KID ROCK TO PERFORM ON “THE 44TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” ON ABC

Multi-genre music superstar and CMA Awards nominee Kid Rock will perform on “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” on ABC. Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Previously announced performers include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Underwood and Keith Urban. In addition, special performances will feature Gwyneth Paltrow in her live Country Music singing debut performing with Vince Gill; top nominee Lambert with Sheryl Crow in a tribute to Loretta Lynn’s 50th Anniversary as a recording artist; Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson; and Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson.

In additional news, Sara Evans has been added as a presenter. Evans won the CMA Music Video of the Year Award in 2001 for “Born to Fly,” and is currently recording a new album, scheduled for an early 2011 release.

Previously announced presenters include The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Jerrod Niemann, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker and Chris Young, as well as NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon and ABC television stars JoAnna Garcia (“Better With You”) and Ty Pennington (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”). Rodney Atkins will present Awards in pre-telecast ceremonies.

Kid Rock is nominated for Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t You See,” his duet with Zac Brown Band. He has a career total of two CMA Award nominations, having also been nominated in 2003 for Vocal Event of the Year for “Picture,” his duet with Crow. His new album, Born Free, will be in-stores on November 16.

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director and David Wild is the writer. 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.

Visit www.CMApress.com for CMA Awards history, photos, press releases and logos. Media can also visit this site for on-line media credential registration for the CMA Awards. This is a protected site for the media only with restrictions on use. The public should be directed to www.CMAawards.com.

GWYNETH PALTROW MAKES HER LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC SINGING DEBUT ON “THE 44th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS,” WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 ON ABC

In her first-ever appearance at the CMA Awards, Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow will make her live Country Music singing debut on “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Paltrow performs the title track from her forthcoming feature film, “Country Strong,” and is joined in her CMA Awards performance by legendary singer Vince Gill. RCA Nashville will release the original motion picture soundtrack to “Country Strong” on October 26.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw, along with Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester, star in the big-screen drama, “Country Strong,” set to hit theaters this winter. Written and directed by Shana Feste and produced by Tobey Maguire and Jenno Topping, “Country Strong” hits theaters in Los Angeles and Nashville on December 22, 2010, and nationwide on January 7, 2011.

Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Previously announced performers include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Sugarland, Underwood, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift. In addition, special duet performances will feature top nominee Lambert with Sheryl Crow in a tribute to Loretta Lynn’s 50th Anniversary as a recording artist, and Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson.

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director and David Wild is the writer. 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. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevrolet, Proud Sponsor of the CMA Awards and Official Ride of Country Music.
Visit www.CMApress.com for CMA Awards history, photos, press releases and logos. Media can also visit this site for on-line media credential registration for the CMA Awards. This is a protected site for the media only with restrictions on use. The public should be directed to www.CMAawards.com.

SECOND ROUND OF PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR “THE 44th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” ON ABC, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 10

Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, George Strait, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and
Keith Urban Will Perform on “Country Music’s Biggest Night”

The excitement is building for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” with today’s announcement that Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, George Strait, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban have been added as performers for “Country Music’s Biggest Night(tm).” Previously announced performers include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and the pairing of Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson. “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Paisley and Underwood, airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Paisley, the reigning Male Vocalist for three consecutive years (2007-2009), has three nominations this year, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Music Video of the Year for “Water,” which was directed by Jim Shea. Paisley has received a total of 13 CMA Awards. His first-ever collection of greatest hits, Hits Alive, will be in stores Nov. 2.

Rascal Flatts is nominated for Vocal Group of the Year, an award they won for six consecutive years (2003-2008). They have a career total of seven CMA Awards. The group will release its newest album, Nothing Like This, on Nov. 16.

Reba is a 2010 Female Vocalist of the Year nominee, an Award she won during four consecutive years (1984-1987). She is currently tied with Martina McBride for the most wins in that category. She has won a total of six CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year (1986). Her upcoming album, All the Women I Am, will be released Nov. 9.

Strait received two nominations, including Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for Twang, which Strait produced with Tony Brown. He has won more CMA Awards than any other artist in history, with a current total of 22 trophies, including two wins as Entertainer of the Year (1989, 1990). Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Sugarland is nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year, an award they have won for the past three years (2007-2009). Their new album, The Incredible Machine, will be released on Oct. 19.

