first award is handed out. While specific details for the official red carpet pre-show are still emerging, fans can typically find live coverage on various platforms. Lauren Alaina and Haley Baylee are slated to host 'CMA Awards Backstage Live,' presented by Bath & Body Works. Entertainment news outlets and ABC's own news programs often provide live streams and interviews from the red carpet in the hours leading up to the main event. Keep an eye on the official CMA Awards website and social media channels for the latest updates on how to watch all the pre-show festivities.
