The CMA Awards Just Dropped Their First Round Of Performers, and a Dolly Parton Tribute Is Already on Our Must-Watch List
Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Cody Johnson and more are taking the stage as Lainey Wilson hosts country music’s biggest night on November 18.
Country fans, go ahead and clear your Wednesday night. The CMA Awards just revealed their first round of performers, and this lineup has “stay up for the whole show” written all over it.
Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore will perform at “The 60th Annual CMA Awards,” bringing serious star power to a milestone year. And there’s another reason to keep the remote out of reach: a special tribute to Dolly Parton is also on the way.
With Lainey Wilson returning as host for a third consecutive year, the November 18 broadcast is shaping up to be a collision of country legends, breakout stars and artists having some of the biggest moments of their careers.
And this is only the first announcement.
Ella Langley Is Walking Into a Massive Night
If there’s one artist with plenty riding on this year’s ceremony, it’s Ella Langley.
After taking home three CMA Awards last year, Langley returns as this year’s most-nominated artist with nine nods. Her nominations include Entertainer, Album and Female Vocalist of the Year, plus Musical Event and Music Video of the Year. She also earned two nominations each for Single and Song of the Year.
Now, add a performance to that schedule.
What she’ll sing remains under wraps, but with that many categories in play, Langley is already one of the night’s biggest names to watch.
Miranda Lambert and Cody Johnson Bring Some Serious Firepower
Miranda Lambert is heading into the ceremony with seven nominations, and a career total that deserves its own standing ovation.
With 70 career CMA Awards nominations, Lambert remains the most-nominated female artist in the show’s history. This year’s recognition includes her 19th Female Vocalist of the Year nomination, alongside nods recognizing her work as an artist, songwriter and producer.
Cody Johnson, meanwhile, returns as the reigning Male Vocalist of the Year with four nominations: Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Single and Music Video of the Year.
A Johnson performance and the possibility of another major trophy? CoJo Nation has plenty of reasons to tune in.
Tim McGraw Has Something Extra to Celebrate
Tim McGraw’s appearance comes with a particularly meaningful milestone: his recent induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The country superstar will celebrate that honor with a performance during the broadcast. He also enters the night as a Musical Event of the Year nominee, adding to a career tally of 40 CMA Awards nominations.
Joining him on the performance lineup is Kacey Musgraves, who has five nominations this year across Album, Song, Female Vocalist, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year.
The song choices haven’t been announced, leaving fans plenty of room to start their wish lists.
Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore and The Red Clay Strays Are Clocking In
Fans of country’s rising stars have plenty to get excited about, too.
Reigning CMA New Artist of the Year Zach Top returns with nominations for Male Vocalist and Album of the Year. The Red Clay Strays will take the stage as the reigning Vocal Group of the Year, with another nomination in that category.
And Tucker Wetmore joins the performance roster while celebrating his second CMA nomination for New Artist of the Year.
That’s a whole lot of momentum sharing one stage.
And Then There’s Dolly
Among all the performer news, the promise of a special Dolly Parton tribute might be the announcement that gets every generation of country fans in front of the television.
The salute will honor an icon whose influence stretches across music, entertainment and beyond. Details including who will perform and which songs will be featured have yet to be revealed. With Dolly’s catalog to choose from, the possibilities alone are enough to get the group chat going.
When and Where to Watch
“The 60th Annual CMA Awards” airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 18, from 8–11 p.m. ET / 7–10 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+. The show will be available the next day on Hulu.
Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the weeks ahead. For fans hoping to catch the milestone celebration in person, a limited number of tickets remain at CMAawards.com/tickets.
Eight acts announced, a Dolly tribute on deck and more names still coming? November 18 just got a lot more interesting.
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