The CMA Awards are the ultimate pageant in country music.
Each fall, the Country Music Association nominates a slate of country music’s most popular performers and assembles this A-level talent to provide country music fans and interested onlookers a glimpse into the state of the industry. Victory for an artist, songwriter or producer is viewed as validation for the struggle of navigating the fickle music business.
But often, the actual awards and their significance are overshadowed by fashion statements, superstar duets and unique acceptance speeches. And these events are a crucial promotional tool that can often lead to greater opportunities for participating artists. But most importantly, the CMAs are the intersection of enduring legends and fast-rising stars of the future generation.
Starting Wednesday, October 8, Country Universe will be unveiling our series, Classic CMA Awards Moments. It will tell the tale of the 42-year history of the show and feature the finest moments of the genre’s legends and the artists who took the proverbial next step to stardom by virtue of their impact at the awards ceremony.
The discussion for the evening will center on the question: What is your favorite CMA Awards moment?
Check back throughout the next month leading up to the 42nd annual CMA Awards, airing on Wednesday, November 12 at 8/7 central on ABC, as we count down the most important events of country music’s most prominent awards show.
I note that someone finally mentioned Mary Chapin Carpenter singing “Opening Act”, one of my favorite moments. Also, I’m not sure if this was on the CMA awards or the ACM awards, but John Berry sang a solo acoustic version of “If I Had Any Pride At All” one year that was fantastic.