CMA Awards

The Country Music Association Awards, also known as the CMA Awards or CMAs, are an annual event that recognizes outstanding achievement in the country music industry. Established in 1958, the Country Music Association (CMA) was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music. The first CMA Awards Banquet and Show was held in 1967, and the following year, the CMA Awards were broadcast on NBC Television for the first time, making it the longest-running, annual music awards program on network television. The show began airing on the ABC Television Network in 2006, where it still airs today.

The CMA Awards are voted on by members of the Country Music Association, meaning nominees and winners are honored by their peers in the music industry. The awards criteria, rules of election, and balloting procedures are established by CMA's Board of Directors. Singles, albums, music videos, and qualified music products for the annual show must have been first released or reached peak national prominence during the eligibility period.

The CMA Awards trophy was created by artist Frank Waggoner in 1967, constructed of a rich walnut and a sturdy marble base, symbolizing the strength, durability, and warmth of the genre. In 1983, the transition to crystal was made, and the trophy remains hand-blown fine crystal today, with final assembly by Francis & Lusky in Nashville, Tenn.

Each year, the CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by more than 6,000 industry professional members of the Country Music Association. Annual awards are given in the following twelve categories: Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, New Artist, Vocal Group, Vocal Duo, Single, Album, Song, Musical Event, Music Video, and Musician. The televised annual presentation ceremony features performances and award presentations by popular country music artists, with occasional appearances from pop and rock artists.

Over the years, the CMA Awards have honored some of the genre's most legendary artists, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Taylor Swift, among many others. The CMA Awards have also played a crucial role in promoting and elevating the careers of emerging artists, helping to ensure the continued growth and success of country music.