Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » CMA Awards

ACMs have best audience in 15 years

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:08:59 +0000

Looks like we’ll be seeing more of Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan next year, if audience numbers are anything to go by. The Academy of Country Music and CBS are reporting that they had their best audience in over 15 years, beating out the NCAA Basketball Tournament, NBA Basketball, MLB Baseball, and more. It’s the best numbers since 1998 for the ACM Awards.

The 48th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS led CBS to a Sunday night victory as the night’s top program in viewers and demographics with the event’s highest measures in viewers since 1998, in households and adults 18-49 since 2001, and in adults 25-54 since 2000, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings for April 7. Sunday night’s broadcast also marked the first time that the ACM Awards have beaten the same season’s Country Music Awards (CMAs) in these ratings categories since the advent of people meters.

THE ACM AWARDS swept the night in households (9.2/14), viewers (15.38m), adults 25-54 (5.3/12) and adults 18-49 (4.3/11). THE ACM AWARDS posted its best deliveries in households and adults 18-49 since 2001, in adults 25-54 since 2000 and largest audience since 1998. Compared to last year’s ceremony (on April 1), THE ACM AWARDS was up +16% in households (from 7.9/13), +26% in adults 25-54 (from 4.2/10), +39% in adults 18-49 (from 3.1/08) and added +2.29m viewers (from 13.09m, +17%).

Compared to “The CMA Awards” on ABC on Nov. 1, THE ACM AWARDS was ahead by +8% in households (from 8.5/13), +13% in both adults 25-54 (from 4.7/11) and adults 18-49 (from 3.8/10), and led by +1.70m viewers (from 13.68m, +12%).

THE ACM AWARDS also broke records online and on social media. According to BlueFin Labs today THE ACM AWARDS were #1 in this week’s Top 10 Social Shows, with 1.9 million social media comments and 619.4 million impressions – beating out the 2013 NCAA Basketball Tournament, NBA Basketball, MLB Baseball and The Voice, among others. The number of unique commenters about the Awards telecast this year surged to 613,000+, a record high.

For perspective, in 2011 the Awards garnered 157,000 social media comments, in 2012 it garnered 676,000 – and in 2013, it earned 1.9 million.

Social media mentions around this year’s show hit an all-time high, up +285% over last year, according to SocialGuide, and visits to ACM Awards content on CBS.com were up +136% over last year. In addition, more than 1.1 million votes were cast for the Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories combined, an increase of +22% over last year’s vote.

For the night, CBS was first in households (8.4/14), viewers (13.87m), adults 25-54 (4.5/11) and adults 18-49 (3.6/10) for the sixth consecutive Sunday and the seventh time in eight weeks.

Our Keepin’ It Country CMA Predictions

Nicole Piering — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:23:02 +0000

With the CMA’s coming up on Thursday night, country fans everywhere are buzzing with anticipation over who will claim the biggest awards. Will Taylor repeat as Entertainer of the Year or could someone else finally upset her shocked face? Could Kelly Clarkson score a major upset for female vocalist? Is there really any other choice besides “Red Solo Cup” for music video of the year?!

Even OUR staff couldn’t agree, so read on and let us know who you think will score big on Thursday night!

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

Jennifer: I predict Jason will win this one. He is practically taking over the world. Sold out shows, stadium tours in 2013, record after record being broken. If I was a gambling girl, I’d put all my money on Jason for this year’s big winner.

Nicole: I’m torn between Taylor & Jason. Had “Red” come out a few months earlier, I’d say she was a shoo-in for this win, but I think in the last year, Jason may have just edged her out. I’m going with Aldean.

Tia: Jason.

Jessica: Taylor Swift.

Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelly Clarkson
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Tia: Taylor Swift

Jennifer: I love all the ladies in this category, but I think Carrie has this one in the bag. “Blown Away” has done exceptionally well and has topped the charts and, while I know Taylor is being nominated for President in 2016, I still think Carrie will edge her out here.

Nicole: I agree with Jen – Taylor for President in 2016! For this category though, despite most leaning towards Carrie, I’m going with Miranda. You can’t deny the impact of “Over You.”

Jessica: Carrie

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

Tia: Keith Urban

Jessica: Jason Aldean

Nicole: This is another tough one. I’m going to go with a bit of an underdog here and say that this one is Eric Church’s to steal. He gets a ton of critical acclaim and people seem to like his renegade ‘tude.

Jennifer: Huge year for Luke. Huge. Hit after hit … all of which have been outstanding songs, and he seems to have quite the enthusiastic following now. I think Luke will edge the other guys out here, while Jason takes home Entertainer.

Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Zac Brown Band

Jennifer: I’m going out on a limb here and guessing the newbies (Eli Young Band) will win this one. The other groups have been solid, as always, but I think these guys have the most hype surrounding them (of these nominees) at this point in time.

