Know the Difference Between These Country Music Awards: ACM, CMA, and CMT

Country music fans, even die-hard ones, will probably tumble a little explaining the differences between the three country music award-giving bodies: Academy of Country Music (CMA), Country Music Association (CMA), and the CMT Music Awards. But don’t worry, we got you – here are the things that you should know about them. Scroll away!

ACM vs. CMA

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Most would probably be most confused between these two awards, but the truth is, the only differences they have are the dates they dole out their awards, network affiliation, and geographical location. The voters for both awards and categories are usually the same, and so it’s not surprising to see almost the same set of trophy winners during the awards show. 

CMA was founded first in 1958 in Nashville, and it was initially created as a think tank and network organization for Nashville-based music makers. And it was the upstart Country and Western Music Academy formed by country music artists in 1964 that gave out the first country music’ awards.’ This group then became what is now called the ACM. CMA followed suit and started giving awards away as well in 1967. 

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The ACM Awards are staged in Las Vegas broadcasted by CBS, typically during April or May. On the other hand, the CMA Awards is done in the home of country music, Nashville, around October or November and is presented by ABC. Both awards have high viewership ratings, although traditionally, CMAs have a bigger audience. 

As for winners, Miranda Lambert made history during the 56th ACM awards. She became the Academy’s all-time most awarded country artist after her wins for her song “Tin Man.” On the other hand, George Strait holds the record of the most awarded artist in CMA history with 22 trophies. He started streak back in 1985 with his Album of the Year win for “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind.” 

CMT

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Just like CMA, CMT‘s roots are planted in Nashville since 1967. It was first known as the Music City News Awards, then went on to change names a couple of times before it became the now known CMT Music Awards. This is different from the other awards shows as it focuses mainly on fan-voting and in-show performances (they’ve had a lot of big productions). The trophy presentations usually take a backseat.

CMT is typically presented in June to coincide with CMA Music Festival to capitalize on the influx of tourists as well as the presence of multiple country music artists in Nashville all at once. But recently, CMT Music Awards announced that the awards show will be moved in April (same as ACM) and will also be broadcasted by CBS starting 2022. 

In terms of winners, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Miranda Lambert have all been awarded multiple times over the years more than any other artists.