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A Letter From The Country Music Assn.

hat you hold in your hands is a rst: the inaugural Country Music Assn./Billboard CMA Awards Voter Guide. This publication re ects the values and traditions of both organizations. The CMA and Billboard are recognized brands that have an earned reputation for maintaining a high degree of integrity and passion for the foundation of what drives our businessmusic. The annual CMA Awards are recognized and celebrated as country musics biggest night with superstar performances, cross-genre collaborations, recognition of the best radio professionals and stations in the country, and the presentation of trophies in 12 categories. Brad Paisley, who is co-hosting for the sixth time with Carrie Underwood, calls the CMA Awards the Oscars of country music. And we couldnt agree more. The CMA has more than 7,000 professional members around the globe. The association was formed in 1958 as the rst trade organization to promote an individual genre of music. The rst CMA Awards Banquet and Show was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards were broadcast for the rst timemaking it the longest-running annual music awards program on network TV. The awards moved to ABC in 2006, where it will remain through 2021. The winners of the 47th annual edition will be determined in a nal round of voting by eligible members of the CMA and tabulated by the international accounting rm of Deloitte & Touche. Voting for the awards nal ballot ends Monday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. ET. The three-hour live broadcast will originate from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. ET. Orchestrating the night is executive producer Robert Deaton and a top-notch production team dedicated to providing the best possible musical experience for our artists, our audience and the viewers at home. We are fortunate to have another great partner in the ABC Television Network with Paul Lee and Mark Bracco. They embrace the format, support our artists and contribute the vast resources of the network to help us achieve our goal of advancing country music. Now, it is in your hands. If you are a member of the CMA, I encourage you to vote. If you love great music and performances, I encourage you to watch. And if you are a nominee, I encourage you to enjoy every moment of this well-deserved recognition. I hope to see you in Nashville on Nov. 6!

CHAIRMAN CMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PHOTO CREDIT TK

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C M A AWA R D S 2013

VOTER GUIDE

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