In some respects, the Country Music Association has always done better than a lot of organizations within the "Nashville machine" at incorporating women into its mission.
While accepting her first Female Artist of the Year trophy, Lambert promised to support her fellow female artists. Since then, she's made good on that vow.
Jackson has been a fan-favorite singer for quite some time. But he isn't afraid to risk his popularity and take a stand for what he believes in -- even if it means going against what "the man" says.