Country Music Association Awards Explained

Country Music Association Awards
Current Awards:57th Annual Country Music Association Awards
Awarded For:Achievements in country music
Presenter:Country Music Association
Country:United States
Network:NBC (1968–1971)
CBS (1972–2005)
ABC (2006–present)
Website:www.cmaawards.com
Election Name:Most recent CMA Award winners
1Data2:Album of the Year
2Data5:Lainey Wilson
1Data5:Female Vocalist of the Year
2Data4:Chris Stapleton
1Data4:Male Vocalist of the Year
2Data2:Bell Bottom Country
(Lainey Wilson)
Type:primary
2Data1:Lainey Wilson
1Data1:Entertainer of the Year
2Blank:Winner
1Blank:Award
Next Election:64th
Previous Election:54th Annual Country Music Association Awards
Ongoing:no

The Country Music Association Awards, also known as the CMA Awards or CMAs, are presented to country music artists and broadcasters to recognize outstanding achievement in the country music industry.[1] [2] The televised annual presentation ceremony features performances and award presentations by popular country music artists, with occasional appearances from pop and rock artists. The CMA Awards were first presented in 1967, and televised for the first time the following year.

History

The first CMA awards were presented at an untelevised ceremony at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium on October 20, 1967; the Entertainer of the Year award went to Eddy Arnold that night. The second annual CMA awards were presented in October 1968; NBC taped the ceremony and televised it a few weeks later. Since then, the awards have been televised live, usually in October or November, by NBC from 1969 through 1971, by CBS from 1972 through 2005, and by ABC beginning in 2006. Starting in 1968 they were held at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry (initially at Ryman Auditorium, and from 1974 through 2004 at the new Grand Ole Opry House).

In 2005, the awards show was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Since 2006, they have been held at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.[3] In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 54th CMA Awards were held at Nashville's Music City Center.[4]

Since 2017, the ceremony has been held on the second Wednesday of November. Prior to 2017, the awards were generally held on the first Wednesday of November. However, since then the awards have been rescheduled for later in the month to avoid conflict with a possible game seven of Major League Baseball's World Series, since the 2016 ceremony aired the same night as Fox’s eventual telecast of game seven of the 2016 Series, which beat the CMA Awards in the ratings.

In June 2021, the Country Music Association announced that they would extend its broadcast contract with ABC through 2026.[5]

Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Country Music Association announced that the 55th CMA Awards on November 10, 2021, would require ticketed audience members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to wear appropriate face coverings.[6]

Eligibility and voting

Albums and songs released between July 1 of the previous calendar year and June 30 of the award show's year are eligible for consideration.[7] More than 7,300 individuals from the Country Music Association trade group vote for the nominees and winners through three rounds of balloting.

Awards

Annual awards are given in the following twelve categories: Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, New Artist (previously known as the Horizon Award until 2008), Vocal Group, Vocal Duo (introduced in 1970), Single, Album, Song, Musical Event (split off from the Vocal Duo award in 1988 as Vocal Event), Music Video (introduced in 1985), and Musician. The distinction between the Duo and Event awards is that the former is presented to two artists who normally perform together, while the latter was specifically created to honor one-off collaborations. Nine awards are also given to radio broadcasters for Station of the Year and Personality of the Year (divided into four categories each, based on market size), as well as National Personality of the Year to the host of a nationally syndicated show. Since 2012, the ceremony features a Lifetime Achievement Award.[8] Vince Gill, and Alan Jackson are the only individuals to win Entertainer of the Year, Male/Female Vocalist of the Year or Group/Duo of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year all in the same year.