Underwood has won five CMA Awards and received two nominations this year, including Female Vocalist and Album of the Year for Play On, which was produced by Mark Bright, with one track co-produced by Bright and Max Martin. Underwood has won Female Vocalist three times (2006-2008). Should she win the Female Vocalist category again this year, she would tie McBride and McEntire as the top winners in the category with four wins each

Urban is nominated for both Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year. Urban won Entertainer in 2005 and Male Vocalist of the Year three times (2004, 2005, and 2006). His new album, Get Closer, will be in stores Nov. 16.

Tickets for the 2010 CMA Awards are on sale and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Bridgestone Arena box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway), Nashville. Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper Level. All ticket prices include sales tax, but exclude applicable service/handling fees. Purchase tickets early for best available seats. In 2009, the CMA Awards sold out in advance.

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director and David Wild is the writer. 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. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevrolet, Proud Sponsor of the CMA Awards and Official Ride of Country Music.

Visit www.CMApress.com for CMA Awards history, photos, press releases and logos. Media can also visit this site for on-line media credential registration for the CMA Awards. This is a protected site for the media only with restrictions on use. The public should be directed to www.CMAawards.com.

FIRST ROUND OF PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR “THE 44th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” AIRING NOVEMBER 10 ON ABC

Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton Will Perform on “Country Music’s Biggest Night” Zac Brown Band to Perform With Alan Jackson

The star-packed lineup for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” launches with today’s announcement that Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and the pairing of Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson are the first group of performers confirmed for “Country Music’s Biggest Night(tm).” “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Bentley is nominated in three categories this year, including Male Vocalist, Album for Up On The Ridge, and Musical Event of the Year for “Bad Angel,” featuring Lambert and Jamey Johnson. Bentley won the Horizon Award in 2005. He also received the 2008 CMA International Artist Achievement Award. Chesney, who is nominated for Musical Event of the Year for his performance of “I’m Alive” with Dave Matthews, has won a total of seven CMA Awards. With four trophies to his credit (2004, 2006-2008), he is tied with Garth Brooks (1991, 1992, 1997, 1998) for the most wins in the Entertainer of the Year category. After taking most of 2010 off the road, he returns with his new album, Hemingway’s Whiskey, in-stores now. Jackson is nominated for Musical Event of the Year for his duet with Lee Ann Womack on “Till the End.” He has won 16 CMA Awards, including three trophies for Entertainer of the Year (1995, 2002, 2003). He will release 34 Number Ones, a career-spanning, double-disc collection featuring all of his No. 1 hits on Nov. 23. Lady Antebellum, the reigning Vocal Group of the Year, is nominated in five categories this year, including Entertainer; Album for Need You Now; Vocal Group; Single for “Need You Now”; and Music Video of the Year for “Need You Now,” which was directed by David McClister. Group members Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, and Hillary Scott each received individual nominations for Song of the Year for “Need You Now,” which they penned with songwriter Josh Kear. The group could receive two additional trophies as producers, should they win Single and Album of the Year, which they co-produced with Paul Worley. Lady Antebellum has a career total of three CMA Awards. Lambert, the top nominee for 2010 with nine nominations, also achieved the most nominations of any female artist in CMA Awards history. She received nominations for Entertainer; Female Vocalist; Album for Revolution produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke; two for Single, “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar;” Song for “White Liar,” which she wrote with Natalie Hemby; Musical Event for “Bad Angel” with Bentley and Johnson; and two for Music Video of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” directed by Trey Fanjoy, and “White Liar,” directed by Chris Hicky. Shelton is nominated in four categories, including Male Vocalist; and Single (produced by Scott Hendricks); Musical Event; and Music Video for “Hillbilly Bone,” which featured Trace Adkins and was directed by Roman White. Shelton’s latest SIX PAK, All About Tonight, is in stores now. Zac Brown Band is nominated for Entertainer; Vocal Group; Musical Event for “Can’t You See” featuring Kid Rock; and New Artist of the Year. The last time an act was nominated for New Artist and Entertainer of the Year in the same year was Ricky Skaggs in 1982. Bandmates Zac Brown and John Driskell Hopkins each picked up an additional individual nomination for Song of the Year for “Toes,” which they wrote with Wyatt Durrette and Shawn Mullins. The group’s new album, You Get What You Give, is in stores now. Tickets for the 2010 CMA Awards are on sale and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Bridgestone Arena box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway), Nashville. Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper Level. All ticket prices include sales tax, but exclude applicable service/handling fees. Purchase tickets early for best available seats. In 2009, the CMA Awards sold out in advance. “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director, and David Wild is the writer. 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. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevrolet, Proud Sponsor of the CMA Awards and Official Ride of Country Music. Visit www.CMApress.com for CMA Awards history, photos, press releases, and logos. Media can also visit this site for on-line media credential registration for the CMA Awards. This is a protected site for the media only with restrictions on use. The public should be directed to www.CMAawards.com.

