The Country Music Association Marks 60 Years of Celebrating Excellence Through The Industry’s Collective Voice
2026 Awards & Honors Ballot Schedule Announced
“The 60th Annual CMA Awards” to Air Wednesday, Nov. 18 from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena live on ABC and Next Day on Hulu
NASHVILLE—The Country Music Association today announced the ballot schedule for “The 60th Annual CMA Awards,” as well as key dates for the CMA Broadcast Awards, Touring Awards, International Awards, and Industry Honors. CMA’s commitment to celebrating excellence across the entire Country Music industry has remained core to its mission for six decades, and 2026 marks another chapter in a legacy that continues to grow and evolve. “The 60th Annual CMA Awards” airs Wednesday, Nov. 18 from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena live on ABC and next day on Hulu.
As the premier trade association for Country Music, CMA serves as the trusted convener that brings the industry together, creating the space where its collective voice determines who and what defines excellence each year. From peer-voted awards to broadcaster recognition, touring honors, and industry achievements, CMA’s annual awards cycle reflects the full breadth of the professionals who power the genre.
“Country Music is shaped by the people who dedicate their lives to it, whether on stage, in the studio, on the road, or behind the scenes,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “At CMA, celebrating that work is at the heart of everything we do. Across our awards and honors, it is this community that determines what excellence looks like, and in our 60th year, I hope every member of this industry truly understands the significance of that. Their participation is how Country Music recognizes itself, and how it shapes its future.”
Below is a snapshot of key dates, eligibility requirements, and voting processes across CMA’s annual awards cycle.
CMA Awards Balloting Timeline — “The 60th Annual CMA Awards”
The CMA Awards celebrate excellence in Country Music across 12 categories, honoring artists, musicians, songwriters, producers, mix engineers, and music video directors who made a significant impact on the genre during the eligibility period.
- Eligibility Period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- Voting Process: All CMA Professional voting members can vote in three rounds. As of today, 6,678 Professional members are eligible to vote.
- Nomination Ballot: Voters write in any artist or project they think deserves a nomination. If it fits the criteria for that category, it counts.
- Second Ballot: The top 20 vote-getters from the first round move forward (only the top 15 for Entertainer of the Year). Members can vote for up to five candidates in each category.
- Final Ballot: The top 5 from the second round become the official nominees, and CMA members vote one last time to choose the winners. Members can vote for one nominee in each category.
- All three rounds of voting will be conducted online by Election Services Corp. (ESC).
- All balloting is tabulated by the professional services organization, Deloitte.
CMA Broadcast Awards Submissions — 2026 CMA Broadcast Awards
The CMA Broadcast Awards recognize excellence in Country broadcasting, honoring stations and personalities who make a significant impact on the genre and its listeners.
- Eligibility Period: Performances and events between June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026
- Submission Process: Apply starting Friday, May 1 at broadcast.CMAawards.com.
- Eligible Categories: Broadcast Personality of the Year and Radio Station of the Year in four market sizes: Major Market, Large Market, Medium Market and Small Market
CMA Touring Awards Nominations
The CMA Touring Awards honor excellence in Country Music touring, recognizing behind-the-scenes professionals across 20 categories for their significant contributions to the industry.
- Eligibility Period: Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026
- Nomination Process & Information: A Nomination Ballot will be sent to current CMA Professional voting members in the following member categories: Affiliated, Artist, Composer, Entertainment Services, Musician, Personal Manager, Record Company, Talent Agent, Advertising/Marketing/Communications, Venue, Talent Buyer/Promoter and Touring Personnel. Each member is eligible to submit one nomination for each award category.
CMA International Awards
CMA International Awards recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to Country Music worldwide, celebrating individuals across six categories who champion the genre and expand its global reach.
- Nomination Process & Information: All CMA Professional voting members can submit nominations.
CMA Industry Honors Nominations
CMA Industry Honors recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to Country Music, celebrating the individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the genre.
- Nomination Process & Information: CMA Professional members can submit nominations for the following CMA Industry Honors—CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award, Irving Waugh Award of Excellence, Joe Talbot Award, CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award, CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, and CMA Award for Recording Excellence.
Tags: CMA, Country Music Association, CMA Awards, 2026 Awards, Country Music, Awards Nominations, Music Industry, Nashville
