CMA Awards CEO Teases Major 90s Country Nostalgia for 60th Anniversary Show Hosted by Lainey Wilson
The 60th CMA Awards, airing on 18 November, will mark the ceremony’s anniversary with a show that looks back at country music’s history, particularly the 1990s. CEO Sarah Trahern says the programme will connect today’s artists with the stars who influenced them, while redesigned stage elements will reflect the genre’s past and present.
Lainey Wilson will host for a third consecutive year, after co-hosting in 2024 and leading the show alone last year. Trahern, who became CEO in January 2014 and plans to step down in December, called Wilson a fitting host, citing her authenticity and growing international profile. The ceremony will air live on ABC, with streaming on Hulu the next day.
In short
- The 60th CMA Awards will celebrate country music’s history.
- The show will spotlight 1990s country and redesign parts of its set.
- Lainey Wilson returns as host on 18 November.
Explained simply
The Country Music Association Awards, usually called the CMA Awards, are an annual ceremony recognising performers and other contributors to country music. The Country Music Association is the industry organisation behind the awards, and its chief executive helps oversee the event.
Country music changed considerably during the 1990s, when artists such as Garth Brooks and Shania Twain brought the genre to larger audiences. The era remains an influence on performers today, so looking back at it can show how current country music connects with earlier generations.
Lainey Wilson is a country singer who has hosted the ceremony in recent years. Sarah Trahern has led the association as chief executive since 2014; her planned departure marks a leadership change for the organisation.
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