Messina to Announce Country Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Brooks & Dunn and Jo Dee Messina were charged with delivering the good - and bad - news to their peers about this year's nominations for awards from the Country Music Association.

Nominations in 12 categories were to be announced Tuesday at Adelphia Coliseum. The top category of best entertainer was won last year by the Dixie Chicks.
Other categories are best song, single, album, male vocalist, female vocalist, vocal group, vocal duo, vocal event, musician, video and Horizon Award.

Messina won the Horizon Award in 1999, marking her as an industry bet to have a long and successful career. Brooks & Dunn won best entertainer in 1996, and vocal duo every year from 1992 to 1999. They were finally beaten last year by Montgomery Gentry.

Winners will be announced Nov. 7 at the Grand Ole Opry House in a ceremony broadcast live by CBS. Vince Gill will be the host for the 10th straight year.

The 2001 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, who are acknowledged during the awards show, have already been announced. They are The Everly Brothers, Sam Phillips, Waylon Jennings, Bill Anderson, the Delmore Brothers, Don Gibson, Homer & Jethro, the Jordanaires, Don Law, The Louvin Brothers, Ken Nelson and Webb Pierce.

About 6,000 CMA members, who work in the country music industry, nominate and select the winners.