Strong ratings for country awards with an asterisk

After two years of record low ratings, the Country Music Association Awards show is on the rebound. (Photo: CMA Country Music Association/Facebook)

NEW YORK — After two years of record low ratings, the Country Music Association Awards show is on the rebound.

But country music fans might not want to hoist a glass in celebration quite yet.

The awards reached 14.3 million viewers last week, the most-watched entertainment program on television. The Nielsen company said that was nearly 2 million more than the show reached in 2016.

But last year the show had some major competition, since it was held the same night as the seventh game of a memorable World Series between the Cubs and Indians.