2018-CMA-Awards-Program-Book

CONTENTS

28 86

8 16 32

INTRODUCTION WELCOME FROM BOARD ENTERTAINER OF
CHAIRMAN BILL SIMMONS AND THE YEAR NOMINEES
10
BOARD PRESIDENT 44
APPEARING AT JODY WILLIAMS
THE CMA AWARDS NOMINATED ARTISTS
18
12 74
WELCOME FROM CMA
WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT CEO SARAH TRAHERN MUSICIAN OF THE
DONALD J. TRUMP YEAR NOMINEES
22
14 76
NOMINEES ANNOUNCEMENT
WELCOME FROM TENNESSEE NOMINATED PRODUCERS
GOVERNOR BILL HASLAM AND 24 AND MIX ENGINEERS

NASHVILLE MAYOR “THE 52ND ANNUAL CMA 77
DAVID BRILEY AWARDS” NOMINEES
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
28

HOSTS BRAD PAISLEY AND
CARRIE UNDERWOOD

2 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

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CONTENTS 80 112 146

MUSIC VIDEO OF PLATINUM ORGANIZATIONAL 2017 CMA AWARDS RED
THE YEAR NOMINEES CMA MEMBERS CARPET, PRESENTERS AND

82 114 PERFORMERS

SONG OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL 152
YEAR NOMINEES CMA MEMBERS
2017 CMA AWARDS WINNERS
86 124
154
CMA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS PAST CMA AWARDS WINNERS
CMA AWARDS PARTNERS
94 136
156
RED CARPET READY CMA BROADCAST AWARDS
CREDITS
100 142
162
COUNTRY COLLABORATIONS CMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THANK YOU
108

CMA’S COUNTRY MUSIC HALL
OF FAME 2018 INDUCTEES

94

100

4 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



The Business of Music.

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WELCOME

DONN JONES/CMA

COUNTRY WE WELCOME YOU TO THE GRANDEST TRADITION IN ALL
MUSIC’S OF COUNTRY MUSIC – “THE 52ND ANNUAL CMA AWARDS.”
BIGGEST
NIGHT™  The Country Music Association celebrates its 60th year as an organization, and one of
its crowning achievements is the creation of this esteemed event.
WEDNESDAY,
NOV 14, 2018 In 1967, the first CMA Awards – known at the time as the “CMA Awards Banquet and
BRIDGESTONE Show” – was held to recognize the most deserving in our industry. This tradition has
continued, and this show’s longevity is cemented as the longest-running televised
ARENA live Awards show.
NASHVILLE,
TENNESSEE Even though the sounds and styles have transformed over the years with the
changing times, the heart of this mission remains the same. Tonight we honor the
best of the best with this year-end gala in the heart of Music City. We gather each
November and deliver the iconic crystal CMA Award trophy to all of those who
deserve Country Music’s highest honors, whether they are music video directors,
songwriters, artists, producers, mix engineers or musicians.

We thank all the nominees for making 2018 a great year for Country! To the night’s
winners – congratulations on your grand achievement! 

Throughout the night, we encourage use of the hashtag #CMAawards on Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram to help celebrate tonight’s winners and performers. 

Now, it’s time for history to be made. It’s time to honor the 2018 CMA Awards.
It’s time to witness powerful performances, to be surprised by special guest
appearances — and to celebrate all CMA Awards nominees.  

Most importantly, from all of us at CMA, we hope you enjoy the show! 

FIND CMA ON

CMA AWARD  THE CMA AWARDS IS PRODUCED BY
CMAAWARDS.COM | #CMAAWARDS
CMA Award Height: 15 inches
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Material: Fine Italian crystal from Florence, Italy
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8 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



APPEARING ARTISTS JAKE MATTHEWS MILLER MOBLEY BEN RITTER JIM WRIGHT

LAUREN ALAINA JASON ALDEAN KELSEA BALLERINI DIERKS BENTLEY BOBBY BONES

MARK TUCKER ALYSSE GAFKJEN JIM WRIGHT ANN ALLISTER JIM WRIGHT

GARTH BROOKS BROTHERS OSBORNE LUKE BRYAN KENNY CHESNEY LUKE COMBS

MIKE ROSENTHAL PATRICK TRACY RYAN SMITH CANTERBURY
PHOTOGRAPHY

OLIVIA CULPO DAN + SHAY FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE MACKENZIE FOY

