Hunter Hayes- New Artist of the Year

At just 21 years old, Hunter Hayes was named New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards last week.  He has is an American country music singer, songwriter, and mulch-instrumentalist.  Hunter says he can actually play 30 different instruments.  On his latest album some instruments that he includes are; guitar, mandolin, bass, piano, and drums.  And that's just naming a few.  Hunter's career first started when he signed to Atlantic Records in Nashville and released his self-titled debut album in October 2011.  That album included the top 20 hit single, Storm Warning.  The album also includes his first No. 1 hit, Wanted.  Wanted actually hit the No. 1 spot on Billboard Country Charts.  By doing this Hunter actually broke a record and became the youngest solo male artist to top the Hot Country Songs charts which was originally set in 1973. He beat the record by a whole month 3 months.  

When Wanted was first released, I actually bought the song right away on iTunes, and it was actually on repeat at times on my iPod because it is such a good song. Hunter is truly an awesome artist, and you should check out his latest album. 

46th Annual CMA Awards

As most country music followers knew, the 46th annual CMA Awards were live yesterday, November the 1st.  Hundreds of country stars gathered under one roof for an extravagant show with live perforances from the most famous and admired country singers, writers, and musicians.  For three decades, the awards were held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville until 2004.  In 2005 the ceremony took place at Madison Square Garden, but now the event is held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.  Once again, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley hosted to awards.  Together they have hosted the CMA's for the fifth straight year.  Many say that they thoroughly enjoy the duo, saying that they are absolutely hilarious. 


Some passed winners and history of the awards:

• The awards first started in 1967, and were regularly held at various locations across the US
• There are 12 categories:
• Entertainer of the Year
• New Artist of the Year
• Vocal Due of the Year
• Vocal Group of the Year
• Musical Event of the Year
• Song of the Year
• Album of the Year
• Single of the Year
• Musician of the Year
• Music Video of the Year
• Female Vocalist of the Year
• Male Vocalist of the Year
• Along with these 12 categories are 9 other awards for National personality of the Year and radio presenters of channels for Station of the Year.
• Both Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks have won Entertainer of the Year four times each.
• Reba McEntire has won the most Female Vocalist of the Year followed by Carrie Underwood who has won it 3 times. 
• Vince Gail and George Strait both have won Male Vocalist of the Year 3 times.
• Vince Gail also holds the unique record of being the host of the CMA Awards continuosly for 12 years.

Winners this year:

• Entertainer of the Year:  Blake Shelton
• Female Vocalist of the Year:  Miranda Lambert
• Male Vocalist of the Year:  Blake Shelton
• New Artist of the Year:  Hunter Hayes
• Vocal Group of the Year:  Little Big Town
• Vocal Duo of the Year:  Thompson Square
• Single of the Year:  "Pontoon"  - Little Big Town
• Album of the Year:  "Chief" - Eric Church
• Song of the Year:  "Over You" - Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton
• Musical Event of the Year:  Feel Like a Rockstar" - Kenny Chesney  (Duet with Tim McGraw)
• Music Video of the Year-  "Red Solo Cup" - Toby Keith
• Musician of the Year- Mac McAnally