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The Country Music Association Awards is a can't-miss event for country music fans. It gives fans a chance to see their favorite country artists get acknowledged for their hard work, check out what they're wearing and enjoy speeches, live performances and memorable moments. The CMA Awards has been hosted by
Brad Paisley
and
Carrie Underwood
since 2008.
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The first event took place at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., in 1967. It was hosted by Bobbie Gentry and Sonny James. It was that year when Eddy Arnold won Entertainer of the Year. When it debuted on television the next year, the event was at the
Ryman Auditorium
in Nashville where it remained until 1974. The awards moved to the
Grand Ole Opry House
and stayed there until 2005 when it took place at
Madison Square Garden
in New York City. In 2006, it moved back to Tennessee to the
Bridgestone Arena
in Nashville where it's been ever since. If you want to make the trip to the famous music city in fall, you could see your favorite country music superstars in person as long as you have CMA Awards tickets.
''If you're tired of always wishing you could attend the event, make this the year you buy CMA Awards tickets and experience it in person. StubHub has the tickets you need to get yourself there to witness the magic for yourself.'
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Country music legend
George Strait
is the recipient of the most CMA Awards, walking away with a whopping 23 awards over the span of the event. His streak began in 1985 when he was named as Male Vocalist of the Year and won Album of the Year for
Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
. That year, he was also nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Single of the Year. In 2013, he won Entertainer of the Year again.
''The Country Music Association was founded in 1958, and while the awards event originally started in 1967, it wasn't shown on television until 1968. It started out on NBC, but today, you can watch it on ABC.'
'More than a dozen categories are currently part of the CMA Awards, but in 1967, there were only 10. Over the years, certain new categories have been added, such as Music Video of the Year, to reflect the changes in entertainment. Some of the categories include Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year.'
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In addition to the first and current hosts previously mentioned, many other big names have graced the stage as a host of the CMA Awards. For the first CMA Awards aired on TV, the event was hosted by Dale Evans and Roy Rogers. Other major country music stars include
Reba McEntire
,
Willie Nelson
,
Dolly Parton
, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash and
Randy Travis
.
Vince Gill
hosted the event for over a decade, from 1992 to 2003.
''Yes, the event takes place each year in the fall, so if you're interested in buying CMA Awards tickets, it gives you the opportunity to plan in advance. Although the locations have occasionally changed there are always exciting live performances from your favorite country stars, so be sure to book your tickets.'