Article updated: 11/1/2012 1:20 PM

CMAs turns attention to new fans, Sandy victims

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From Taylor Swift's army of empowered young women to the power-drinking party boys who prefer Eric Church, above, and Jason Aldean, country's audience is much different than it was 10 years ago and that's reflected in the awards.

Associated Press

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Taylor Swift's popularity has drawn all kinds of new fans to country music.

Associated Press

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Handing out trophies isn't the only mission when country music's biggest stars take the stage Thursday night for the Country Music Association Awards: They'll be reaching out to help those affected by superstorm Sandy. This year's ceremony is also reaching out to a younger-skewing audience with the faces that are helping shift country's fan base.