THE CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Since 1976, the CCMA has been committed to ensuring the growth and development of the Canadian country music
industry. Through education, communication, information, promotion and recognition,
the CCMA offers members these advantages in an increasingly competitive environment.
Core to these efforts is Country Music Week. It is the focal point for the organization and its members,
providing professional development opportunities, showcasing slots, and an opportunity to heighten awareness and increase
exposure for Canada’s country music artists. Originally founded as the Academy of Country Music Entertainment
in September 1976 during an “RPM Magazine” function, the first Board of Directors under President Hank Smith
set out to organize, promote and develop a Canadian country music industry,
which included the founding of Country Music Week. The very first awards presented in coordination with Country Music
Week were the RPM Big Country Awards. It wasn’t until 1982 that the association inaugurated its very own Canadian
Country Music Association Awards.
In 1987, the organization’s name was officially changed to the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA).
Growing in both reputation and experience, the CCMA was able to secure a broadcast partnership with CTV Television
which allowed the 1987 Canadian Country Music Association Awards to be televised for the first time coast to coast
to coast. The CCMA continued its partnership with CTV until 1998.
It was in 1999 that the CCMA entered into a new partnership, now with CBC Television, with encore broadcasts on CMT
in Canada. The 2005 Canadian Country Music Association Awards were also broadcast for the first time on the U.S.
Network GAC (Great American Country) and on CMC (Country Music Channel) in Australia.
It can be said that music is the very soul of this country, and reflects the true identity of Canada.
As the country genre evolves to embrace new styles, it is reflecting new versions of our Canadian identity,
as well as our heritage. Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards
continue to be a celebration of the music and the artists that represent our unique culture.
CCMA AWARDS OVERVIEW
Each year, the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) honours its members who have excelled during the past year, with a Canadian Country Music Association Award.
The CCMA Awards are voted upon by the membership* in a three stage ballot process; during the first of which,
potential Candidates who have released product within the eligibility period and meet the criteria outlined
in the Rules & Regulations, are brought forward for consideration and nominated by the voting membership through
a ‘write-in’ ballot. The Second Ballot presents the top ten eligible contenders, as verified by the Awards and Balloting
Committee, who have received the most votes in each category to be voted upon for the Third (and final) Ballot,
which contains the top five contenders in each category, who become the final five nominees.
Click here to view the Rules & Regulations for the CCMA Awards Program.
Should you have an idea for a potential new CCMA Award category, please contact Karina Davison at the CCMA office
at kdavison@ccma.org or at 416-947-1331 ext. 218. Click here to review the CCMA Award Category Submission Form.
* Only CCMA Members who have renewed before May 1 may vote; this process does not apply to Fans’ Choice,
Top Selling Album of the Year, Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year, and Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year,
all of which have their own unique selection process (see 2022 Rules & Regulations for details).
AWARD CATEGORIES
ARTIST AWARDS (15 AWARDS)
Entertainer of the Year (Award #1)
Album of the Year (Award #2)
Fans’ Choice (Award #3)
Female Artist of the Year (Award #4)
Group or Duo of the Year (Award #5)
Interactive Artist or Group of the Year (Award #6)
Male Artist of the Year (Award #7)
Rising Star (Award #8)
Alternative Country Album of the Year (Award #9)
Single of the Year (Award #10)
Songwriter(s) of the Year (Award #11)
Top Selling Album of the Year (Award #12) (Not Included)
Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year (Award #13) (Not Included)
Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year (Award #14) (Not Included)
Video of the Year (Award #15)