Lainey Wilson Announces Return as 2026 CMA Awards Host — From LSU's Campus
Lainey Wilson is heading back to Nashville's biggest stage, and she made sure her home state got to hear it first.
The Announcement at LSU
The Louisiana native revealed she'll host the 60th Annual CMA Awards while serving as celebrity guest picker on ESPN's College GameDay, which broadcast live from Louisiana State University on Saturday, September 5. The stop marked College GameDay's 500th road show and doubled as Lane Kiffin's first game as LSU's head coach. Wilson, a Baskin, Louisiana, native, showed up dressed for the occasion in sparkly purple and gold tiger print, and dropped the CMA news to fans before turning to her weekend picks.
A Homecoming Performance
Beyond the reveal, Wilson's morning at LSU carried a musical thread that's easy to miss in the headlines. She opened the broadcast with a cover of Big & Rich's "Comin' to Your City," backed by the LSU marching band, then followed with her 2026 single "Can't Sit Still." Wilson has also been the voice behind the College GameDay anthem in recent seasons, making her Week 1 appearance as much a return engagement for the show as it was for her.
A Third Year Behind the Podium
The CMA news itself confirmed Wilson's third consecutive year in the hosting chair and her second straight year as solo host, after co-hosting in 2024 with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. The role also makes her the first woman to solo-host the CMA Awards twice.
"I couldn't be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary," Wilson said in a statement. "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!"
The Pick Paid Off
Wilson's on-air prediction that LSU would beat Clemson held up that night in Tiger Stadium, where the Tigers won 51-10 in Kiffin's debut.
Show Details
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, November 18, on ABC and Disney+, with the broadcast available on Hulu the following day. Nominees for this year's show are set to be announced Thursday, September 10, on Good Morning America.
Wilson's CMA Track Record
Wilson enters this year's ceremony as a 12-time CMA Award winner, including 2025 Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year (a category she's won every year since 2022), and Album of the Year for Whirlwind.
Full Circle for a Louisiana Girl
For an artist who built her name on Louisiana roots, announcing a Nashville milestone from an LSU football field made for a fitting scene. Lainey Wilson's third turn hosting Country Music's Biggest Night arrives with a 60th-anniversary spotlight on it, and fans won't have to wait long to see who she'll be sharing the stage with, come November 18. We'll be tuning in!
faq's
Who is hosting the 2026 CMA Awards?
Lainey Wilson will host the 60th Annual CMA Awards, marking her third consecutive year in the role and her second year as solo host.
Where did Lainey Wilson announce she's hosting the CMA Awards?
Wilson made the announcement live during ESPN's College GameDay, broadcasting from Louisiana State University in her home state of Louisiana.
When do the 2026 CMA Awards air?
The 60th Annual CMA Awards air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, November 18, on ABC and Disney+, with streaming on Hulu the next day.
How many CMA Awards has Lainey Wilson won?
Wilson is a 12-time CMA Award winner, including 2025 Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year every year since 2022.
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