The Spirit Awards are one of the few awards shows that are completely fan voted.
The Spirit Awards are also the only country music awards show with a
360 degree view of country music.

Fans of country music can vote for their favorite country music entertainers in the following categories...

• Entertainer of the Year: Presented to the performer, act, who displays the best performance, album, and personality in all aspects of country music in this voting year.
• Performance of the Year:  Presented to the performer, act, who presents the fans with the most entertaining, creative and original live performance in all aspects of country music in this voting year.
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Presented to the female performer who displays the best performance, album, and personality in all aspects of country music in this voting year.
• Male Vocalist of the Year:  Presented to the male performer who displays the best performance, album, and personality in all aspects of country music in this voting year.
• Vocal Group / Duo of the Year:  Presented to the group, of two or more individuals who together composite a band, act who displays the best performance, album, and personality in all aspects of country music in this voting year.
• Starbound Award: Presented to the newest performer who displays the best performance, album, and personality in all aspects of country music in this voting year.
• Song of the Year: Presented to the performer of the song that displays the greatest competence in quality of recording, lyrics, and instrumentals in all aspects of country music in this voting year.
• BOB (Best of the Best) Award: Presented to the performer, who displays the greatest dedication in keeping the legacy of country music alive with their tour, performance, album, and personality in all aspects of country music in this voting year.
• Living Legend of the Year: Presented to the performer who, for the entirety of their career of over 25 years, has demonstrated the greatest accomplishments in performing, albums, and personality in all aspects of country music in this voting year.

The following categories are voted by the staff at Strictly Country...

• The Prestigious Golden Rule Award: This prestigious award is presented to the artist who shows undeniable love, honor and respect for and all that is synonymous to country music. This award is strictly voted by the staff at Strictly Country. Entertainers can only be presented this award once in their lifetime. This award may not be presented annually.
• The President's Choice Award: Presented to the entertainer who, without reasonable doubt, displays the greatest creativity and originality worthy of being noted with the presentation of an award. This award is strictly voted by the staff at Strictly Country. This award may not be presented annually.