MIRANDA LAMBERT LEADS LIST OF FINALISTS WITH RECORD NINE NOMINATIONS FOR “THE 44th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS”

Lady Antebellum Receives Five Nominations; Blake Shelton and Zac Brown Band Receive
Four Nominations; Fresh Faces in 10 of the 12 Categories

2010 CMA Awards Broadcast Live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville,
Wednesday, November 10 on the ABC Television Network

It was one for the record books when the final list of nominees for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” was announced today, with fresh faces layered throughout the field of finalists vying for a coveted crystal trophy on “Country Music’s Biggest Night(tm).”

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will be hosted for the third time by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, WEDNESDAY,
NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“Records were set and the bar has been raised with this exciting group of nominees,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “There will be a heightened level of excitement and anticipation for the CMA Awards in November.”

For the fifth year, the announcement of the final nominees in five of the 12 CMA Awards categories was made on ABC News’ “Good Morning America.” Nominees Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert delivered the news from the “Good Morning America” studios in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. Finalists in the other seven categories were announced yesterday in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium by Justin Moore and first-time nominee Chris Young.

When the final nominations were tallied, Lambert led the list of finalists with nine nominations – the most for any female artist in the history of the CMA Awards. Alan Jackson received 10 nominations in 2002. Prior to that, Merle Haggard held the record with nine in 1970.

Lambert received nominations for Entertainer; Female Vocalist; Album for Revolution, produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke; two for Single, “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar;” Song for “White Liar,” which she wrote with Natalie Hemby; Musical Event, for “Bad Angel” with Dierks Bentley and Jamey Johnson; and two for Music Video of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” directed by Trey Fanjoy, and “White Liar,” directed by Chris Hicky.

Lady Antebellum garnered the second highest number of CMA Awards nominations with five including Entertainer; Album for Need You Now; Vocal Group; Single for “Need You Now”; and Music Video of the Year for “Need You Now,” which was directed by David McClister. Group members Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott each received individual nominations for Song of the Year for “Need You Now,” which they penned with songwriter Josh Kear. The group can receive two additional trophies as producers for Single and Album of the Year with Paul Worley.

Third on the list of nominees was Zac Brown Band with four nominations for Entertainer; Vocal Group; Musical Event for “Can’t You See” featuring Kid Rock; and New Artist of the Year.
The last time an act was nominated for New Artist and Entertainer of the Year in the same year was Ricky Skaggs in 1982. Bandmates Zac Brown and John Driskell Hopkins each pick up an additional individual nomination for Song of the Year for “Toes,” which they wrote with Wyatt Durrette and Shawn Mullins.

Tying with Zac Brown Band was Blake Shelton, who received four nominations including Male Vocalist; and Single (produced by Scott Hendricks); Musical Event; and Music Video (director Roman White) for “Hillbilly Bone,” which featured Trace Adkins. As a result, Adkins picked up three nominations of his own for his contribution to the raucous duet.

Bentley wasn’t only handing out the good news, he was also the recipient of three nominations. Bentley’s nods include Male Vocalist; Album for Up On The Ridge, which was produced by Jon Randall Stewart; and Musical Event of the Year for “Bad Angel” with Lambert and Johnson.

Sharing the three-spot was CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley, who received nominations for Entertainer; Male Vocalist; and Music Video of the Year for “Water,” which was directed by Jim Shea. Paisley’s nominations this year push him from No. 5 to No. 3 for the artist with the most career nominations. He has been nominated every year since 2000 and has amassed an incredible 52 career nominations to date. Only George Strait (81) and Alan Jackson (79) have more.

