An album is defined as a collection of several pieces of music made available as a single item. The album can be a special project or commemorative package and should be judged on all aspects including, but not limited to artistic performance, production, design, art layout and liner notes. This award is for an album as a whole unit.

ELIGIBILITY

• The eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The album must have been released for National sale and public consumption within the eligibility period;
• The act must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Within a group or duo, at least 50% of the members must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing. Within a group or duo, 50% of the members must be members of the CCMA;
• The album must contain no less than six (6) tracks;
• 50% of the tracks must have been released during the current eligibility period, having never appeared on a previous album.

SELECTION PROCESS

Album of the Year follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE (first ballot) – Each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE AND ONLY ONE of the contenders provided. The ten (10) contenders receiving the most mentions in each category will appear on the second ballot, providing they meet the eligibility requirements, as determined by the CCMA’s Award Verification Committee;
• STEP TWO - The ten (10) contenders will then be juried by a panel of unbiased jurors. The five (5) nominees decided on by the voting panel will proceed to the third ballot for a membership vote;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner.

AWARD

• The Album of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Awards Show during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

This award is given to ONE of the six (6) finalists that participated in the current year’s CCMA Discovery Program.

ELIGIBILITY

• The act must have participated in the current year’s CCMA Discovery Program. Click here for full details on the CCMA Discovery Program.

SELECTION PROCESS

• The CCMA Discovery winner is selected by a panel of jurors based on pre-established criteria.

AWARD

• The CCMA Discovery Award is presented at the annual Gala Dinner & Awards during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

This award is given to the artist (solo, duo or group) displaying the greatest achievements in all aspects of the entertainment field within the eligibility period. The voters should give consideration not only to the recorded performance, but also to live performance, videos, social media presence, staging, public acceptance, attitude, leadership and overall contributions to the country music image.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The act must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Within a group or duo, at least 50% of the members must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing. Within a group or duo, 50% of the contributing members must be members of the CCMA.

SELECTION PROCESS

Fans’ Choice follows a four (4) step selection process:

• STEP ONE - The ten (10) contenders for the Fans’ Choice Award will be determined by a formula of 60% sales and 40% spins within the eligibility period and verified by the CCMA®’s Awards & Balloting Committee. These results will be compiled by Nielsen Entertainment;
• STEP TWO - The ten (10) contenders will then be voted on by members of the CCMA Fan Club. The online CCMA Fan Club is free to join for fans and all those signed up before the deadline of April 30 each year will be eligible to vote in this step of the process. This Fan Club vote will bring the ten (10) contenders to the final five (5) nominees;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) - The five (5) artists receiving the most votes from the CCMA Fan Club vote will appear on the third and final ballot for CCMA Membership voting as nominees. From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner. The public will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite entertainer through an online ballot coordinated with the CCMA Awards’ third and final ballot. The public vote tally and membership vote tally will be combined to determine the winner of the Fans' Choice Award.

AWARD

• The Fans’ Choice Award is presented at the annual CCMA Awards Show during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

This award is based upon individual performance, either on record or in person within the eligibility period.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The artist must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing.

SELECTION PROCESS

Female Artist of the Year follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE – The ten (10) contenders for the Female Artist of the Year Award will be determined by a formula of 60% sales and 40% spins within the eligibility period and verified by the CCMA’s Awards & Balloting Committee. These results will be compiled by Nielsen Entertainment;
• STEP TWO (second ballot) – From the list of contenders supplied, each eligible CCMA member may select ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The five (5) contenders receiving the most votes in each category will appear on the third ballot as nominees;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner.

AWARD

• The Female Artist of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Awards Show during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA.

A Group or Duo is defined as an act, composed of two (2) or more people, all of whom normally perform together. The act may include an individual who has, or currently does perform, as a solo artist under a name different than that of the group or duo. This award is based on the performance of the group or duo as a unit, either on record or in person within the eligibility period.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• At least 50% of the group or duo must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
• At least 50% of the contributing members must be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing;
• Any group or duo that capitalizes in whole or in part by incorporating the name of a solo artist in the name of the group or duo is not permitted to stand for nomination in this category.

SELECTION PROCESS

Group or Duo of the Year follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE – The ten (10) contenders for the Group or Duo of the Year Award will be determined by a formula of 60% sales and 40% spins within the eligibility period and verified by the CCMA’s Awards & Balloting Committee. These results will be compiled by Nielsen Entertainment;
• STEP TWO (second ballot) – From the list of contenders supplied, each eligible CCMA member may select ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The five (5) contender receiving the most votes in each category will appear on the third ballot as nominees;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner.

