Country music’s biggest night is now just over two weeks away. The 60th annual CMA Awards will air live on Wednesday, November 18, from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and this year’s field is led by a rising star who has had a breakout year. Here is what families need to know before settling in to watch.
When and how to watch
According to Entertainment Now, the ceremony begins at 8 p.m. Eastern and airs live on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available the next day on Hulu. Lainey Wilson returns as host for the third time, a sign of how central she has become to the genre’s current era. Performers and presenters had not been announced as of late October, so expect those lineups to roll out in the days ahead.
Ella Langley leads the field
Singer-songwriter Ella Langley goes into the night with nine nominations, the most of any artist this year, according to Nashville station WSMV. Kacey Musgraves is also among the most-nominated artists, and veterans like Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton are in the mix as well.
The night’s top prize, Entertainer of the Year, has five contenders:
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Ella Langley
- Chris Stapleton
- Lainey Wilson
Female Vocalist of the Year nominees are Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson. Male Vocalist of the Year nominees are Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top and Stephen Wilson Jr.
For New Artist of the Year, voters will choose among Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Tucker Wetmore and Stephen Wilson Jr., who also earned a Male Vocalist nod in a strong first showing.
A milestone year, and a lifetime honor
Sixty years is a big birthday for any awards show, and organizers are leaning into the legacy. Entertainment Now reports that Brooks & Dunn will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during the broadcast. The duo’s honor gives the anniversary a natural bridge between generations: many parents grew up with their hits, while their kids are more likely to know the newer names on the ballot.
What to watch for
Three storylines will shape the night. First, whether Langley turns her nine nominations into a sweep. Second, whether Entertainer of the Year, a category that rewards touring and stage presence, goes to a veteran like Stapleton or Combs or to a newer headliner. Third, how the show honors its 60-year history, which could mean tribute performances once the lineup is announced.
Why it matters for families
Awards nights can be a fun reason to gather in the living room. Country music often tells stories about home, faith, hard work and second chances, which can spark good conversations with kids and teens. As with any live broadcast, parents may want to watch along, since song lyrics and on-stage remarks are not screened in advance. A simple game: have everyone pick their winners before the show, and keep score through the night.
Looking for more family viewing ideas? Our parents’ guide to Greta Gerwig’s PG-rated Narnia and our look at ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and this weekend’s box office can help you plan.
Upstormed News will update this story when performers are announced and will report the winners on November 18.
Read more: ‘The Cat in the Hat’ Opens Friday After a Quiet Halloween Box Office
Who gets your vote for Entertainer of the Year? Tell us in the comments.
Sources: Entertainment Now, “All of the Details to Know About the 2026 CMA Awards, So Far” (October 28, 2026); WSMV, “Ella Langley leads in nominations for 2026 CMA Awards. Here’s the full list of nominees” (September 10, 2026); WSMV, “Lainey Wilson returns to host 60th annual CMA Awards” (September 6, 2026)
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