Taylor Swift will perform at the 2026 CMA Awards, marking her first appearance as a performer at Country Music’s Biggest Night in 13 years.
The Country Music Association and ABC announced the booking on Friday, November 13, confirming Swift as part of the lineup for the 60th annual ceremony in Nashville.
The show will take place at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 18, and will air live at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+, with a next-day release on Hulu.
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Taylor Swift’s CMA return
Taylor Swift last performed at the CMA Awards in 2013, when she joined Vince Gill and Alison Krauss for a performance of “Red.”
Her return comes a decade after her most recent CMA Awards appearance and 13 years after her last performance on the ceremony’s stage.
The CMA says Swift first attended the awards in 2006, won the Horizon Award in 2007 and became the youngest artist to win Entertainer of the Year in 2009.
She is also nominated at this year’s ceremony for Single of the Year with “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which the CMA identifies as her 26th career nomination.
What is confirmed about the Dolly Parton tribute
The 2026 CMA Awards will include a special tribute to Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 on August 25, 2026.
The CMA’s official performers page confirms the tribute but does not identify its individual performers.
Swift is listed separately among the announced performers, meaning the official announcement confirms her appearance at the ceremony but does not confirm that she will take part in the Dolly Parton segment.
That distinction matters because online speculation had linked Swift to the tribute, but no official CMA announcement has named her as one of its participants.
Parton’s death was announced by the CMA in August, with the organization highlighting her six-decade career, nine CMA Awards and enduring influence on country music.
Who else is performing?
The announced lineup includes Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, The Red Clay Strays, Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore, Vince Gill and Zach Top.
Mumford & Sons will perform with Chris Stapleton, while Stephen Wilson Jr. will also collaborate with Stapleton.
Brothers Osborne, HARDY, Luke Bryan, Marcus King and Halestorm will join forces to honour Brooks & Dunn, this year’s recipients of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
The CMA says presenters will be announced separately.
How to watch the CMA Awards in Canada
Canadian viewers should check their local listings for access to ABC, as availability can vary by television provider.
The ceremony is scheduled to stream on Disney+ in the United States and will be available on Hulu the following day.
The live broadcast will originate from Nashville and will be hosted by Lainey Wilson for a third consecutive year.
With Swift’s return, the 2026 ceremony is set to bring together one of the most influential figures in contemporary pop and country music’s biggest annual awards platform.
Parton’s legacy continues to be reflected in the country music world.
Her career has also been recognized through tributes celebrating her enduring legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taylor Swift performing at the 2026 CMA Awards?
Yes. The CMA confirmed that Taylor Swift will perform at the 60th annual CMA Awards on November 18, 2026.
Is Taylor Swift performing in the Dolly Parton tribute?
The CMA has confirmed a Dolly Parton tribute but has not announced its individual performers, so Swift’s participation in that segment is not confirmed.
When was Taylor Swift’s last CMA Awards performance?
Swift last performed at the CMA Awards in 2013, when she sang “Red” with Vince Gill and Alison Krauss.
Where will the 2026 CMA Awards take place?
The ceremony will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
How can viewers watch the 2026 CMA Awards?
The show will air live on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. Eastern on November 18, with a next-day release on Hulu.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, performers, Swift’s CMA history and the Dolly Parton tribute announcement were checked against official CMA information.
Disclaimer: The final list of Dolly Parton tribute performers may be updated by the CMA before the ceremony.