Lainey Wilson says it’ll be ‘extra special’ to host milestone 60th CMA Awards

Lainey Wilson says it will be "extra special" when she returns to host the Country Music Association Awards for her third consecutive year.

The Whirlwind hitmaker, 34, confirmed she is returning to host the CMA Awards during ESPN's College GameDay over the weekend. Lainey performed on the programme's 500th episode in her home state of Louisiana.

The Country Music Association said this year's milestone 60th CMA Awards will "celebrate 60 years of shining a spotlight on the industry's most outstanding talent and unforgettable moments".

"I couldn't be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards again this year, especially with it being the 60th anniversary," Lainey 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!"

Lainey made her hosting debut at the CMA Awards in 2024 alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. She returned to host the show solo in 2025. This year marks her second consecutive turn as the sole host.

CMA Awards nominees will be revealed this Friday, 1am NZT. Additional information, including performers and presenters, had not been announced just yet.

The 60th CMA Awards will take place in November, and you could be in the audience! We're sending one Kiwi and a friend over to Nashville this November to be in the audience. Details here.

Lainey is also part of the star-studded line-up for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival (which Sandra won a trip to earlier this year), alongside BTS, Benson Boone, Cardi B, Goo Goo Dolls, Kenny Chesney, Major Lazer, Muse, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, Zara Larsson and more!

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Hear Lainey Wilson and more of your favourite country artists on iHeartCountry NZ by using the player below.