Country Music Awards

There's a moment when the nominees are acknowledged, just before the envelope is opened. It's a moment when all are captivated and when time seems suspended. The winning name is called. Thunderous applause rings out. The Country Music Association Awards, also known as the "CMA Awards" or "the CMA's" (not to be confused with the Academy of Country Music Awards), are voted on by business members of the Country Music Association. Each year singers, musicians, musical pieces and groups are honored for their success. The CMA was established in 1958 and is the first trade organization created in the US specifically to promote a genre of music. The first Awards Banquet and Show was held in 1967, and it was first broadcast the following year on NBC television. From 1972 the show was aired on CBS, and from 2006 by ABC television.