Event builds over year-ago broadcast in 18-49 demo after seven days
After seven days of viewing across all linear and digital platforms, ABC’s presentation of The 55th Annual CMA Awards grew to a 1.5 rating among Adults 18-49 and improved over its year-ago broadcast by 7% (vs. 1.4 rating). In addition, The CMA Awards soared to 8.1 million Total Viewers after seven days of multi-platform viewing.
On average for its first seven days of viewing on digital platforms, the 2021 CMA Awards more than doubled the viewing minutes of the 2020 telecast, soaring by 136% year to year.
According to Nielsen, ABC’s live broadcast of the show ranked as No. 1 program in both Total Viewers (6.8 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.1/8) for November 10th. The show beat CBS’ Survivor by 10% (1.0/7), Fox’s The Masked Singer by 22% (0.9/6) and all three NBC Chicago dramas by 57% each (0.7/5) in Adults 18-49.
The 55th Annual CMA Awards made a triumphant return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, delivering an emotional broadcast celebrating the very best in country music. Shining a light on a community like no other, Country Music’s Biggest Night was filled with groundbreaking performances, heartfelt speeches and surprise wins.
Luke Combs took home the top trophy with his first Entertainer of the Year win. Chris Stapleton was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four wins for CMA Album, Single, Song and Male Vocalist of the Year, while also being recognized for his work as a producer on his album and single. In addition to Stapleton, producer Dave Cobb and mix engineer Vance Powell earned two awards for CMA Album and Single of the Year, while songwriter Mike Henderson earned a trophy for CMA Song of the Year.
Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney all took home awards as well.
Next for the Country Music Association and ABC is CMA Country Christmas, airing November 29th. The show, now in its 12th year, rings in the holiday season annually with a night full of festive classics and one-of-a-kind musical performances. The event is filmed in Nashville and will be hosted by Gabby Barrett and Carly Pearce, with performances from some of today’s biggest stars.
