What Is 2013 Country Music Association Awards

Overview

The 2013 Country Music Association Awards celebrated the most influential artists, songs, and performances in country music during the eligibility year. Broadcast live from Nashville, the event marked its 47th annual ceremony and continued its tradition of spotlighting excellence in the genre.

Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood for the sixth consecutive year, the 2013 CMAs featured high-energy performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and major milestones for rising stars. The night was defined by breakthrough wins and consistent dominance from established favorites.

• Kacey Musgraves made history by winning five awards, including New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for "Same Trailer Different Park".
• Blake Shelton became the first artist in over 30 years to win Entertainer of the Year three times in a row, previously achieved by Alabama in the 1980s.
• The ceremony took place on November 6, 2013, at the Bridgestone Arena, a venue that has hosted the CMAs multiple times.
• "Mama's Broken Heart" by Miranda Lambert won Musical Event of the Year, a rare win for a female solo artist in a competitive category.
• "We Were Us" by Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert was nominated in multiple categories but did not win any awards despite strong commercial performance.

How It Works

The CMA Awards selection process involves voting by members of the Country Music Association, which includes industry professionals such as artists, broadcasters, and executives. Categories are determined by eligibility periods, membership votes, and performance metrics.

• Eligibility Period: Releases and performances between July 2012 and June 2013 were considered for the 2013 awards. This timeframe ensures fair representation across the industry cycle.
• Voting Members: Over 6,000 CMA members are eligible to vote, with ballots distributed in multiple rounds to determine nominees and winners.
• Entertainer of the Year: This is the most prestigious award, based on overall impact, touring success, and popularity across the eligibility year.
• Album of the Year: Awarded to the artist and producer of the most critically acclaimed country album, judged on artistic merit and commercial performance.
• Single of the Year: Recognizes the best-performing single based on chart position, radio airplay, and sales during the eligibility window.
• New Artist of the Year: Given to breakthrough performers who released their first major-label single or album within the eligibility period.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key winners and nominees from the 2013 CMAs across major categories:

This year highlighted a shift toward younger, genre-blending artists like Kacey Musgraves, while still honoring established figures such as George Strait, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The competition reflected both commercial dominance and artistic innovation in country music.

Why It Matters

The 2013 CMA Awards had a lasting impact on the country music landscape, shaping careers and influencing industry trends. The recognition of artists like Musgraves signaled a growing openness to progressive themes and songwriting depth in mainstream country.

• Kacey Musgraves' success helped pave the way for more female artists in a male-dominated industry, especially in production and songwriting roles.
• Blake Shelton's triple win solidified his status as a genre leader and boosted his profile on "The Voice," increasing cross-platform visibility.
• The broadcast reached over 13.7 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched CMA ceremonies in recent years.
• "Same Trailer Different Park" saw a 40% increase in sales the week following the awards, demonstrating the "CMA bump" effect.
• The inclusion of socially conscious lyrics in winning songs encouraged more diverse storytelling in country music.
• Hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood maintained high ratings and critical praise for their chemistry and comedic timing.

The 2013 CMAs not only honored excellence but also reflected broader changes in country music’s cultural direction, balancing tradition with modern innovation.