The 2026 CMA Awards are shaping up to be one of country music’s biggest celebrations of the year, with the Country Music Association announcing another impressive group of performers for the upcoming ceremony. The latest additions include Luke Combs, Vince Gill, Megan Moroney, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, and Stephen Wilson Jr. Among the newly confirmed performers, Stapleton is attracting particular attention after organizers revealed that he will participate in two separate collaborations during the highly anticipated event.
The new announcement comes just days after the first group of performers was revealed for the milestone 60th annual ceremony. Previously confirmed artists include Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, and Tucker Wetmore. With established country legends appearing alongside some of the genre’s fastest-rising stars, the expanded lineup promises a wide variety of performances.
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments will feature Chris Stapleton joining British folk-rock band Mumford & Sons for a special collaboration. The performance will mark Mumford & Sons’ debut at the CMA Awards, bringing together musicians known for their distinctive approaches to songwriting and live performances. Although the specific song has not yet been announced, the pairing introduces an exciting crossover element to the ceremony.
Stapleton will also take the stage with Stephen Wilson Jr. for a separate collaboration, making him one of the performers with multiple scheduled appearances. Wilson Jr. has emerged as an increasingly recognized artist within country music, earning four nominations at this year’s ceremony. His nominations include New Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year, while Stapleton is also competing in four categories.
Another major announcement involves country duo Brooks & Dunn, who will receive the prestigious CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor recognizes their remarkable contributions to country music and their lasting influence on the genre. To celebrate the achievement, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Halestorm, HARDY, and Marcus King will come together for a special tribute performance honoring the legendary duo.
The ceremony will also feature a special appearance by Vince Gill, one of country music’s most respected performers. Gill has previously hosted the CMA Awards 12 times and remains closely associated with the event’s history. His return carries additional significance as the ceremony celebrates its 60th anniversary, bringing together artists who have helped shape country music across several generations.
Lainey Wilson will return as host for the third consecutive year while also performing during the broadcast. The reigning Entertainer of the Year is nominated for three awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Single of the Year. Her involvement both onstage and as host places her at the center of the anniversary celebration.
Several of this year’s leading nominees are also scheduled to perform. Ella Langley enters the ceremony with nine nominations, the highest total among this year’s nominees, while Miranda Lambert has earned seven. Kacey Musgraves is nominated in five categories, and Cody Johnson has received four nominations. Luke Combs, meanwhile, is competing for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year, adding further excitement to an already competitive evening.
In addition to the newly announced collaborations, the 2026 CMA Awards will feature a special tribute honoring Dolly Parton and her extraordinary influence on country music. Organizers previously confirmed the tribute as part of the anniversary celebration, although the participating performers and song selections have not yet been revealed. The recognition will celebrate Parton’s enduring musical legacy and the impact her work has had on generations of artists.
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will take place Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The three-hour ceremony will air live from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC and stream simultaneously on Disney+, with next-day viewing available on Hulu. With additional performers, two Chris Stapleton collaborations, special tributes, and major awards still to be presented, the upcoming ceremony promises a memorable celebration of country music’s past, present, and future.
