If you watched television last weekend, you might have noticed that the Academy of Country Music Awards were held and televised.

I was really surprised that those awards were happening.  Again.  Seemed to me like I had just heard something about those awards not too long ago.

Now, I’m educated.  I’ve discovered that there are actually two annual country music awards.  The one last week was sponsored by the Academy of Country Music.  That is an organization that was founded in 1964 to promote country music.

The award show before that was held in the fall, and it was sponsored by the Country Music Association.  That association was founded in 1958, and was the first trade organization devoted to promoting a type of music.

Hmm.  So, two organizations that have very similar memberships and goals are both giving out awards.  I thought it was bad enough that there are the Oscars and the Golden Globes.  But, at least those two are very different organizations.  Let’s see, what’s the difference between the ACM and CMA?

• The ACMs have set themselves apart from the CMAs by making the New Artist and Entertainer categories fan voted.
• The CMA sponsors the Country Music Hall of Fame
• One set of awards is in the fall, one in the spring
• One is held in Nashville, and Nashville empties out to go to Las Vegas for the other one
• And. . .  Uh. . .   Hmmm. . .

OK, actually, there isn’t much difference.  Just two organizations that want their turn at presenting awards.

Given all the competition on TV – A Minute to Win It, The Biggest Loser, Survivor, and on and on.  I have to wonder why we need one more award show.

Maybe I’d understand if I were a really good Country artist and got 2 awards a year to add to my award wall.

But, I doubt it.

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