JIM WRIGHT GINA BINKLEY BECKY FLUKE WILLIAMS+HIRAKAWA

VINCE GILL SIERRA HULL MIRANDA LAMBERT LITTLE BIG TOWN

HARPER SMITH JOHN SHEARER COURTESY OF DAVID JAMIE NELSON
LEE MURPHY

MIDLAND MAREN MORRIS DAVID LEE MURPHY KACEY MUSGRAVES

DOVE SHORE JEFF LIPSKY MILLER MOBLEY SASHA SAMSONOVA

OLD DOMINION BRAD PAISLEY PISTOL ANNIES BEBE REXHA

JOHN SHEARER CARSON PHOTOWORKS CHRIS STRONG ANDY BARRON

THOMAS RHETT RICKY SKAGGS MAVIS STAPLES CHRIS STAPLETON

ALYSSE GAFKJEN RANDEE ST. NICHOLAS MARK SELIGER CHAPMAN BAEHLER

MARTY STUART CARRIE UNDERWOOD KEITH URBAN BRETT YOUNG

and more...

10 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

OFFICIAL SOFT DRINK OF THE

COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION

congrats
to all the
nominees

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WELCOME

12 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

NEVEEERDYS ADRREUANMWAY.

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takes them. Tonight we honor those who create their own sound, blaze new
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Official airline partner of the 2018 CMA Awards®.

WELCOME On behalf of the State of Tennessee, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Nashville,
home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall
BILL HASLAM, of Fame, for “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards.” We are certainly proud to host the
GOVERNOR OF longest running annual music awards program on network television here in the
TENNESSEE Music City.

Though much has changed over five decades, this event is still one of the grandest
celebrations in all of music. It continues to recognize the talented individuals who are
taking a genre of music that is native to Tennessee and sharing this storied musical
heritage with enthusiastic audiences around the world.

Here in the Volunteer State, the CMA Foundation continues to make a difference
by promoting music education and the positive effects it has on students’ general
reading skills and verbal intelligence. I commend the association for its dedication to
this worthy cause.

Crissy and I offer our congratulations to the artists and industry professionals being
honored tonight and send our very best wishes to all of the fans who have gathered
to celebrate “Country Music’s Biggest Night.”

Warmest regards,

Bill Haslam

DAVID BRILEY, GREETINGS, COUNTRY MUSIC FANS!
MAYOR OF
NASHVILLE Welcome to Nashville for “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” - Country Music’s Biggest
Night!

As the new Mayor of our great city, I am thrilled to welcome all of the visitors and
attendees to this distinguished evening that showcases the best industry talent in
the world. We are excited that the Country Music Association has brought together
artists, industry leaders, and die-hard Country Music fans from around the globe to
celebrate this special evening of recognition and appreciation. Since 1967 this annual
music awards program has grown to become one of the premier, top-notch music
entertainment shows in the world .

While you are in town, I hope you have the opportunity to experience all the
wonderful sights, sounds, tastes and, of course, music that we have to offer. No
matter where you go or what you do, I’m sure that your stay will be enjoyable
because of the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the Nashvillians who
have given our city a world-renowned reputation for hospitality.

On behalf of the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County, thank you for being here
with us and best wishes for a memorable 52nd Annual CMA Awards Celebration.

Enjoy!

David Briley
14 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

TUESDAYS 10|9c

WELCOME HELLO, COUNTRY MUSIC FANS!

BILL SIMMONS, It is my honor to welcome you to “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards!” Sit back, relax
CMA CHAIRMAN and enjoy three hours that Country Music has to offer – all televised live on ABC
OF THE BOARD Television Network.

