WELCOME TO the 47th annual cma awards
Dear Friends and Fans, Welcome to “The 47th Annual CMA Awards” live from Nashville, Tenn. on the ABC Television Network. It is with great pleasure and an honor to share with you “Country Music’s Biggest Night!” The CMA proudly acts as the tie that binds together an entire Country community working tirelessly to bring America’s music to fans around the world. We welcome all of you, fans and industry alike, as we recognize and celebrate the musical achievements and entertainment excellence of our 2013 CMA Awards nominees. As an industry, we not only look back tonight to the outstanding work of the genre’s recording artists, but we also hold up the outstanding work of the producers, directors, musicians, songwriters, radio stations and all the many men and women who work behind the scenes creating, marketing and promoting Country Music worldwide. I, along with our CMA Board of Directors, CMA Board President Ed Hardy and the CMA staff, congratulate all our honored nominees for their limitless passion and effort in reaching new audiences. For the past five years, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood have brought their never-ending enthusiasm and talent to the show each year, and for that we thank them. As they host their sixth consecutive show, the many hours of writing, preparation, promotion and rehearsals that it takes to host this show deserves a round of applause. Carrie and Brad are representatives of the greatest talent in Country Music, and exemplify the strength and future of this genre. I also express my gratitude to our Executive Producer Robert Deaton for his passion and creativity, and to everyone at ABC for their important partnership with CMA in delivering America’s music to the world. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as CMA Chairman of the Board and to work with such gifted and creative talent. I can’t imagine a vocation that could bring me more joy and fulfillment. Thank you for making “Country Music’s Biggest Night” part of your lives. Enjoy the show!
Troy Tomlinson, CMA Board Chairman
Dear Fans and Friends, On behalf of the Country Music Association, the Board of Directors, and the more than 6,500 CMA members worldwide, it is my pleasure to welcome you to “The 47th Annual CMA Awards,” broadcast live from Music City, U.S.A. on ABC. Tonight is an exciting time for the entire Country Music community, as we gather to recognize those who have achieved the highest levels in the genre. The CMA Award is a unique recognition of excellence that has become Country’s pinnacle of achievement since the first Awards took place in 1967 at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville. Today, the crystal CMA Award is the ultimate career milestone for the Country artists, songwriters, directors and producers who work year-round to delight and entertain fans worldwide. There is no better illustration of the dedication and excellence in the Country genre than through the work of Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, who are celebrating their sixth consecutive year as cohosts. We are grateful for the time they spend away from their own highly successful careers to prepare for this special night. We are fortunate to have them as ambassadors for Country Music, and we cannot thank them enough for the passion, joy and humor they bring each year to the CMA Awards. The CMA Awards is also about recognizing excellence among our constituents, and that includes the many radio professionals who are a vital link between artists and fans. We honor the best in Country radio with the CMA Broadcast Awards during the pre-broadcast. To the CMA members, the media, our corporate partners, and all the dedicated fans tuning in around the globe, we’re delighted to have you with us tonight to take part in one of the Country’s grandest traditions. Now, it’s time to celebrate! Enjoy the show!
Edward T. Hardy CMA Board President
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