Artists With the Most CMA Awards
The recent Country Music Association (CMA) Awards showcased a remarkable evening for several artists, notably Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, and Blake Shelton, who all made significant strides in the history of the awards. Brooks & Dunn solidified their legendary status by winning the Vocal Duo of the Year award for an impressive 16th time, further cementing their place as one of the most awarded duos in country music history. This win highlights their enduring appeal and contributions to the genre, which have captivated audiences since their debut in the 1990s.
Lainey Wilson emerged as the standout artist of the night, taking home three prestigious awards: Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed project, *Whirlwind*. This remarkable achievement not only underscores her rising star power but also marks a significant moment in her career, as she joins the ranks of country music’s elite. Meanwhile, Blake Shelton added to his accolades by winning the Musical Event of the Year for his collaboration on Post Malone’s hit “Pour Me a Drink.” Shelton’s ability to blend country with contemporary pop influences continues to resonate with fans, showcasing the genre’s evolving landscape.
The CMA Awards, established in 1967, have a rich history that reflects the evolution of country music. From the first ceremony, which honored legends like Eddy Arnold and Loretta Lynn, to the current celebration of today’s stars, the awards have consistently recognized outstanding talent within the genre. Notably, the CMA Awards were the first major music awards show to be televised, setting a precedent for live music events that followed. Over the years, only a select group of artists have achieved the distinction of winning 11 or more CMA Awards, a testament to their exceptional contributions and staying power in the industry. As the CMA Awards continue to honor the best in country music, this year’s winners are sure to inspire the next generation of artists while adding new chapters to the awards’ storied legacy.
Brooks & Dunn
,
Lainey Wilson
and
Blake Shelton
moved up our list of the top winners of all time at the Country Music Association Awards. Brooks & Dunn won vocal duo of the year for the 16th time. Wilson won three awards – entertainer of the year, female vocalist of the year and album of the year for
Whirlwind
. Shelton won musical event of the year for his featured role on
Post Malone
’s “Pour Me a Drink.”
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Here Are the 2025 CMA Awards Winners: Full List
The CMA Awards were first presented in 1967.
Eddy Arnold
, a country star since the 1940s, was the first entertainer of the year winner.
Loretta Lynn
won female vocalist of the year. Jack Greene, though less-remembered today, was the night’s top winner with three awards – album of the year, single of the year and male vocalist of the year.
The show was first televised the following year, 1968 – more than two years before the Grammy Awards presented their first live telecast in March 1971. It’s one of the few awards shows that has aired on all three major networks – NBC (1968-71), CBS (1972-2005) and ABC (2006 to the present).
Thirteen artists have won 11 or more CMA Awards in competition. Here is a complete list. This list doesn’t count honorary awards. Following the lead of the official CMA list of its all-time top winners, it gives artists credit for just one win in a category, even if they also produced or co-produced the recording.
We also looked back to see if the acts won new artist of the year (known as the horizon award from 1981-2007). As you will see, not all did!
Here’s a complete list of all artists who have won 11 or more CMA Awards.