Tonight we celebrate the many talented professionals who have achieved the
highest levels of our genre, not only the artists but also songwriters, musicians,
producers, engineers and video directors. Over 7,200 CMA members have selected
our nominees and winners. Country Music’s Biggest Night will honor them all as well
as celebrate the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and also get a
glimpse of the future of Country Music.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are back for the 11th year. Their natural
charisma and quick-witted banter is sure to enhance an already incredible show.
Thank you Brad and Carrie for how you represent Country Music before millions of
people – not just tonight, but every day.

We would like to recognize and thank CMA CEO Sarah Trahern for her
inexhaustible leadership and passion for the Country Music community, CMA Board
of Directors for their tireless dedication, ABC Television for their ongoing support
and enthusiasm and the CMA staff and members, who are the infrastructure of the
Country Music community.

A sincere thanks goes to Executive Producer Robert Deaton, for sharing his
creativity and foresight as he brings the CMA Awards to millions! Country Music is
grateful for his commitment to deliver what is truly the most imaginative, elegant
and impactful Awards show on broadcast television.

JODY WILLIAMS, ARE YOU READY FOR COUNTRY MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT?
CMA BOARD
PRESIDENT “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” is Nashville’s night to shine on the world stage.
This show is a time-stamped picture of the current state of Country Music…
and what a picture it is! Whether it’s tried and true superstars, new artists who are
breaking boundaries, or never-before-seen collaborations, this telecast is designed to
chronicle our year and honor the best of the best.
Being nominated for, and winning a CMA Award is an honor that artists carry with
them their entire career. It is the ultimate acknowledgement that their music matters.
It matters to fans and it matters to the stakeholders who make up the Country Music
industry. Members of CMA, now over 7,000 strong, have selected tonight’s nominees
and winners. And now, we are about to find out who they are!
Country Music’s Biggest Night is always exciting, and always historic. This is
the 11th year Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood have hosted the show with an
undeniable chemistry that is always entertaining, moving, and full of surprises.
I’m especially proud of the staff of CMA who work all year insuring that the
organization is the best that it can be. Their leader, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, is
blessed with tremendous skill to manage this group and elevate CMA’s status as
the premiere music trade organization, year after year. She is truly a beacon in the
Country Music community. I’m also proud of our CMA Board of Directors who show
their dedication by providing the organization with focus and purpose. And a big
thank you to ABC Television for their ongoing support and enthusiasm.
Tonight, Executive Producer Robert Deaton will once again bring the CMA Awards
to life with a creative flair unmatched by any awards show on broadcast television.
So, thank you Robert, for your unwavering commitment to deliver Country Music’s
Biggest Night to the world.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

16 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

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WELCOME WELCOME TO COUNTRY MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT!

SARAH TRAHERN, While this is the 52nd edition of the CMA Awards, the Country Music Association
CMA CEO as an organization is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Six decades ago, a
small group of Country Music industry executives gathered in a Miami hotel room to
figure out how to best promote the genre that was fast losing its radio voice with
the ascension of rock ‘n’ roll on the airwaves. That September in 1958, CMA was born
as the first dedicated advocate organization whose sole purpose was to promote a
genre of music.

Through those 60 years, everything that this organization has done has been to
support our artists and lift up our industry. And that was the goal when the CMA
Awards was created in 1967 – to show the best of Country Music to the world.

Fast forward to tonight. This is one of the biggest nights of the year for our Country
Music community. It’s a night dedicated to honoring the artists, songwriters,
producers, engineers, and directors that have produced some stellar work over the
past year.

I am so proud of how far we have come as an organization and as a community over
the past 60 years, not to mention the top-notch television production that the CMA
Awards has become. All of the players that have made this event happen – CMA
staff, production team, board members, artists and their teams, musicians, our terrific
hosts, and everyone in between – are dedicated to creating a show that pays tribute
to those who laid the foundation before us while celebrating those that will carry us
into the future.

Our hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are a perfect representation of that
reverence. They, along with Executive Producer Robert Deaton, dedicate their time
and attention all year long to creating those unmistakable moments that we hope
people will be talking about for the next 60 years.

As I think about that day in the Miami hotel in 1958, I wonder if they had any inkling
when they gathered what they set in motion and how 60 years later Country Music
would have the prominence and platform it has today.

