The Country Music Association has revealed its initial lineup of performers for The 56th Annual CMA Awards, bringing together a mix of established stars and rising talent for a live broadcast from Nashville. This year’s show promises memorable performances, collaborations, and a special tribute honoring Country Music Hall of Fame member Loretta Lynn.
Confirmed performers include a range of artists with deep roots in country and pop crossover audiences: American Idol alumni Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jimmie Allen; American Idol judge Luke Bryan; The Voice alum Morgan Wallen; and acclaimed country acts Kelsea Ballerini, HARDY, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Lainey Wilson, and Zac Brown Band.
The ceremony will open with a tribute to Loretta Lynn, a country music icon whose career and influence span decades. That tribute will be hosted by Luke Bryan alongside Peyton Manning. Country Music’s Biggest Night™ will air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on WEDNESDAY NOV. 9 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST) on ABC, and the broadcast will be available the following day on Hulu.
Performances include:
- Co-host Luke Bryan will perform his latest single “Country On,” delivering an opening moment likely to set an energetic tone for the evening.
- Carrie Underwood, a multiple nominee this year, is scheduled to perform her new single “Hate My Heart.”
- Kelsea Ballerini will present a collaboration of “YOU’RE DRUNK, GO HOME,” featuring guest vocals from Kelly Clarkson and Carly Pearce.
- Zac Brown Band will perform “Out In The Middle,” joined onstage by Jimmie Allen and blues guitar standout Marcus King.
- Morgan Wallen, receiving his first CMA Entertainer of the Year nomination, will perform “You Proof.”
- Miranda Lambert will deliver “Geraldene” from her album Palomino, which is nominated in the Album of the Year category.
- Carly Pearce, the reigning CMA Female Vocalist and a multiple nominee this year, will perform a special selection from her recent album.
- HARDY will team up with Lainey Wilson for a dramatic duet of “wait in the truck.”
This announcement marks the first wave of performers for the awards show. Additional artists and presenters will be revealed in the weeks leading up to the ceremony, as the CMA continues to finalize the full broadcast lineup. Fans can expect more collaborations and surprise appearances as the event date approaches.
Tickets for The 56th Annual CMA Awards are available starting today, with sales opening at 10:00 a.m. CST via Ticketmaster. Attending the event at Bridgestone Arena offers fans the chance to witness live performances, award moments, and special tributes in person.
As one of country music’s premier events, the CMA Awards highlights the achievements and creativity of artists across the genre. This year’s mix of performers reflects both the tradition and evolution of country music, bringing together veteran performers, chart-topping names, show alumni, and new voices. The live broadcast and next-day streaming availability on Hulu make it accessible to audiences nationwide.
Stay tuned for further announcements about presenters, additional performers, and on-air segments as the CMA reveals more details ahead of the ceremony. With a tribute to Loretta Lynn, high-profile collaborations, and a roster of leading country artists, The 56th Annual CMA Awards aims to deliver an evening that celebrates the music, the talent, and the legacy of country music.