AWARD

• The Group or Duo of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Awards Show during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to each core member of the group/duo, courtesy of the CCMA.

This award recognizes excellence in the area of an artist’s social media and web related activities. This award will be presented to an artist who participates in meaningful digital interaction and maintains a professional website which serves as their main hub. Jury and third ballot voters will give consideration to not only the quantity but also the quality of an artist or group’s interaction with their fans via social media outlets (ie. Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Myspace, YouTube, Instagram etc.), content of personal website (ie. graphic design, layout, etc.).

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The act must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. In the case of a group or duo, at least 50% of the group/duo must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing. Within a group or duo, 50% of the contributing members must be members of the CCMA.

SELECTION PROCESS

Interactive Artist or Group of the Year follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE - Artists are invited to submit a package detailing number of social media followers, frequency of interaction and details of any social campaigns executed within the eligibility period by the artist or group. Click here for further details on the submission process;
• STEP TWO - A jury (consisting of industry and social media professionals) will review submissions and vote for the final five (5) nominees. The final five (5) nominees will appear on third ballot for membership voting;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner.

AWARD

• The Interactive Artist or Group of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

This award is based upon individual performance, either on record or in person within the eligibility period.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The artist must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing.

SELECTION PROCESS

Male Artist of the Year follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE – The ten (10) contenders for the Male Artist of the Year Award will be determined by a formula of 60% sales and 40% spins within the eligibility period and verified by the CCMA’s Awards & Balloting Committee. These results will be compiled by Nielsen Entertainment;
• STEP TWO (second ballot) – From the list of contenders supplied, each eligible CCMA member may select ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The five (5) contenders receiving the most votes in each category will appear on the third ballot as nominees;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner.

AWARD

• The Male Artist of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Awards Show during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA.

This award is presented to the artist (solo, duo or group) who had significant success during the eligibility period and who has not been previously nominated in a number of CCMA Artist Award Categories (see below).

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The act must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Within a group or duo at least 50% of the members must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing. Within a group or duo, 50% of the contributing members must be members of the CCMA;     This category is open only to those artists who have never before won the Rising Star Award, and who have never before been nominated for the Fans' Choice Award, Single of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Video of the Year, or Roots Artist or Group of the Year;
• Nominees in this category are eligible in other categories in the current year;
• An individual performing artist who has been previously nominated within a group or duo and now performs as a solo artist, or has changed his/her name does not qualify;
• A group or duo who has a group member previously nominated as an individual performing artist does not qualify;
• No act (solo, duo or group) shall be nominated for the Rising Star Award more than twice.

SELECTION PROCESS

Rising Star follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE - The top ten (10) contenders, as determined by Nielsen Entertainment, to be the top spinning artists at radio, who also meet the above criteria will be placed directly on the second ballot, a membership vote;

STEP TWO (second ballot) – From the list of contenders supplied, each eligible CCMA member may select ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The five (5) contenders receiving the most votes in each category will appear on the third ballot as nominees;
    STEP THREE (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner.

AWARD
    The Rising Star Award is presented at the annual CCMA Awards Show during
Country Music Week;
    One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

This award is given to a roots artist whose music is based on traditional country styles, but through innovations and originality is different from what is considered mainstream country.  Roots music embraces a multitude of musical styles, including, but not limited to: Alternative Country, Bluegrass, Celtic, Country-Blues, Folk, Gospel, Hillbilly, Honky Tonk, Rockabilly and Western Swing. This award is based on the performance of the artist either on record or in person within the eligibility period.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The act must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Within a group or duo at least 50% of the members must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing. Within a group or duo, 50% of the contributing members must be members of the CCMA.

SELECTION PROCESS

Roots Artist of the Year follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE (first ballot) – Each eligible CCMA member may propose ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The ten (10) contenders receiving the most mentions in each category will appear on the second ballot, providing they meet the eligibility requirements, as determined by the CCMA Awards Verification Committee;
• STEP TWO (second ballot) – From the list of contenders supplied, each eligible CCMA member may select ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The five (5) contenders receiving the most votes in each category will appear on the third ballot as nominees;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner.

AWARD

• The Roots Artist of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

This award acknowledges one single amongst the top spinning singles within the eligibility period.

