The 60th Annual CMA Awards – Press Release

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September 14, 2026

LEGENDARY COUNTRY MUSIC DUO BROOKS & DUNN TO RECEIVE THE 2026 CMA WILLIE NELSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT ‘THE 60TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS’

Country Music’s Biggest Night™ To Broadcast Live From Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+, Next Day on Hulu The Country Music Association has announced legendary country music duo Brooks & Dunn as the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Brooks & Dunn will accept the honor as part of a special tribute during “The 60th Annual CMA Awards.” “The 60th Annual CMA Awards” airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 18, on ABC and Disney+, next day on Hulu. “Few artists have left a mark on country music quite like Brooks & Dunn,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer. “As the most awarded duo in our genre’s history, Kix and Ronnie have spent more than three decades shaping the sound of country music. Their music has set a standard that still resonates with new generations of artists, while continuing to win over new generations of fans. We are proud to celebrate everything they’ve given to this genre and the mark they c

Press Release - Specials

September 10, 2026

THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR ‘THE 60TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS’

Rewatch the Nominee Announcement Livestream HERE The Country Music Association has announced nominees for “The 60th Annual CMA Awards,” recognizing the artists, songwriters, producers, mix engineers, musicians and music video directors whose work has defined country music throughout the last year. Nominees are determined by CMA’s 7,083 voting-eligible professional members, spanning every corner of the country music landscape. “For six decades, the CMA Awards have celebrated excellence in country music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer. “We’re grateful to CMA’s professional members, whose collective voice determines every nomination, bringing real expertise to the balloting process each year. Congratulations to all of this year’s deserving nominees. We cannot wait to celebrate our milestone anniversary together in November.” Ella Langley tops the list with nine nominations, while other top nominees include Miranda Lambert with seven nominations, Kacey Musgraves and Ben

Press Release - Specials

September 5, 2026

LAINEY WILSON RETURNS TO HOST ‘THE 60TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS’

CMA and ABC have revealed that 12-time CMA Award winner Lainey Wilson will return to host “The 60th Annual CMA Awards,” marking her third consecutive year in the role and second consecutive year as solo host. The announcement was made live on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” timed to the show’s own milestone 500th show on the road from Louisiana State University in Wilson’s home state. Wilson will lead the star-studded evening as the CMA Awards celebrate 60 years of shining a spotlight on the industry’s most outstanding talent and unforgettable moments. Country Music’s Biggest Night™ broadcasts live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 8/7c on ABC, Disney+ and next day on Hulu. Watch the on-air promo HERE. “I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary,” says Wilson. “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!” CMA

Press Release - Specials