Country star Riley Green is preparing for one of the biggest moments of his career, but he says his approach to co-hosting CMA Fest 2026 is surprisingly simple.
Green will make his debut as co-host of the annual CMA Fest Presented by SoFi television special alongside Lara Spencer. The three-hour concert event, filmed during CMA Fest in Nashville, is set to air on ABC on June 25 and stream the following day on Hulu.
Speaking about the opportunity, Green revealed that his strategy is not to overthink the role. Instead, he plans to rely on the same laid-back personality that has helped him connect with country music fans across the country.
“I think the best thing I can do is just be myself,” Green said in an exclusive interview. Rather than trying to become a polished television personality overnight, the Alabama native believes authenticity is what viewers want most from a country music host.
The role marks a significant milestone for Green, who has spent the last several years transforming from a rising artist into one of country music’s most recognizable stars. Known for hits such as “There Was This Girl,” “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” and “Worst Way,” Green has built a reputation as a traditional-minded country artist with broad mainstream appeal.
Hosting the television special presents a new challenge. While Green is no stranger to performing in front of tens of thousands of fans, guiding a nationally televised broadcast requires a different skill set. Fortunately, he says he’ll have plenty of help from Spencer, a veteran television personality with decades of live broadcasting experience.
The pairing of Green and Spencer was announced by the Country Music Association in May. Organizers described the duo as first-time hosts who bring unique perspectives from both the music and television worlds.
The special itself will showcase highlights from the 53rd CMA Fest, including performances, collaborations, and surprise moments captured during the four-day event in downtown Nashville. CMA Fest remains the longest-running country music festival in the world and attracts roughly 95,000 attendees per day.
For Green, one of the keys to success will be making viewers feel like they’re experiencing the festival alongside him.
“Fans want to feel connected to the artists,” he explained. “That’s what CMA Fest has always been about.”
That philosophy aligns perfectly with the festival’s history. Since its beginnings as Fan Fair in 1972, CMA Fest has centered on bringing artists and fans together through performances, meet-and-greets, and unique experiences that aren’t available anywhere else.
The timing couldn’t be better for Green. He enters the hosting role amid another successful year that has included major festival appearances, sold-out shows, and continued momentum at country radio. He was also among the artists helping generate buzz throughout CMA Fest weekend, which featured surprise collaborations and headline-making performances from some of the genre’s biggest names.
As for nerves, Green admits there may be a few. But his overall plan remains unchanged.
Keep it simple. Stay authentic. Have fun.
If that strategy works as well on television as it has on stage, CMA Fest viewers could be seeing the beginning of a new chapter for one of country music’s biggest stars.