Living up to their example and continuing their mission of advancing Country Music
around the world is what drives us at CMA. That mission is most visible in the CMA
Awards, but the care and attention we devote to everything we do is also evident
in our member outreach, our various industry and international initiatives, and
our ongoing belief in the power of music to enrich lives, reflect truth, and provide
comfort.

Tonight’s gala is the culmination of that effort. For six decades, CMA has been
uniting the industry by bringing us together. And together we will celebrate our
best during “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards.”

Enjoy the night!

18 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

Hillary Scott, Anderson East,

MTSU alum, multiple MTSU alum, recording
award-winning performer artist, and composer

Joseph Llanes Joshua Black Wilkins

WE ARE MUSIC.

Our alumni are award-winning,
industry-shaping professionals.
Our faculty includes successful
music professionals and
accomplished educators.
Our students excel because our
classroom is the real world.
We are music—and proud of it.

mtsu.edu/WeAreMusic

0818-6373 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, or disability. See our full policy at www.mtsu.edu/iec.





HIGHLIGHTS FROMNOMINEES ANNOUNCEMENT
“THE 52ND ANNUAL CMA AWARDS”
NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT KAYLA SCHOEN/CMA

On Tuesday, August 28th Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay and
Sugarland announced the final nominees for “The 52nd
Annual CMA Awards” on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” live
from Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville.
The artists revealed six categories live on air during “Good
Morning America,” followed by a livestream where the
remaining six categories as well as the nine CMA Broadcast
Awards categories and nominees were announced.

22 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

We Celebrate

THIS YEAR’S CMA AWARDS®
WINNERS NOMINEES

®

©2018 Meredith Corporation

LIST OF NOMINEES ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR ALBUM OF THE YEAR SONG OF THE YEAR

Jason Aldean (AWARD GOES TO ARTIST AND PRODUCERS) (AWARD GOES TO SONGWRITERS)
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney From A Room: Volume 2 “Body Like A Back Road”
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban CHRIS STAPLETON ZACH CROWELL, SAM HUNT, SHANE McANALLY,
PRODUCERS: DAVE COBB AND CHRIS STAPLETON JOSH OSBORNE
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR MERCURY NASHVILLE / UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE
“Broken Halos”
Dierks Bentley Golden Hour
Luke Combs MIKE HENDERSON, CHRIS STAPLETON
Thomas Rhett KACEY MUSGRAVES
Chris Stapleton PRODUCERS: IAN FITCHUK, DANIEL TASHIAN “Drowns the Whiskey”
Keith Urban
AND KACEY MUSGRAVES BRANDON KINNEY, JEFF MIDDLETON,
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR MERCURY NASHVILLE / UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE JOSH THOMPSON

Kelsea Ballerini Graffiti U “Drunk Girl”
Miranda Lambert
KEITH URBAN SCOOTER CARUSOE, TOM DOUGLAS, CHRIS JANSON
Maren Morris PRODUCERS: KEITH URBAN, DAN McCARROLL,
Kacey Musgraves “Tequila”
Carrie Underwood J.R. ROTEM, JOSH KERR, JASON EVIGAN,
GREG WELLS, BENNY BLANCO, ED SHEERAN, NICOLLE GALYON, JORDAN REYNOLDS, DAN SMYERS
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR JOHNNY McDAID, JESSE SHATKIN, JIMMY ROBBINS,
OSCAR HOLTER, MATT RAD, ERIC VALENTINE, IAN MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum KIRKPATRICK, MIKE ELIZONDO, CAPTAIN CUTS, ROSS
LANCO COPPERMAN, DANN HUFF AND PETER KARLSSON “Burning Man”

Little Big Town CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE / DIERKS BENTLEY FEATURING BROTHERS OSBORNE
Midland UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE
“Dear Hate”
Old Dominion Life Changes
MAREN MORRIS (FEATURING VINCE GILL)
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR THOMAS RHETT
PRODUCERS: JULIAN BUNETTA, JESSE FRASURE, “Drowns the Whiskey”
Brothers Osborne DANN HUFF, JOE LONDON AND THOMAS RHETT
Dan + Shay JASON ALDEAN (FEATURING MIRANDA LAMBERT)
THE VALORY MUSIC CO.
Florida Georgia Line “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”
Maddie & Tae The Mountain
Sugarland DAVID LEE MURPHY (WITH KENNY CHESNEY)
DIERKS BENTLEY
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRODUCERS: ROSS COPPERMAN, JON RANDALL “Meant to Be”

