This just in from the AP...
Strait, Paisley lead CMA awards
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — George Strait, who had his 55th No. 1 single this year and was recently inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, returned Thursday to the Country Music Association Awards with top nominations including entertainer and male vocalist of the year.
Strait and Brad Paisley led with five nominations each. Strait was also named for musical event of the year, for a performance with Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson; album of the year for “It Just Comes Natural”; and single of the year for “Wrapped,” his 55th career No. 1 single.
Paisley is nominated for entertainer, male vocalist, his album, “Fifth Gear,” best single for “Ticks,” and best music video with “Online.”
Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban rounded out the entertainer of the year category. CMA industry members have nominated only male entertainers of the year since the Dixie Chicks got a nod in 2001.
The Chicks, who have had a troubled relationship with the country industry since Natalie Maines’ derogatory comments about President Bush in 2003, got their first nomination since then for best vocal group.
Chesney picked up four nominations with male vocalist, video for “You Save Me,” and vocal performance with Tracy Lawrence and Tim McGraw.
