The CMA Touring Awards, an annual celebration of the country music industry's road crew and touring professionals, took place on June 2nd, hosted by Keith Urban for the fourth consecutive year. The event, presented by Strauss, recognized country music touring professionals across 20 categories, with a special focus on the crew of the year, the Whirlwind World Tour led by Lainey Wilson.
The ceremony, typically held earlier in the year, was rescheduled due to ice storms in Nashville in January. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern emphasized the importance of the touring community, stating, 'We exist to support music industry professionals and strengthen the community that brings life to every single day.'
Lainey Wilson's Whirlwind World Tour crew, comprising 35 women, took home the top prize of Crew of the Year. Wilson expressed her pride and gratitude, acknowledging the crew's dedication and professionalism, treating everyone with equal respect, from the janitor to the CEO.
The crew's success continued with wins in various categories, including Backline Technician, Stage Manager, Front of House Engineer, Tour Video Director, Monitor Engineer, and Tour Manager. This recognition highlights the crew's exceptional skills and teamwork, as noted by Wilson's manager, Mandelyn Monchick.
The ceremony also honored Jim Halsey with the CMA Lifetime Touring Achievement Award for his six decades of work as an agent and manager, elevating country music to global stages and fostering cultural exchange through performances in venues like Radio City Music Hall and the Soviet Union.
The evening's highlights included performances and memories from past award ceremonies, with special appearances by former hosts Kristian Bush, Kix Brooks, and Jon Pardi. The event also recognized the importance of mental health and paid tribute to those who have passed away in the industry.
In a surprise moment, Keith Urban was awarded the CMA Founding President's Award, established in 1963 and named after CMA founding president Connie B. Gay. Urban expressed his gratitude for the industry's support and the sacrifices made by road crews, emphasizing the beauty of bringing people together through music.
The full list of 2026 CMA Touring Awards winners showcases the diverse talents and contributions of the country music touring community, with awards in categories such as Business Manager, Publicist, Venue, Tour Videographer, Coach/Truck Driver, Lighting Director, Talent Agent, Support Services Company, and more.
The CMA Touring Awards serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the country music industry's behind-the-scenes professionals, providing a platform for recognition and celebration of their invaluable contributions to the art form.