Lauren Alaina STEWART AND ARTURO BUENAHORA JR. BEBE REXHA & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE
Luke Combs CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE /
Chris Janson MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE
Midland (AWARD GOES TO ARTIST(S) AND DIRECTOR)
Brett Young SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“Babe”
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR (AWARD GOES TO ARTIST(S), PRODUCER(S),
AND MIX ENGINEER) SUGARLAND (FEATURING TAYLOR SWIFT)
Jerry Douglas DIRECTOR: ANTHONY MANDLER
“Broken Halos”
DOBRO “Cry Pretty”
CHRIS STAPLETON
Paul Franklin PRODUCERS: DAVE COBB AND CHRIS STAPLETON CARRIE UNDERWOOD
DIRECTOR: RANDEE ST. NICHOLAS
STEEL GUITAR MIX ENGINEER: VANCE POWELL
“Drunk Girl”
Dann Huff “Drinkin’ Problem”
CHRIS JANSON
GUITAR MIDLAND DIRECTOR: JEFF VENABLE
PRODUCERS: DANN HUFF, SHANE McANALLY
Mac McAnally “Marry Me”
AND JOSH OSBORNE
GUITAR MIX ENGINEER: JUSTIN NIEBANK THOMAS RHETT
DIRECTOR: TK McKAMY
Derek Wells “Drowns the Whiskey”
“Tequila”
GUITAR JASON ALDEAN (FEATURING MIRANDA LAMBERT)
PRODUCER: MICHAEL KNOX DAN + SHAY
MIX ENGINEER: JEFF BRAUN DIRECTOR: PATRICK TRACY

“Meant to Be”

BEBE REXHA & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE
PRODUCER: WILSHIRE

MIX ENGINEER: SERBAN GHENEA

“Tequila”

DAN + SHAY
PRODUCERS: SCOTT HENDRICKS AND DAN SMYERS

MIX ENGINEER: JEFF JULIANO

24 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



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HOSTS BRAD PAISLEY AND
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
BEYOND A DECADE ED HERRERA

This year marks the 11th consecutive
year Brad Paisley and Carrie
Underwood will return to host
the CMA Awards. And during that
incredible streak (which puts them
just one year behind CMA Awards
icon Vince Gill’s dozen years hosting
from 1992 - 2003), Underwood and
Paisley have become as much part
of the CMA Awards night as the
awards and the performances.

All you have to do is look at the
CMA Awards recaps after the
show to see how much fans and
press look forward to Paisley

and Underwood’s monologue.
In 2015 Rolling Stone wrote,
“The CMA Awards may be all about
the red-hot live performances and
the eye-popping fashions (with a
few awards thrown into the mix),
but eight-time co-hosts Brad
Paisley and Carrie Underwood have
hooked viewers from minute one
with an opening segment filled with
topical humor with a Country twist.”

So what is the secret to their
longevity and success as the show’s
hosts? In an interview with Good
Morning America last year Paisley
said, “We work really hard on this,
trying to come up with something.”

Underwood added, “We do. And
there’s always new music and new
artists and things like that. That’s
one way.”

GMA’s Robin Roberts mentioned
in the interview her particular
fondness for the pair’s 2012 dance

(continued on page 30)

28 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



HOSTS Paisley pointed out in that same
GMA interview, they like to joke
2013 JOHN RUSSELL/CMA 2014 JOHN RUSSELL/CMA around with Tim McGraw and
Faith Hill. And, as Underwood
2015 DONN JONES/CMA 2016 DONN JONES/CMA added, they play along.

