Each year, the Country Music Association Awards ceremony -- known as the CMA Awards -- is one of the genre's most-anticipated events of the year. It began in 1967 as an un-televised ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., as a way of honoring the biggest achievements in country music for recording artists and broadcasters. Since then, the ceremony has grown to include a live TV aspect and a bevy of live performances in addition to the presentation of trophies. The CMA Awards have also doled out its coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy each year, with iconic acts like George Strait, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson all becoming recipients of the coveted honor in the show's early years. Garth Brooks holds the record for artist with the most Entertainer trophies, having won the award seven times.
CMA Awards
Blake Shelton, Eric Church Among First 2021 CMA Awards Performers
In total there have been seven announced performances for the ABC broadcast.
Luke Bryan to Host the 2021 CMA Awards Solo
It's been a long time since the show had just one host.
Country Music Memories: Loretta Lynn First Woman to Win CMA EotY
On Oct. 16, 1972, Lynn became the first woman to win a CMA for Entertainer of the Year.
Country Music Memories: Johnny Cash Wins Record-Setting Five CMAs
On Oct. 15, 1969, Cash took home a record-setting five CMA Awards, including the night's highest honor, Entertainer of the Year.
Justin Timberlake for CMA Awards Host? It's Not a Crazy Idea
A few candidates seem likely while one singer feels like an exciting long shot.
Country Music Memories: Anne Murray Makes History at the CMAs
On Oct. 8, 1984, Murray was the queen of the CMA Awards.
Reba McEntire Doesn't Sound Upset About Losing CMA Hosting Gig
She sounds like a woman ready to find her next live television gig!
2021 CMA Awards Host Hasn't Been Named Yet, But It Won't Be Reba
The Country Music Association is still keeping the identity of its 2021 CMA Awards host under wraps.
Country Music Memories: Vince Gill Wins Three CMA Awards
Oct. 5, 1994 was a day of celebration for Gill.
Morgan Wallen Barred From Attending 2021 CMA Awards
The decision affirms the Country Music Association's earlier stance that the artist will not be honored or recognized in any sort of way this November.