A look at CMA Award milestones, via the numbers
(AP) — As the Country Music Association Awards celebrates its 50th awards ceremony on Wednesday, expect to hear a lot about its historic moments during the ceremony.
Seven past entertainer of the year winners have been invited to perform, and while there may still be jeans and cowboy boots in the audience, it's a black-tie affair.
— Despite being widely considered the best steel guitar player in Nashville, musician Paul Franklin is the most nominated artist at the CMA who has never won.
Not yet a pop princess, but a rising country superstar, 19-year-old Taylor Swift became the youngest person to win the top prize, entertainer of the year.
— On the female side, country icon Reba McEntire has the most nominations among female artists with 49 nods since 1983 and six awards.
— The powerhouse duo of Brooks & Dunn have eight consecutive wins in the vocal duo of the year category and 14 overall wins in the category.