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CMA Entertainer of the Year finalist booked for Champaign show

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 16:10 GMT by The News-Gazette
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The 2024 CMA Entertainer of the Year finalists

The National Academy of Country Music announced its 2024 finalists for the coveted Entertainer of the Year award on March 15. The five contenders, each representing a different branch of the genre’s evolution, are:

Each finalist’s album has been praised for its lyrical depth and commercial success. The News‑Gazette points out that the CMA’s “Entertainer of the Year” title is one of the most prestigious honors in the genre, recognizing both artistic and commercial achievements across a year’s worth of touring, recordings, and media presence.

Tim McGraw’s Champaign engagement

The headline-grabbing element of the story is that Tim McGraw has scheduled a performance at the Champaign Auditorium on July 21. The venue, a historic 1,800‑seat theater in downtown Champaign, has long been a home for touring country acts. According to the ticket‑sale page linked in the article, McGraw will open with classics such as “I Can Love You Like That” and “A Place in This World” before launching into songs from his new album Damn Country Music.

McGraw’s inclusion on the Champaign circuit is described as “a big‑ticket moment for local fans.” The article quotes a representative from the Champaign Civic Center who says the show “will bring a national star to a local stage, which is a huge boost for the city’s cultural calendar.” The ticket price ranges from $35 for standing seats to $150 for front‑row boxes, and the event is expected to sell out given McGraw’s long‑standing fanbase in the Midwest.

Why the city matters

The piece emphasizes that Champaign, a city of 88,000 residents, has a tradition of hosting touring country acts that appeal to a broad demographic. The News‑Gazette’s coverage notes that local businesses—restaurants, hotels, and bars—will see increased patronage in the days surrounding the concert. In an interview with a local restaurant owner, the article highlights how the city’s culinary scene will thrive during the weekend, with specials and extended hours planned in anticipation of the concert crowd.

Broader context from the CMA Awards

The article links to a feature on the 2024 CMA Awards ceremony that will be held in Nashville on September 23. The awards will be streamed live on the CMA’s official channel and broadcast on CBS. The feature outlines the schedule for the awards night, including the nominees for categories such as Album of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. It also touches on the theme for this year’s ceremony: “The Power of Storytelling in Country Music.” The link provides a list of other finalists, including nominees for Best Country Song and Music Video, with detailed biographies and discographies.

The local perspective

The News‑Gazette’s final section contains comments from local music lovers who anticipate McGraw’s appearance. One resident, who has attended McGraw’s shows in the past, remarked that the artist’s “deep, resonant voice and heartfelt storytelling always connect with people.” Another fan, a long‑time music student at the local university, noted that the event provides an opportunity for students to meet a country music icon and learn from his performance style.

Conclusion

In sum, the article delivers a snapshot of the competitive world of contemporary country music by spotlighting the CMA Entertainer of the Year finalists and, in particular, Tim McGraw’s upcoming concert in Champaign. It situates the event within the broader context of the CMA Awards, provides local business and cultural implications, and showcases the excitement that a national star brings to a regional venue. The piece underscores how music tourism can have a tangible impact on a city’s economy and cultural vitality while highlighting the personal stories of the artists who shape the genre’s current landscape.