Country music stars and fans eagerly await the 2011 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, on deck for November 9. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return for their fourth time as hosts for the popular event.
Paisley took home top honors as Entertainer of the Year in 2010. In addition, Paisley has won Male Vocalist of the Year three times (2007, 2008 and 2009), and Underwood has been Female Vocalist of the Year thrice (2006, 2007 and 2008).
Who are the 2011 CMA Awards nominees?
The CMA Awards nominations were announced September 6. Country favorites Jake Owen and The Band Perry announced five of the top categories on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Here’s the top 2011 CMA Awards nominations lineup:
(Be sure to bookmark this article, so you can return and check off the results during the CMA Awards ceremony on November 9.)
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean Brad Paisley Blake Shelton Taylor Swift Keith Urban
New Artist of the Year
(previously known as the Horizon Award)
The Band Perry Luke Bryan Eric Church Thompson Square Chris Young
Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans Miranda Lambert Martina McBride Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean Kenny Chesney Brad Paisley Blake Shelton Keith Urban
Vocal Duo of the Year
The Civil Wars Montgomery Gentry Steel Magnolia Sugarland Thompson Square
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry Lady Antebellum Little Big Town Rascal Flatts Zac Brown Band
Album of the Year
“All About Tonight,” Blake Shelton “My Kinda Party,” Jason Aldean “Speak Now,” Taylor Swift “This is Country Music,” Brad Paisley “You Get What You Give,” Zac Brown Band
Musical Event of the Year
“As She’s Walking Away,” Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson “Old Alabama,” Brad Paisley with Alabama “You and Tequila,” Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter
Music Video of the Year
“Honey Bee,” Blake Shelton “If I Die Young,” The Band Perry “Mean,” Taylor Swift “Old Alabama,” Brad Paisley with Alabama “You and Tequila,” Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter
Single of the Year (artist and producer)
“A Little Bit Stronger,” Sara Evans “Colder Weather,” Zac Brown Band “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson “Honey Bee,” Blake Shelton “If I Die Young,” The Band Perry
Song of the Year (songwriters)
“Colder Weather,” Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey, and Coy Bowles “Dirt Road Anthem,” Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford “If I Die Young,” Kimberly Perry “Mean,” Taylor Swift “You and Tequila,” Matraca Berg and Deanna Carter
Musician of the Year
Sam Bush – Mandolin Jerry Douglas – Dobro Paul Franklin – Steel guitar Dann Huff – Guitar Mac McAnally – Guitar
Additional CMA Awards include Personality of the Year and Station of the Year (for broadcasters).
Who will win the CMA Awards this year?
Country music fans all have their own favorites, but this year’s CMA Awards are likely to hold a few surprises.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night is shaping up to be a tight race with an outstanding group of new and established nominees topping the list,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer (in an official CMA statement). “With no clear frontrunner there will be a heightened level of excitement and anticipation for the CMA Awards in November.”
The 2011 CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC TV on Wednesday, November 9, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The Bridgestone Arena is the home of the Nashville Predators hockey team.
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