NASHVILLE, TN. (Top 40 Charts/ Country
Music Association) - "Country Music's Biggest Night" is getting even bigger with the announcement today that Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, Sugarland,
Josh Turner and
Carrie Underwood will perform when "The 41st Annual CMA Awards" airs live Wednesday, Nov. 7 (8:00-1:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network from the Sommet Center in Nashville.
"The slate of nominees for the 2007 CMA Awards speaks to the strength, diversity and vitality of the format," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "And this year's Awards will reflect that in every performance."
The most lauded duo in CMA Awards history, Brooks & Dunn are nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year again in 2007. They have won the category a record 14 times and have received 45 career nominations, which places them behind only Alan Jackson, George Strait and Vince Gill for most nominations in the history of the Awards. Their new album, Cowboy Town will be released Oct. 2. Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks took three turns at the host podium (2004-2006), but opted not to be back for a repeat performance in 2007.
"It was never our intention to be the ongoing hosts of the CMA Awards," they said. "Each of the three years we hosted was special. We're just hoping to still be invited to the show!"
Paisley tied with George Strait for the most CMA Awards nominations this year with five including Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Album for 5th Gear (produced by Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois), Single for "Ticks," and Music Video of the Year for "Online," which was directed by actor-turned-video director Jason Alexander. This marks the fourth time since 2000 that Paisley has topped the list of artists with the most nominations. Paisley has received 38 career CMA Awards nominations, winning his first CMA with Horizon Award in 2000. When 5th Gear was released in June, it debuted at No. 1 on the Country sales chart.
Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush make their debut in the Vocal Duo of the Year category after receiving nominations for Vocal Group of the Year and the Horizon Award in 2005 and 2006. Nettles received a solo nomination in 2006 for her collaboration with Bon Jovi on "Who Says You Can't Go Home." The duo's current Platinum album, Enjoy the Ride was released in November 2006.
This is the first year that Turner's name is on the list of nominees for Male Vocalist of the Year. He was nominated for the Horizon Award in 2004 and 2006 and Song of the Year for "Long Black Train" in 2004. His new album, Everything is Fine, is set to be released on Oct. 30.
After winning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and the Horizon Award in 2006, Underwood is back in 2007 with three nominations for Female Vocalist, Single for "Before He Cheats," and Music Video of the Year for the same song directed by Roman White. Songwriters for "Before He Cheats," Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins were nominated for Song of the Year. Underwood's next album project, Carnival Ride, will be released on Oct. 23.
Tickets for the 2007 CMA Awards are on sale now and can be purchased by logging on to https://www.ticketmaster.com; calling (615) 255-9600; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $164 (excluding applicable service/handling fees), with prices increasing depending on seating level.
"The 41st Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Walter C. Miller is the Executive Producer, and Robert Deaton is the Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.
Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2007 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay is the Official Beauty Sponsor. Additional promotional partners include Borders Books & Music, Carl Black Chevrolet, Gibson Guitar, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products, Mr. Coffee and The Yankee Candle Company.