2017 DONN JONES/CMA 2017 JOHN RUSSELL/CMA “And they’ve been up for it, which
is great. It’s great when you have
routine to Psy’s international smash, “We are willing to make ourselves those artists who can laugh at
“Gangnam Style.” look terrible. We just put it all out themselves and play along and
there,” Underwood elaborated. they love it,” she said.
“We had a choreographer and
everything backstage,” Underwood They of course never make For example, the famous Hank
said of that memorable moment. themselves look terrible, but Williams Jr. parody in 2011. After
their willingness to poke fun at Williams’ infamous scandal in 2011,
“Mostly for me,” Paisley added, then themselves is why other artists are when he compared then President
said, after looking at the clip, “That’s so receptive to what have become Obama to Hitler during an
me being willing to do anything for the signature parody songs. As interview, Paisley and Underwood
this show.” poked fun at Williams in song.
“Stop and think it over / Let me
help you get the picture / You
can get drunk and start carrying
on / But you can’t compare the
President to Hitler,” they sang
“unaware” of Williams creeping up
behind them in the background.

“It was all Brad’s idea,”
Underwood joked, then the
three jumped into “All My Rowdy
Friends Are Coming Over
Tonight.”

But what makes the dynamic
special is the obvious friendship
and camaraderie between the two.
Naming their best moments, Taste
of Country said without question
No. 1 came in 2014 in a segment
now known as “The Reveal.”

A pregnant Underwood whispered
the sex of her unborn baby to
Paisley, who grinned devilishly.
“I’m so happy,” he said. “I know
something you all don’t know.
Suck it, TMZ.” A bit later on when
the pair were speaking about
Garth Brooks, Paisley blurted out,
“Hey, we can name him Garth.”

Underwood feigned being
indignant, though the audience of
friends knew better, loving how
much the dynamic duo give of
themselves to make for a great
night for all involved.

30 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



JASON ALDEAN ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

32 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS MILLER MOBLEY

Congratulations

on your CMA® Nominations

Entertainer of the Year
Single of the Year

“Drowns The Whiskey”

Musical Event of the Year
“Drowns The Whiskey”

LUKE BRYAN ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

34 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS JIM WRIGHT

CongratulationS

Especially our Clients:

Kenny Chesney Little Big Town
Dan + Shay Kacey Musgraves
Jerry Douglas
Florida Georgia Line Old Dominion
Chris Janson Josh Osborne
Lady Antebellum Thomas Rhett
Miranda Lambert Sugarland

Josh Thompson

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KENNY CHESNEY ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

36 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS ANN ALLISTER



ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

ANDY BARRON

CHRIS STAPLETON

38 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

Congratulations

cshtraipsletonSoundExchangeMember
on your 5 Country Music Association
Awards® nominations

Best of luck to you and all the SoundExchange members
nominated for the 52nd Country Music Association Awards®

Bebe Rexha (2) Jason Aldean (3) Luke Combs (2)
Mac McAnally
Brett Young Jerry Douglas Maddie & Tae
Maren Morris (2)
Brothers Osborne (2) Kacey Musgraves (2) Midland (3)
Miranda Lambert (3)
Carrie Underwood (2) Keith Urban (3) Old Dominion
Sugarland (2)
Chris Janson (3) Kelsea Ballerini Taylor Swift
Thomas Rhett (3)
Chris Stapleton (5) Kenny Chesney (2) Vince Gill

Dan + Shay (3) Lady Antebellum

David Lee Murphy LANCO

Derek Wells Lauren Alaina

Dierks Bentley (3) Little Big Town

Florida Georgia Line (3) Luke Bryan

KEITH URBAN ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

40 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS MARK SELIGER



CONGRATUL ATIONS TO THE 52ND ANNUAL

CMA AWARDS NOMINEES

The Private Banking and Investment Group at Merrill Lynch is committed
to supporting individuals and organizations that inspire and enrich our
lives through their dedication to the world of arts and culture.