Categories

Defunct categories

Industry Honors

Radio awards

Major awards

YearNew Artist of the Year
Album of the Year
Chris Stapleton2023Lainey WilsonChris StapletonLainey WilsonJelly RollTracy Chapman — "Fast Car"Bell Bottom Country
2022Luke CombsLainey WilsonJacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins — "Buy Dirt"Growin' Up
2021Carly PearceJimmie AllenMike Henderson and Chris Stapleton — "Starting Over"Starting Over
Eric ChurchLuke CombsMaren MorrisMorgan WallenWhat You See Is What You Get
Garth BrooksKacey MusgravesLuke Combs, Wyatt B. Durrette III, Robert Williford - "Beautiful Crazy" Girl
Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson – "Broken Halos" Golden Hour
Garth Brooks Taylor Swift – "Better Man"
2016Carrie UnderwoodLori McKenna – "Humble and Kind" Mr. Misunderstood
2015Luke BryanMiranda LambertChris Stapleton Liz Rose, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey – "Girl Crush" Traveller
2014Blake SheltonKacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark – "Follow Your Arrow" Platinum
Kacey Musgraves Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary – "I Drive Your Truck" Based on a True Story...
Blake Shelton Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton – "Over You" Chief
Kimberly Perry – "If I Die Young" My Kinda Party
Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin – "The House That Built Me" Revolution
Taylor Swift Brad Paisley Taylor Swift Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto – "In Color" Fearless
Carrie Underwood Lady AntebellumJennifer Nettles – "Stay" Troubadour
Taylor Swift Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon – "Give It Away" It Just Comes Natural
2006Carrie Underwood Craig Wiseman, Ronnie Dunn – "Believe" Time Well Wasted
2005Keith Urban Bill Anderson, Jon Randall – "Whiskey Lullaby" There's More Where That Came From
2004Kenny Chesney Craig Wiseman, Tim Nichols – "Live Like You Were Dying" When the Sun Goes Down
2003Alan Jackson Doug Johnson, Kim Williams – "Three Wooden Crosses" The Man Comes Around
2002Alan Jackson – "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" Drive
2001Keith Urban Larry Cordle, Larry Shell – "Murder on Music Row" O Brother, Where Art Thou?
2000Tim McGraw Mark D. Sanders, Tia Sillers – "I Hope You Dance" Fly
1999Martina McBride Beth Neilsen Chapman, Annie Roboff, Rob Lerner – "This Kiss" A Place in the Sun
1998Garth Brooks George Strait Dixie Chicks Steve Wariner, Billy Kirsch – "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" Everywhere
1997Matraca Berg, Gary Harrison – "Strawberry Wine" Carrying Your Love with Me
1996Vince Gill – "Go Rest High on That Mountain" Blue Clear Sky
1995 Alan Jackson Vince Gill Alison Krauss Gretchen Peters – "Independence Day" When Fallen Angels Fly
1994 Vince Gill Alan Jackson, Jim McBride – "Chattahoochee" Common Thread
1993 John Barlow Jarvis, Vince Gill – "I Still Believe in You" I Still Believe in You
1992 Garth Brooks Max D. Barnes, Vince Gill – "Look at Us" Ropin' the Wind
1991 Tim DuBois, Vince Gill – "When I Call Your Name" No Fences
1990 George Strait Garth Brooks Don Henry, Jon Vezner – "Where've You Been" Pickin' on Nashville
1989 Max D. Barnes, Vern Gosdin – "Chiseled in Stone"
1988 K. T. Oslin – "80's Ladies" Born to Boogie
1987 Paul Overstreet, Don Schlitz – "Forever and Ever, Amen" Always & Forever
1986 Reba McEntire George Strait Paul Overstreet, Don Schlitz – "On the Other Hand" Lost in the Fifties Tonight
1985 Lee Greenwood – "God Bless the USA" Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
1984 Lee Greenwood Larry Henley, Jeff Silbar – "Wind Beneath My Wings" A Little Good News
1983 Wayne Carson Thompson, Johnny Christopher, Mark James – "Always on My Mind" The Closer You Get...
1982 Ricky Skaggs Always on My Mind
1981 Barbara Mandrell Bobby Braddock, Curly Putman – "He Stopped Loving Her Today" I Believe in You
1980 No award presented Coal Miner's Daughter Soundtrack
1979 Barbara Mandrell Don Schlitz – "The Gambler" The Gambler
1978 Richard Leigh – "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" It Was Almost Like a Song
1977 Ronnie Milsap Roger Bowling, Hal Bynum – "Lucille" Ronnie Milsap: Live
1976 Larry Weiss – "Rhinestone Cowboy" Wanted! The Outlaws
1975 John Denver – "Back Home Again" A Legend in My Time
1974 Ronnie Milsap Don Wayne – "Country Bumpkin" A Very Special Love Song
1973 Charlie Rich Kenny O'Dell – "Behind Closed Doors" Behind Closed Doors
1972 Freddie Hart – "Easy Loving" Let Me Tell You About a Song
1971 I Won't Mention It Again
1970 Merle Haggard Kris Kristofferson – "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" Okie from Muskogee
1969 Bob Ferguson – "The Carroll County Accident" Johnny Cash at San Quentin
1968 Bobby Russell – "Honey" Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison
1967 Dallas Frazier – "There Goes My Everything" There Goes My Everything

Country Music Association Award for International Achievement

The Country Music Association Award for International Achievement is presented to international artists and executives.

