Keith Urban and Jim Halsey Honored at CMA Touring Awards in Nashville

Leading into CMA Fest week, the Country Music Association hosted the 20th CMA Touring Awards at The Pinnacle in Nashville on June 2. Keith Urban returned as host for the fourth consecutive year, joined by Country stars and past hosts Kristian Bush, Kix Brooks and Jon Pardi.

The ceremony, which was postponed in January due to winter weather, celebrated the country industry’s top touring professionals, many of whom were already in Nashville for CMA Fest week.

As the trade association’s largest membership sector, touring has been the backbone of country music since the 1920s when artists traveled non-stop in far less glamours conditions than modern arena tours to reach rural audiences. That history was woven throughout the 20th anniversary celebration, honoring generations of road professionals, past and present.

Originally known as the SRO Awards, the accolades were created by the CMA Board of Directors in 1990 to honor outstanding professional achievement within the touring industry. The first Awards were presented at a black-tie gala hosted by K.T. Oslin and Roger Miller during CMA’s Entertainment Expo, also known as the Talent Buyers Entertainment Marketplace. Ten awards were presented at the first gala, and the number has since grown to the current 20 trophies. The SRO Awards were renamed the CMA Touring Awards in 2016

Attending the event this week were artists Kelsea Ballerini, Parker McCollum, Randy Travis and Lainey Wilson.

Wilson’s “Whirlwind World Tour” crew claimed the night’s highest honor, Crew of the Year. Entering its third year, the award continues to spotlight an exceptional road team whose excellence raises the bar across every facet of touring from technical skill and teamwork to innovation, hospitality and a people-first approach both on and off the stage.

While the evening celebrated individuals who help drive country music forward, one of the highlights was the presentation of the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary artist manager Jim Halsey, recognizing his enduring impact on the touring industry.

Throughout his career, Halsey and his team guided and managed some of the genre’s most influential artists, connecting their music with fans around the world. His roster has included trailblazers such as Reba McEntire, Roy Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Waylon Jennings and many others, and his work has helped promote the careers of 29 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and 10 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members.

The night also delivered a surprise moment, as Urban was presented with CMA’s Founding President’s Award (in Honor of Connie B. Gay). Established in 1963, the award – which is named for Gay who was one of the founders of CMA and first President – has been presented to format luminaries Tex Ritter, Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash and Charlie Daniels.

A passionate supporter of the CMA Foundation, Urban has played a hands-on role in advancing music education, serving as the first national ambassador for the Foundation.

His commitment also extends to the stage, where he has become a familiar presence at CMA events, including hosting the CMA Touring Awards multiple times.

The event celebrated the past with an eye on the future. In its third year, the CMA Touring Mentorship Program connects early-career touring professionals with experienced leaders across the industry, while giving seasoned professionals the opportunity to invest in the next generation. The program includes seven specialty tracks: Tour Management, Band Leader/Musician, Production Management, FOH Engineering, Monitor Engineering, Lighting Direction/Design and an introductory Touring 101 track.

Winners in 20 CMA Touring Awards categories were determined by current professional voting members of CMA in the Affiliated, Artist, Composer, Entertainment Services, Musician, Personal Manager, Record Company, Talent Agent, Advertising/Marketing/Communications, Venue, Talent Buyer/Promoter and Touring Personnel categories of membership.

Nominees were based on shows originating between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025. All balloting is tabulated by the professional services organization, Deloitte.

The 2025 CMA Touring Awards Winners:

Crew of the Year – Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind World Tour” Crew

Backline Technician of the Year – Dalton Ray Brown, Lainey Wilson

Business Manager of the Year – Jen Conger, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy

Coach/Truck Driver of the Year – Caleb Garrett, Luke Bryan

FOH Engineer of the Year – Ryan Dell, Lainey Wilson

Lighting Director of the Year – Zac Coren, Morgan Wallen

Manager of the Year – Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment

Monitor Engineer of the Year – Curt Armstead, Lainey Wilson

Production Manager of the Year – Chad Guy, Morgan Wallen

Publicist of the Year – Olivia Hanceri, OH Creative

Stage Manager of the Year – Allison Noah, Carly Pearce/Lainey Wilson

Support Services Company of the Year – Clair Global, Nashville, TN

Talent Agent of the Year – Becky Gardenhire, WME

Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year – Ed Warm, Joe’s Bar

Tour Manager of the Year – Meg Miller, Lainey Wilson

Touring Musician of the Year – Kurt Ozan, Luke Combs

Tour Videographer/Photographer of the Year – Catherine Powell, Kelsea Ballerini

Tour Video Director of the Year – Dave Bergfeld, Lainey Wilson

Venue of the Year – The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN Unsung Hero of the Year – Diana “Lemonade” McBride, Grand Ole Opry

_Originally reported by [Pollstar](https://news.pollstar.com/2026/06/03/cma-presents-country-touring-awards-including-honors-for-keith-urban-and-jim-halsey/)._