New York mayor Michael Bloomberg (centre) announced the move

The ceremony, the second most watched music awards on US TV, has been based in Nashville since it began in 1967.

But it will go to Madison Square Garden in New York for one year next November.

New York mayor Michael Bloomberg wore a cowboy hat and mispronounced the names of country stars Shania Twain and Tim McGraw as he announced the move.

New York is the second biggest market for country music in the US, and country singers regularly sell out huge concert venues in the city.

"This is a huge coup for New York," Mr Bloomberg said on Tuesday, estimating the event would earn the city $30m (�17m).

'Worldwide recognition'

"This will not only strengthen country music's worldwide recognition, but will also showcase New York to a whole new audience."

But Country Music Association executive director Ed Benson said the ceremony would return to Nashville in 2006.

That would be "the first of a multi-year commitment to be here", Mr Benson said in Nashville. "This is the home of the CMA."

The award show has traditionally been held in Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House, but will go to the Gaylord Entertainment Center in 2006.