The Country Music Association has announced changes to its CMA Touring Awards, which recognize behind-the-scenes members of the country music touring community.
New this year, the 2023 CMA Touring Awards will add five categories to its current 15 categories. CMA members will soon be able to vote for crew, backline technician, stage manager, support services company and unsung hero of the year.
In addition, the balloting process for the 2023 CMA Touring Awards has been updated. A nomination round will take place between Friday, Oct. 6 and Thursday, Oct. 19, allowing eligible CMA professional voting members the opportunity to nominate individuals/companies in all 20 categories while providing a brief explanation for their nomination.
A CMA Touring Awards nominations task force will then review the top 20 nominated individuals/companies in each category and determine the finalists.
A final round of voting between Wednesday, Dec. 13, and Thursday, Dec. 28, will allow eligible CMA professional voting members to cast their vote among the top five to eight finalists in each category.
The 2023 CMA Touring Awards ceremony is expected to be held in Nashville in early 2024.
The CMA Touring Awards, originally called the SRO (Standing Room Only) Awards, were created by the CMA board of directors in 1990. The first awards were presented at a black-tie gala during CMA’s Entertainment Expo, also known as the Talent Buyers Entertainment Marketplace. The SRO Awards were renamed the CMA Touring Awards in 2016.
Here are details on the five new CMA Touring Award categories:
Crew of the Year
This award honors the entire crew of a country music tour that executed a multi-city run of shows during the eligibility period. The award recognizes the crew that has consistently demonstrated outstanding professionalism, skills, teamwork, hospitality, innovation and excellence in all aspects of their work. This award is not necessarily for the team supporting the biggest or top-selling tour of the year, but for the crew that has clearly demonstrated the most heart and spirit on the road, making the biggest overall contribution to elevating country music.
Backline Technician of the Year
This award goes to a backline technician who has demonstrated technical proficiency in ensuring exceptional musician and/or artist support on a country tour during the eligibility period.
Stage Manager of the Year
This award goes to a stage manager who has been instrumental in organizing and executing a country tour during the eligibility period.
Support Services Company of the Year
This award goes to a support services company that has maintained high professional standards and delivered creative and innovative ideas through their services provided to a country tour during the eligibility period. This may include video, lighting, merchandise, security, sound equipment leasing, transportation, catering, staging and other touring support services companies.
Unsung Hero of the Year
This award goes to a touring professional who has made invaluable contributions behind the scenes and served as a vital part of a country tour during the eligibility period. The recipient of this award has gone above and beyond their assigned duties and has worked tirelessly to elevate the overall experience for everyone on the tour. Individuals who are eligible to be nominated in the other CMA Touring Award categories are not eligible to be nominated for this award category.