Nicole: Lady Antebellum – They’re still one of the biggest acts in music, and what other country act cam say they went on a WORLD tour? I’d be shocked if anyone other than Lady A wins this.

Jessica & Tia: Lady Antebellum

Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars
Thompson Square

Jennifer: Thompson Square – They’re hot, they’re current, they’re adorably in love.

Tia: Love and Theft

Jess: Sugarland

Nicole: Our crew is all over the place on this one. The Civil Wars nabbed a Grammy last year and have the indie cred, while Sugarland is the long-running fave, but in this “what have you done with me lately?” industry, I’m going to go with Thompson Square.

New Artist of the Year
Lee Brice
Brantley Gilbert
Hunter Hayes
Love and Theft
Thompson Square

Jessica: Hunter Hayes

Jennifer: Lee Brice - Another one I would almost put money on – almost. Hit songs of his own, hit songs that he’s written (Eli Young Band, don’t forget to thank Lee for “Crazy Girl” when you win Vocal Group of the Year).

Tia: Hunter Hayes

Nicole: Hunter Hayes – He may sounds like Gary LeVox’s son, but Hunter Hayes has girls swooning as he opens for Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” tour. With songs like “Storm Warning” and “Wanted” already under his belt, the momentum around Hunter seems to be growing.

Album of the Year
Luke Bryan, Tailgates and Tanlines
Eric Church, Chief
Miranda Lambert, Four the Record
Dierks Bentley, Home
Lady Antebellum, Own the Night

Jennifer: Again, I feel like Luke is unstoppable this year. And this album is incredible.

Tia: Eric Church.

Jessica: Eric.

Nicole: I’m with Jess & Tia. Eric Church’s CD received the most acclaim and I feel like this category is his to lose.

Song of the Year (Award goes to songwriters)
Eli Young Band, “Even if It Breaks Your Heart” – written by Will Hoge and Eric Paslay
Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You” – written by Dave Barnes
Dierks Bentley, “Home” – written by Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers
Miranda Lambert, “Over You” – written by Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
Eric Church, “Springsteen” – written by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell

Jessica, Tia & Nicole: Eric Church – “Springsteen” Personally, I’d rather see Blake & Miranda OR Dave Barnes score this win, but I think it’ll go to Eric.

Jennifer: “Over You” – I am not playing by the rules here. I want this song to win because I just absolutely adore these two. I love all the songs in this category, so I had to come up with a “tie breaker,” and what is better than Miranda AND Blake? And the song is so meaningful to them, which makes it that much better.

Single of the Year (Award goes to artist and producer)
Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem”
Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
Dierks Bentley, “Home”
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Eric Church, “Springsteen”

Jennifer: “Dirt Road Anthem” – It’s country rap. Need I say more?

Jessica & Tia: “Springsteen,” again.

Nicole: “Pontoon” – This song really put Little Big Town in the spotlight, and deservedly so. Everyone was mmmmmmmmmmotorboating all summer long!

Musical Event of the Year
“Dixie Highway,” Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band
“Feel Like a Rock Star,” Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw
“Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson
“Safe and Sound,” Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars
“Stuck on You,” Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker

Jennifer: “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” – I think this one will win because of the diversity. And who could vote against Willie and Snoop singing a song together about smoking? Where is Toby and why isn’t he on this track, singing about smoking weed with Willie Nelson?

Jessica: “Feel Like a Rock Star”

Tia: “Safe and Sound”

Nicole – “Feel Like a Rock Star” – Tim & Kenny, what can beat that epic brotherhood of baldness?

Music Video of the Year
Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Kenny Chesney, “Come Over”
Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”

Nicole: “Red Solo Cup” – I can’t even tell you the amount of times we’ve played this video at work…

Tia: “Come Over”

Jessica: “Over You”

Jennifer: “Red Solo Cup” – Party anthem of 2012

How do you feel about our picks? Let us know down below in the comments…and tune in tomorrow night on ABC to catch the show!

Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney & Eric Church Added as CMA Award Performers

Nicole Piering — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 17:43:22 +0000

The CMA Awards are building quite the lineup of performers for their 46th Awards show. ABC has announced that the show’s co-host Carrie Underwood will perform, as will Kenny Chesney, Eric Church & the Band Perry.

The new group of performers join previously announced performers, including Underwood’s co-host Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson & the Zac Brown Band.

The show will air on ABC on November 1st, live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena ABC.

Win a VIP Trip to CMA Awards & Meet Jake & Luke!

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 22:07:05 +0000

Three very lucky fans will win VIP trips to the CMA Awards this November in Nashville, Tennessee and meet country cuties Luke Bryan and Jake Owen. Longhorn Steakhouse launched their “Go Country With Luke Bryan & Jake Owen In Nashville” sweepstakes. Three grand-prize winners will each receive a trip for two with round-trip airfare to Nashville, a two-night hotel stay from October 31st through to November 2nd, a backstage CMA Awards experience with Luke Bryan, a VIP lunch with Jake Owen, a delicious meal at a local Longhorn Steakhouse, two $100 Longhorn gift cards, and an evening full of fun and country music at the 46th annual Country Music Association Awards.

Now through October 14th, fans can enter to win daily at longhornsteakhousesweeps.com. Each entrant will also have the chance for five additional entries by dining at a Longhorn Steakhouse during the promotional period and entering their receipt number online. The three grand prize winners will be announced on the Longhorn Facebook page on October 22nd.

Luke is pretty excited about the chance to show some country fans around Music City. He shares:

“Nashville is such a great city and it’s especially rockin’ around CMA Awards. I look forward to meeting the winners, hearing all about their Nashville experiences and showing them a little bit of what goes on behind the scenes of such an important night for me and the other artists.”

Good luck! What would you do for the chance to meet Luke or Jake?

CMA Awards Date Announced

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:49:20 +0000

Looks like we already have a date for the Country Music Awards this year. The 46th annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 1st at 8 pm EST on ABC. The taping of the annual CMA Country Christmas special will take place on Nov 3rd.

“The CMA Awards recognizes the best in the format – that’s what makes this ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’. The CMA Awards is one of the most highly anticipated events for our industry each year. It’s a night to honor our finest performers, songwriters, record producers, musicians, and music video directors,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer, Steve Moore.

While no hosts have been announced for the award show yet, it’s not a stretch to think that Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return once again to co-host. The pair have been magic together so far.

Lights, Camera, Lambert! Miranda To Appear On SVU

Ted Efron — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:06:19 +0000

Miranda Lambert is set to make her acting debut on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, according to TVGuide.

Lambert, who has often talked about her love of the NBC program, reportedly will play an actress who claims to have been sexually assaulted by a reality show producer. The role of the producer will be played by Michael McKean, who is best known for his roles on Lavern & Shirley and This Is Spinal Tap. The air date of the episode has yet to be announced.

It’s shaping up to be a very busy first part of 2012 for Lambert. The two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year just signed on to be an advisor for husband Blake Shelton’s team on NBC’s The Voice. Plus, she’s kicking off her On Fire 2012 Tour with Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann starting January 12^thin Rockford ,Ill.

If that’s not enough, her Four The Record album just went gold. It took only two months for the album to reach that status, faster than any of her previous three albums. Those three, Kerosene, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Revolution, have all been certified Platinum.

UPDATE: Since the posting of this story, Miranda sent out this tweet: “Yall I’m so freaking excited to be on my favorite show ever!!!” We share her excitement!

Faith Hill’s New Single From Rock Band OneRepublic

Elise Stawarz — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:14:02 +0000

Faith Hill blew fans away last night on the CMA Awards with an incredible comeback performance of her brand new single, “Come Home.” Hill looked and sounded totally fantastic, something that country music fans have come to expect. What might be surprising however, is that her new single isn’t entirely new.

The song was written by Ryan Tedder, lead singer of OneRepublic (“Apologize,” “Stop and Stare”), and originally appeared on the group’s 2007 debut album Dreaming Out Loud. “Come Home” was also a single for the group, who re-recorded it with fellow Adult Contemporary star Sara Bareilles (“Love Song”).

After the jump, check out both Faith and OneRepulic’s versions of the songs and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below!

OneRepublic

Faith Hill

Poll: CMA Entertainer of the Year

Jeanna D. — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:58:06 +0000

There are only a few hours left until the CMA Awards! We will be here live blogging and on Twitter.

Here is our last poll… the coveted Entertainer of the Year award! Does your vote go to Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, or Keith Urban? Let us know.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Poll: CMA Album of the Year

Jeanna D. — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:00:30 +0000

It’s time for you to weigh in on the CMA Album of the Year category!

The nominees include: All About Tonight – Blake Shelton; My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean; Speak Now – Taylor Swift; This Is Country Music – Brad Paisley; and You Get What You Give – Zac Brown Band.

Who would you like to see take home the trophy?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Poll: CMA Single of the Year

Jeanna D. — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:48:33 +0000

Next up… Single of the Year!

With some of the biggest and best songs of the past year, it’s a battle between “A Little Bit Stronger” – Sara Evans, “Colder Weather” – Zac Brown Band, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” – Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson, “Honey Bee” – Blake Shelton, and “If I Die Young” – The Band Perry.

Single of the Year goes to the artist(s) and producer(s).

Which hit is your favorite?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.