International Artist Achievement Award

Formerly presented as the International Touring Artist Award, this award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period. The Dixie Chicks were the first artists to receive the award twice. 2008 is the only year in which there were multiple winners.[9]

Global Country Achievement Award

Named in honor of Jeff Walker, this award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their territory. This award was first presented in 2003 and has been presented annually since, with the exception of 2015. The Global Country Achievement Award has been most frequently won by Australian artists.

International Broadcaster of the Year

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country. Up to three recipients may be named in any year. Each recipient must represent a different territory.

CMA Awards hosts

See main article: List of Country Music Association Awards ceremonies. The first ceremony in 1967, which was not televised, was co-hosted by Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry. Vince Gill hosted the awards from 1992 to 2003. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood have co-hosted the ceremonies from 2008 to 2018. For the 2019 ceremony, Carrie Underwood hosted alongside Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. McEntire returned to host the 2020 ceremony with Darius Rucker. Luke Bryan hosted the 2021 show solo. Bryan returned to host the 2022 ceremony with Peyton Manning.

Hosts by the Numbers

HostTimes Hosted/Co-Hosted
Vince Gill12 (1992-2003)
Carrie Underwood12 (2008 - 2019)
Brad Paisley11 (2008 - 2018)
Reba McEntire5 (1990, 1991, 1992, 2019, 2020)
Johnny Cash5 (1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978)
Kenny Rogers4 (1979, 1984, 1987, 1989)
Tennessee Ernie Ford3 (1969, 1970, 1971)
Mac Davis3 (1980, 1981, 1982)
Barbara Mandrell3 (1980, 1981, 1982)
Anne Murray3 (1983, 1985, 1989)
Brooks & Dunn3 (2004, 2005, 2006)
Luke Bryan3 (2021, 2022, 2023)
Peyton Manning2 (2022, 2023)
Dolly Parton2 (1988, 2019)
Kris Kristofferson2 (1985, 1986)
Willie Nelson2 (1983, 1986)
Glen Campbell2 (1972, 1975)
Darius Rucker1 (2020)
Randy Travis1 (1990)
Roy Clark1 (1976)
Charley Pride1 (1975)
Dale Evans1 (1968)
Roy Rogers1 (1968)
Bobbie Gentry1 (1967)
Sonny James1 (1967)

Award milestones

Most wins

ArtistWins[30]
Brooks & Dunn18
Vince Gill
George Strait17
16
Chris Stapleton15
Garth Brooks14
Brad Paisley
Miranda Lambert

Most nominated

ArtistNominations[31]
George Strait83
81
Miranda Lambert62
Brad Paisley58
Vince Gill54
Brooks & Dunn53
Reba McEntire52

Won four main awards in single year

Only two artists have won the top four awards in a single year: Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Male Vocalist/Female Vocalist/Group/Duo of the Year and Song of the Year: Vince Gill, in 1993 and Alan Jackson, in 2002.[32]

CeremonyEntertainerAlbumVocalist/Group/DuoSong
Alan JacksonDrive – Alan JacksonAlan Jackson"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" – Alan Jackson
27thVince GillI Still Believe in You – Vince GillVince Gill"I Still Believe in You" – Vince Gill and John Barlow Jarvis

Controversies

Charlie Rich "lights up" John Denver

When presenting the Entertainer of the Year award at the 1975 ceremony, Charlie Rich, who appeared to be intoxicated after drinking backstage and was allegedly taking pain medication for a broken foot, opened the envelope to reveal the winner. When he saw that John Denver had been chosen, Rich pulled out his lighter and burned the envelope, sarcastically declaring that the winner was "my friend, Mr. John Denver". Many saw Rich's actions as a protest towards pop artists crossing over into country music and it remains one of the most discussed moments in CMA history.[33]