ELIGIBILITY

• For the purpose of the Single of the Year Award, the eligibility period is extended to January 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The act must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Within a group or duo, at least 50% of the members must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry or corporate level) in good standing. Within a group or duo, 50% of the contributing members must be members of the CCMA;
• Only eligible singles which were among the top 30 spinning singles at radio within this eligibility period will qualify. The list of qualifying singles will be provided to the CCMA directly from Nielsen Entertainment;

SELECTION PROCESS

Single of the Year follows a four (4) step selection process:

• STEP ONE - The top 30 spinning singles, as provided by Nielsen Entertainment, will appear on the first ballot;
• STEP TWO (first ballot) – Each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE of the contenders provided. The ten (10) contenders receiving the most mentions in each category will appear on the second ballot, providing they meet the eligibility requirements, as determined by the CCMA Awards Verification Committee;
• STEP THREE (second ballot) – From the list of contenders supplied, each eligible CCMA member may select ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The five (5) contenders receiving the most votes in each category will appear on the third ballot as nominees;
• STEP FOUR (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner

AWARD

• The Single of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Awards Show during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

This award is based on an individual song released to radio during the eligibility period and not on the songwriter(s)’ body of work. A songwriter(s) may receive multiple nominations determined by the release of their songs within the eligibility period. Consideration should be given to lyrics, music, and public acceptance of the song.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The songwriter(s) must be Canadian citizen(s) or landed immigrant(s). On collaborations, at least one of the songwriters must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing. Within a collaboration, at least one of the contributing members must be a member of the CCMA.
• A song from a Greatest Hits album is eligible if not previously nominated;

SELECTION PROCESS

Songwriter(s) of the Year follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE (first ballot) – Each eligible CCMA member may propose ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The ten (10) contenders receiving the most mentions in each category will appear on the second ballot, providing they meet the eligibility requirements, as determined by the CCMA Awards Verification Committee;
• STEP TWO (second ballot) – From the list of contenders supplied, each eligible CCMA member may select ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The five (5) contenders receiving the most votes in each category will appear on the third ballot as nominees;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) – From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA members may vote for ONE AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced the winner.

AWARD

• The Songwriter(s) of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to (each of) the songwriter(s), courtesy of the CCMA.

This award is for an album as a whole unit. The award will be given based upon Canadian record sales, physical and digital, only during the eligibility period.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• This award is based on sales in Canada and can be won by a non-member;
• Multi-artist compilations do not qualify.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Individual digital track sales will be converted to album sales using the formula ten (10) digital tracks sold = one (1) album sold. Sales figures supplied may be audited by our accounting firm.
• The album with the greatest unit sales will be declared the winner;
• The results will be provided by Nielsen Entertainment;
• There is no voting in this category.

AWARD

• The Top Selling Album of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

This award is for an album as a whole unit. The award will be given based upon domestic and international record sales, physical and digital, only during the eligibility period.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The act must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Within a group or duo, at least 50% of the members must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
• Eligibility for this Award extends to all Canadian recording artists;
• Multi-artist compilations do not qualify.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Individual digital track sales will be converted to album sales using the formula ten (10) digital tracks sold = one (1) album sold.
• Sales figures supplied may be audited by our accounting firm;
• The album with the greatest unit sales will be declared the winner;
• The results will be provided by Nielsen Entertainment;
• There is no voting in this category.

AWARD

• The Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year Award is presented at the annual Gala Dinner & Awards during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.

The video should be judged on all audio and video elements, artistic performance, video concept and production.

ELIGIBILITY

• The current eligibility period is March 1, 2014 through to April 30, 2015;
• The act must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Within a group or duo, at least 50% of the members must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
• All final nominees are required to be members of the CCMA (industry level) in good standing. Within a group or duo, 50% of the contributing members must be members of the CCMA;
• This award is for an original audio visual program not more than ten (10) minutes in length, featuring the performance of not more than one song or medley.

SELECTION PROCESS

Video of the Year follows a three (3) step selection process:

• STEP ONE (first ballot) – Each eligible CCMA member may propose ONE, AND ONLY ONE contender in each category. The ten (10) contenders receiving the most mentions in each category will appear on the second ballot, providing they meet the eligibility requirements, as determined by the CCMA Awards Verification Committee;
• STEP TWO - The top ten (10) contenders collected from the first ballot, will be juried by a panel of unbiased jurors. This jury will bring the ten (10) contenders to the final five (5) nominees. The five (5) nominees decided on by the voting panel will proceed to the third and final ballot for a membership vote;
• STEP THREE (third ballot) - From the list of nominees supplied, each eligible CCMA member may vote for ONE, AND ONLY ONE nominee in each category. The nominee receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner.

AWARD

• The Video of the Year Award is presented at the annual CCMA Awards Show during Country Music Week;
• One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group or duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo.