You've probably seen the chatter on social media or maybe you just had a sudden craving for some Nashville glitz and high-gloss belt buckles. It happens every year around this time. People start asking, are the CMAs on tonight, hoping to catch a glimpse of the biggest stars in country music taking the stage at Bridgestone Arena.
Honestly, the short answer is no. If you’re sitting on your couch with a bowl of popcorn waiting for the 2026 broadcast to start right now, you’re about ten months early. The Country Music Association usually saves their biggest party for the chilly weeks of November.
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Why the confusion happens every January
It's kinda funny how our brains work with awards season. We get through the holidays, the Grammys start popping up in the news, and suddenly we feel like we’re missing a major country music moment. There’s also the fact that "CMA" is a broad umbrella.
While the actual 60th Annual CMA Awards won't happen until November 2026, the industry is actually buzzing right now for a different reason. Just yesterday, January 14, 2026, Sarah Trahern—the long-time CEO of the CMA—announced her retirement after 12 years at the helm. That’s a massive shift for the genre. When the "boss" of country music steps down, it triggers a ton of search traffic, which is likely why you’re seeing the awards show trending again.
Looking back: What happened at the last CMAs?
If you're asking are the CMAs on tonight because you're looking for winners, you're probably thinking of the 59th Annual show that went down on November 19, 2025. That night was basically a Lainey Wilson victory lap. She didn't just host the show for the second year in a row; she walked away with the Entertainer of the Year trophy.
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It wasn't just about the established stars, though. We saw some huge "firsts" that people are still talking about:
- Zach Top snagged New Artist of the Year, proving that traditional country sounds are making a massive comeback.
- The Red Clay Strays took home Vocal Group of the Year, which was a huge win for the independent-leaning side of the format.
- Ella Langley and Riley Green dominated the night with "you look like you love me," winning both Single of the Year and Song of the Year.
That performance of theirs? The one where they leaned into the 1970s spoken-word country vibe? That’s still racking up millions of views. If you missed it, that's what you should be watching tonight instead of looking for a live broadcast.
Mark your calendar for the 2026 show
So, if they aren't on tonight, when should you actually tune in? The CMA hasn't pinned down the exact Wednesday in November 2026 yet, but historical patterns (and early travel packages being sold in Nashville) point toward mid-November.
We do know that the "CMA Fest" is already scheduled for June 4–7, 2026. That’s the four-day blowout in downtown Nashville where Nissan Stadium gets packed every night. That event usually gets filmed and edited into a three-hour special that airs on ABC in late summer. So, if you’re looking for a televised CMA event, your next big date is likely in August for the festival highlights.
How to watch when the time actually comes
When the 60th Annual CMA Awards finally do roll around later this year, the routine is pretty much set in stone. It’ll air live on ABC at 8:00 PM ET. If you’ve cut the cord, you can usually stream it on Hulu the very next morning.
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In the meantime, the country music world isn't exactly quiet. We’ve got the ACM Awards (Academy of Country Music) coming up in May 2026, which will be streaming live on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. That’s usually the "spring version" of the CMAs for fans who can't wait until the fall.
Actionable steps for country music fans
Instead of scrolling through channels looking for a show that isn't there, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Check the CMA Fest Lineup: Keep an eye out in March when they usually announce the artists for the June festival.
- Follow the Newcomers: If you liked Zach Top’s win, start listening to artists like Stephen Wilson Jr. or Megan Moroney, who are expected to be the heavy hitters for the 2026 nominations.
- Set a Calendar Alert: Put a placeholder for "CMA Awards" on the second Wednesday of November. It’s almost always then.
- Watch the 2025 Replays: If you have Hulu, the entire 59th Annual show is usually available for a few months after it airs. It's worth a re-watch just for the Vince Gill tribute.
Basically, while the answer to are the CMAs on tonight is a "no," the momentum for the 2026 awards cycle is just starting to build. With a new CEO coming in and a fresh crop of artists breaking through, the 60th anniversary show this November is probably going to be one for the history books.