Kathy Mattea's AIDS speech

During a time when the rest of the entertainment industry were wearing red ribbons to signify solidarity and promote awareness of the AIDS epidemic, in an attempt to steer clear of controversy, the CMA instead encouraged guests to wear green ribbons to signify environmental awareness. This did not sit well with Kathy Mattea, who had lost several friends to the disease, and she requested the CMA's help in drafting a short speech on the issue, but they ignored her request and she took matters into her own hands. At the 1992 ceremony while presenting an award, Mattea wore three red ribbons and one green ribbon and announced the names of her friends who had succumbed to AIDS and delivered an impassioned speech that created a discussion and elevated AIDS awareness among the Nashville community. Mattea went on to become a staunch advocate for the cause, releasing the album Red Hot + Country two years later to raise funds for AIDS charities.[34] [35]

Alan Jackson's 1999 performance

On May 8, 1999, George Jones released "Choices", a song written by Mike Curtis and Billy Yates, that featured an accompanying music video which depicted his struggles with substance abuse. The song subsequently became a Top 30 hit for Jones and was nominated for Single of the Year at the 1999 CMA Awards, with the CMA inviting him to perform a shortened version at the ceremony. Jones felt insulted that the CMA requested he remove part of the song and declined the invitation. Alan Jackson, who was slated to perform his current single "Pop a Top", was offended that the CMA had denied Jones the opportunity to sing the full song, and so during his performance, he stopped his own band mid-song and proceeded to sing the chorus of "Choices", which went on to earn a standing ovation from the audience.[36]