Klindt, Cole & Associates

Eric T. Klindt, CIMA®
Managing Director – Wealth Management
Private Wealth Advisor
[email protected]

Christy L. Cole, CFP®
Senior Vice President – Wealth Management
Private Wealth Advisor
[email protected]

222 Second Avenue South
Suite 2500
Nashville, TN 37201
615.747.5625

www.pwa.ml.com/klindtcole

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LAUREN ALAINANOMINATED ARTISTS

JAKE MATTHEWS NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Blessed with a powerful set of pipes, Lauren Alaina
applied heat to a set of notably personal songs on
her 2016 breakthrough album Road Less Traveled.
She revisited a personal friendship this past year,
joining former schoolmate Kane Brown on “What
Ifs,” certified triple-platinum by the RIAA in June.
Following a run on Jason Aldean’s tour this summer,
Alaina hits the highway this fall with Cole Swindell
and Dustin Lynch.

JASON ALDEAN

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Among Jason Aldean’s 2018 concert highlights are a
sold-out stadium date at Atlanta’s SunTrust Park, a
stop at the historic Madison Square Garden and an
appearance at the last hometown concert for Lynyrd
Skynyrd, one of his influences. Aldean channeled
another influence when he sang Tom Petty’s “I Won’t
Back Down” on “Saturday Night Live” to make a
defiant statement for Nashville’s creative community
in the wake of the Las Vegas Route 91 shooting. He
has amassed 17 CMA nominations over his career,
including four for Entertainer of the Year.

MILLER MOBLEY

44 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



KELSEA BALLERININOMINATED ARTISTS

BEN RITTER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Making her fourth straight appearance in the Female
Vocalist final five, Kelsea Ballerini has accrued a
half-dozen nominations overall, ably fitting her
girl-next-door resonance into the heart of the
genre’s mainstream. Her November 2017 release
Unapologetically affirmed both her vocal skill and
songwriting prowess. It also brought her a #1 single
with “Legends” and a follow-up hit, “I Hate Love
Songs.” To date, she’s notched six gold and platinum
certifications from the RIAA.

DIERKS BENTLEY

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

This marks the seventh year – and fifth in a row –
that Dierks Bentley has made the final five for Male
Vocalist, thanks to a gritty tone that he regularly
re-frames with ever-changing musical styles. He’s
amassed two dozen nominations total in his 15-year
career, including three wins. Bentley’s expanded his
influence, too, with the Whiskey Row club chain, the
Desert Son fashion line and his own concert event,
the Seven Peaks Music Festival.

JIM WRIGHT

46 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CMA AWARDS® NOMINEES

BLACK RIVER RECORDS’

KELSEA BALLERINI

FEMALE VOCALIST
OF THE YEAR

BLACK RIVER PUBLISHING’S

JOSH KERR

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(PRODUCER)

GRAFFITI U – KEITH URBAN

AND JOSH OSBORNE

FOR HIS SINGLE OF THE YEAR (PRODUCER) NOMINATION*

“DRINKIN’ PROBLEM” - RECORDED BY MIDLAND

*“DRINKIN’ PROBLEM” IS CO-PUBLISHED BY BLACK RIVER PUBLISHING

“…BLACK RIVER HAS BECOME ONE OF
NASHVILLE’S MOST SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS.”

- BILLBOARD MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2018

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE BEEN
A N D R E M A I N A PA R T O F O U R S TO R Y.

BROTHERS OSBORNENOMINATED ARTISTS

ALYSSE GAFKJEN VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

John and T.J. Osborne’s mix of Country, blues and
Southern rock has led the Maryland transplants
to two straight Vocal Duo wins, and they go for
a threepeat with this year’s fourth Vocal Duo
nomination. Brothers Osborne chase this one behind
a sophomore album, Port Saint Joe, recorded in
a Florida beach house. Current single “Shoot Me
Straight” highlights the core of their sound: T.J.’s
maple-fused drawl and John’s deft guitar work.

LUKE BRYAN

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

With 13 stadiums on his What Makes You Country
Tour calendar – including the first-ever Country con-
cert at Dodger Stadium – Luke Bryan landed among
the Entertainer of the Year contenders for the sixth
straight year. He has won the trophy twice previously
and continued in 2018 to apply the musical tenets
that brought him to this level, balancing meaningful
songs (“Most People Are Good”), summer celebra-
tions (“Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset”) and edgy-sound-
ing fare (“Light It Up”).

JIM WRIGHT

48 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS