| Tonight, the annual country music awards are being | | | | ceremony. Country music fans are also part of the |
| held for the 45th year. The music awards are hosted | | | | process because they can vote for their favorite |
| by the music television channel CMT, and are | | | | music videos. The genre of music has become very |
| commonly known as the Academy of Country Music | | | | popular over the years because of new influences |
| Awards and not to be confused with the Country | | | | like country pop stars, online music channels, and |
| Music Association Awards (CMAs). This year, country | | | | Internet radio channels that play top country hits. A |
| legend Reba McEntire is hosting the awards | | | | lot of country music is also played on pop stations. |
| ceremony. The best of the best in country will be | | | | Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum are two examples |
| filling the room and awards will be given out to | | | | of cross over country acts. Country did not used to |
| amazingly talented country singers. | | | | get the same hype as pop music, but times have |
| The Academy of Country Music was founded in Los | | | | certainly changed and country awards shows and |
| Angeles, California forty six years ago. The academy | | | | music is listened to by millions across the world. |
| was founded to promote country in the western | | | | There are many different awards given out |
| United States, because it was mostly popular in the | | | | throughout the night. The two most coveted and |
| Midwest. The host, Reba McEntire, has hosted the | | | | prestigious awards are the artist of the decade and |
| awards ceremony more times than anyone else has. | | | | entertainer of the year awards. George Strait won |
| This will be her twelfth time hosting the star studded | | | | the artist of the decade award for the 2000s. Last |
| night. If you love country, then you know Reba. She | | | | year, Carrie Underwood was awarded entertainer of |
| is a legend in the industry and has been recording and | | | | the year. Other awards that are handed out are: top |
| producing music since 1975. She has also won the | | | | male and female vocalist, song of the year, album of |
| most Academy of Country Music Awards for best | | | | the year, top vocal group and duo, top new artist |
| female vocalist topping the charts with 7 awards. | | | | and group, vocal event of the year, video of the |
| There are a lot of awards to be given out at this | | | | year, and the triple crown award. |