What Is 2009 Country Music Association Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Country Music Association Awards, held on November 11, 2009, at the Sommet Center in Nashville, honored top achievements in country music; Taylor Swift won Entertainer of the Year, becoming the youngest recipient at age 20.

Key Facts

The 2009 CMA Awards took place on November 11, 2009, at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Taylor Swift won Entertainer of the Year, making her the youngest artist ever to receive the honor at age 20.
Brad Paisley hosted the ceremony for the third consecutive year, delivering his trademark humor and musical performances.
Taylor Swift’s album 'Fearless' won Album of the Year, having sold over 6 million copies in the U.S. by 2009.
The event was broadcast live on ABC, drawing approximately 12.1 million viewers.

Overview

The 2009 Country Music Association Awards celebrated the year's most outstanding achievements in country music, recognizing artists, songwriters, and performers across multiple categories. Held on November 11, 2009, the ceremony took place at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee, marking a milestone year for young talent and crossover success.

Hosted by Brad Paisley for the third straight year, the event combined humor, live performances, and emotional acceptance speeches. Taylor Swift emerged as the night's biggest winner, making history with her Entertainer of the Year win, a rare feat for an artist so young.

November 11, 2009: The 43rd annual CMA Awards were held on this date at the Sommet Center in Nashville, drawing top stars and a national television audience.
Taylor Swift: At age 20, she became the youngest artist ever to win Entertainer of the Year, surpassing previous record-holder George Strait, who was 31 when he won.
Brad Paisley: Served as host for the third consecutive year, known for his witty monologues and musical parodies that opened the show.
Fearless Album: Taylor Swift’s 'Fearless' won Album of the Year, having sold over 6 million copies in the U.S. alone by the end of 2009.
ABC Broadcast: The live telecast reached approximately 12.1 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched CMA ceremonies in recent years.

Major Winners and Categories

The 2009 CMA Awards featured a competitive lineup across 12 categories, with several artists earning multiple nominations and wins. Performances and awards highlighted both established legends and rising stars in the genre.

Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift won the night’s top honor, edging out veterans like Brad Paisley and Keith Urban.
Male Vocalist of the Year: Brad Paisley took home the award, marking his second win in the category after 2007.
Female Vocalist of the Year: Carrie Underwood won for the third time, having previously won in 2006 and 2007.
Single of the Year: 'I Told You So' by Randy Travis, re-released as a duet with Carrie Underwood, won for its chart-topping revival.
Music Video of the Year: Taylor Swift’s 'Love Story' music video won, praised for its Shakespearean theme and cinematic quality.
Album of the Year: 'Fearless' by Taylor Swift won, cementing her status as a dominant force in country and pop crossover music.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2009 CMA Awards compare to previous years in key categories and viewership metrics:

Category	2009 Winner	2008 Winner	Notable Change
Entertainer of the Year	Taylor Swift	George Strait	First win by an artist under 25 since 1984
Male Vocalist	Brad Paisley	Carrie Underwood*	*Category split by gender; Underwood won Female Vocalist
Female Vocalist	Carrie Underwood	Carrie Underwood	Back-to-back win for Underwood
Album of the Year	Fearless – Taylor Swift	Lost in the Fifties Tonight – Randy Travis	Swift’s album sold 3x more than 2008 winner
Viewership	12.1 million	11.8 million	3% increase from 2008

The 2009 ceremony marked a generational shift in country music, with younger artists like Swift and Underwood dominating over veteran acts. The rise in viewership reflected growing mainstream interest in country music, fueled by crossover hits and media visibility.

Why It Matters

The 2009 CMA Awards were a turning point in country music history, signaling the genre’s expanding appeal and the rising influence of younger artists. Taylor Swift’s historic win underscored a broader cultural shift, as country music began to dominate pop charts and digital platforms.

Youth Impact: Taylor Swift’s win at age 20 demonstrated that young artists could achieve the highest honors in a traditionally age-respectful genre.
Crossover Success: 'Fearless' blended country storytelling with pop melodies, helping country music reach wider, younger audiences.
Media Attention: The awards drew significant press coverage, boosting the visibility of country music beyond its core fanbase.
Female Leadership: Swift and Underwood’s dominance highlighted the growing role of women in country music’s mainstream success.
Viewership Growth: The 12.1 million viewers marked a positive trend, reversing years of declining ratings for awards shows.
Legacy Influence: The 2009 ceremony is often cited as a pivotal moment in the careers of Swift and Underwood, shaping the next decade of country music.

Ultimately, the 2009 CMA Awards not only honored excellence but also reflected the evolving identity of country music in the 21st century. As genre boundaries blurred, the event proved that country could be both traditional and transformative.