Dixie Chicks 50th anniversary performance

At the 50th CMA Awards in 2016, the Dixie Chicks returned the CMA stage for the first time since their comments about George Bush resulted in them being blacklisted from the industry. They were joined by Beyoncé to perform a medley of "Daddy Lessons" from her 2016 Lemonade album and their own 2002 hit "Long Time Gone". While many viewers and critics praised the performance, it garnered criticism from some country traditionalists, who stated that Beyoncé, a pop/R&B artist, had no place at a country music awards show. The comments polarized opinions, with some noting that they could be seen as a racist attack, as previous collaborations with non-country artists had not received the same amount of criticism and some suggesting that old grudges against the Dixie Chicks had fueled the extreme responses to their performance. Many artists including Dierks Bentley and Karen Fairchild defended the performance while others did not, including Alan Jackson who reportedly left the arena.[37] [38] [39]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Country Music Association Awards. Country.dj. November 14, 2013.
  2. Web site: Cmaworld.com. Country Music's Biggest Night. November 14, 2013.
  3. Web site: CMT : CMA Awards : Archive : 2005 : Country Music Association. https://web.archive.org/web/20140114055348/http://www.cmt.com/cma-awards/2005.jhtml. dead. January 14, 2014. Cmt.com. en-US. September 8, 2017.
  4. The CMA Awards Promise to Bring Top Country Stars Together 'Safely, All in One Room'. Billboard. October 29, 2020. August 9, 2021.
  5. Web site: ABC, Country Music Association Extend Broadcast Deal Through 2026. Deadline Hollywood. Denise. Petski. June 17, 2021. October 18, 2021.
  6. Nicholson. Jessica. 2021 CMA Awards Will Require Attendees to Be Vaccinated. October 6, 2021. October 6, 2021. Billboard.
  7. News: It's Balloting Season at CMA!. May 5, 2016. August 30, 2016. CMA World. Country Music Association. https://web.archive.org/web/20161220212226/http://www.cmaworld.com/cma-awards/2016/05/05/balloting-season-cma-3/. December 20, 2016. dead.
  8. News: Kenny Rogers Presented With the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. November 8, 2013. April 25, 2014. CMA World. Country Music Association. https://web.archive.org/web/20140426201558/http://www.cmaworld.com/news/2013/11/kenny-rogers-presented-willie-nelson-lifetime-achievement-award/. April 26, 2014. dead.
  9. Web site: International Awards - CMA World - CMA Country Music Association. CMA World.
  10. Web site: Ashley McBryde receives 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award . November 15, 2022 .
  11. Web site: Kacey Musgraces Receives CMA International Artist Achievement Award . 2019-12-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191205205507/https://www.cmaworld.com/kacey-musgraves-receives-cma-international-award/ . 2019-12-05 . dead .
  12. Web site: CMA's International Awards Honor Dean Brody, Little Big Town, John Marks, Mark Hagen. March 19, 2018.
  13. Web site: Carrie receives CMAS artist achievement award . Carrieunderwoodofficial.com . 2020-04-30.
  14. Web site: CMA Announces Recipients of 2016 International Awards - CMA World - Country Music Association . 2019-12-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191205205514/https://www.cmaworld.com/cma-announces-recipients-2016-international-awards/ . 2019-12-05 . dead .
  15. Taylor Swift to Receive Ultra-Prestigious Country Music Award. Wendy. Geller. Rolling Stone. November 1, 2013.
  16. Web site: CMA Presents International Artist Achievement Award to Brad Paisley. Bradpaisley.com. December 13, 2017 .
  17. Web site: Taylor Swift adds international award to CMA haul. November 13, 2009. Reuters.com.
  18. Web site: The Country Music Association Presents 2019 CMA International Awards During Visit To Australia. BroadwayWorld.com.
  19. Web site: Ward Thomas Receive Prestigious CMA Jeff Walker Global Artist Award. Laura. Klonowski. March 7, 2019. March 15, 2022. October 26, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221026094004/https://www.bellesandgals.com/2019/03/07/ward-thomas-recieve-prestigious-cma-jeff-walker-global-artist-award/. dead.
  20. Web site: Dean Brody Awarded The Jeff Walker Global Artist Award by CMA at CMC Rocks in Australia. Countrymusictattletale.com. March 20, 2018.
  21. Web site: Country Music duo @TheShiresUK were surprised with their first CMA at the #CMAsongwriters Series show in London!pic.twitter.com/L7G3IMrRAw. CMA Country. Music. Twitter.com. March 10, 2017.
  22. Web site: CMA Honors Gord Bamford, Paul McGuire With International Achievement Awards. Musicrow.com. September 14, 2016.
  23. Web site: Borchetta, Evans win international awards. Nate. Rau. The Tennessean.
  24. Web site: Canada's Gord Bamford Receives CMA Global Country Artist Award - CMA World - Country Music Association . 2019-12-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191205205505/https://www.cmaworld.com/canadas-gord-bamford-receives-cma-global-country-artist-award/ . 2019-12-05 . dead .
  25. Web site: CMA Gives International Awards. Musicrow.com. March 26, 2013.
  26. Web site: The McClymonts win CMA Global Country Artist Award | Country Music Channel on Foxtel. November 9, 2011. Country Music Channel. March 15, 2022. April 4, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210404202225/https://www.countrymusicchannel.com.au/the-mcclymonts-win-cma-global-country-artist-award. dead.
  27. Web site: Tommy Emmanuel Presented With CMA Global Artist Award. Musicrow.com. June 7, 2011.
  28. Web site: Thank you to @CountryMusic - I've just won International Broadcaster of the Year!!pic.twitter.com/OPoCXSbmrp. Bob. Harris. March 11, 2017.
  29. Web site: CMA Presents Two International Trophies - CMA World - Country Music Association . 2019-12-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191205205805/https://www.cmaworld.com/cma-presents-two-international-trophies/ . 2019-12-05 . dead .
  30. Web site: TOP CMA AWARD WINNERS. Cmaawards.com. April 1, 2022.
  31. Web site: TOP CMA AWARDS NOMINEES. Cmaawards.com. April 1, 2022.
  32. Web site: Past Winners And Nominees. 2020-01-11. 2019 CMA Awards Wednesday, November 13 on ABC. en-US.
  33. Web site: Singer Charlie Rich protests John Denver's big win at the CMA Awards. History com. August 9, 2021.
  34. Web site: Classic CMA Awards Moments, #10: Kathy Mattea Makes a Difference (1992). Countryuniverse.net. October 29, 2008. August 9, 2021.
  35. Web site: Now 60, Kathy Mattea Has a Legacy of Transcendent Love Songs. June 21, 2019. Alwaysmountaintime.com. August 9, 2021.
  36. Web site: WATCH: 6 Unforgettable CMA Awards Controversies. Theboot.com. October 22, 2020 . August 9, 2021.
  37. Web site: The most controversial moments CMA Awards history. December 2, 2020. Yardbarker.com. August 9, 2021.
  38. Web site: How Beyonce's CMA Awards Controversy Foreshadowed Trump's Victory. Joseph. Hudak. Rollingstone.com. November 10, 2016. August 9, 2021.
  39. Beyonce's 'Daddy Lessons' Finding Support From Country Music Community. Billboard. May 20, 2016. August 9, 2021.