A perennial favorite of CMA voters, Strait received two nominations this year for Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for Twang, which Strait produced with Tony Brown. Brown leads the list of nominees among non-performers with 38 career nominations. In 27 years, Strait has only been shut out of CMA Awards nominations two times in 1992 and 2006.

Co-host Carrie Underwood also received two nominations including Female Vocalist and Album of the Year for Play On, which was produced by Mark Bright and Max Martin.

Underwood won Female Vocalist of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008. If Underwood wins the Female Vocalist of the Year trophy again, it will tie her with Martina McBride (1999, 2002-2004) and Reba McEntire (1984-1987) for most wins in this category. All three are nominated again in 2010 with Lambert and Taylor Swift, who won the trophy in 2009.

McEntire’s 2010 nomination keeps her in first place as the female artist with the most career CMA Awards nominations (49). Her first was for the Horizon Award in 1983.

Keith Urban received two nominations for Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year. Urban won Entertainer in 2005 and Male Vocalist of the Year three times (2004, 2005, and 2006). Urban and Paisley are the senior members of the Entertainer class. The last time three acts debuted in the category was 1981 with Alabama, George Jones, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

A new name with multiple nominations was Easton Corbin. He was nominated for New Artist (formerly the Horizon Award) and Single of the Year for “A Little More Country Than That,” which was produced by Carson Chamberlain. Songwriters Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress and Wynn Varble were nominated for Song of the Year for the No. 1 song.

Feek is also half of the duo Joey + Rory, who received a nomination for Vocal Duo of the Year. Rounding out the Vocal Duo category were Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, newcomers Steel Magnolia and Sugarland, who won the Award in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Nearing the end of their farewell tour, Brooks & Dunn have been nominated in the category every year since 1992 and have won a record 14 times.

Last year Zac Brown Band made its debut in the Vocal Group of the Year category and this year The Band Perry are on the list for the first time. Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts complete the nominees for Vocal Group of the Year.

Making their CMA Awards debut in the New Artist of the Year category are Luke Bryan, Corbin, Jerrod Niemann and Chris Young. Zac Brown Band received its second New Artist of the Year nomination this year. Artists can only be included in this category two times.

Dave Matthews received his first CMA Awards nomination this year for Musical Event of the Year with Kenny Chesney for “I’m Alive.” Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack also received a Musical Event nomination for “Till the End.”

The Musician of the Year category included Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Brent Mason, Mac McAnally and Randy Scruggs. Each has been nominated in the past. The Musician of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year were the only two categories out of 12 that didn’t have a first-time nominee in the mix.

The 2009 CMA Awards, held in Nashville during Sweeps (Nov. 11), ranked behind only the Academy Awards and Grammy Awards during the 2009-2010 season for awards shows among Total Viewers. With “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” ABC won the night in both Total Viewers (17.2 million) and Adults 18-49 (5.3/14). According to Nielsen research, 35.8 million unique viewers ages 2+ watched six minutes or more of the program.

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. The first CMA Awards Banquet and Show was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast on NBC television for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The show aired on NBC through 1971 and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005 before moving to ABC in 2006.

Winners of “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the County Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

In addition to coverage of today’s events on CMT.com, “CMT Insider Special Edition: 2010 CMA Awards Nominations” will air on CMT today Wednesday, Sept. 1 (11:00 AM/ET). The new special, which features in-depth coverage of all the nominees, artist interviews and more, re-airs on Saturday, Sept. 4 (1:30 PM/ET) and Sunday, Sept. 5 (11:00 AM/ET).

A video news release including footage of the nominee announcements from Nashville, exclusive interviews, music video clips and more will be serviced today Wednesday, Sept. 1 (2:00-2:30 PM/ET). The VNR package will be available by Galaxy 28 – Transponder 10 (C-Band; analog) Downlink Frequency – 3900 Horizontal.

If you have difficulty picking up the VNR or have questions about the feed, please contact Scott Sklarin with Sklarin Communications at (917) 929-5564; or Maria Eckhardt at CMA (615) 664-1637, or by e-mail at meckhardt@CMAworld.com.

Tickets for the 2010 CMA Awards will go on sale to the public on Saturday, Sept. 18 (10:00 AM/CT) and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Bridgestone Arena box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway), Nashville. Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper Level. All ticket prices include sales tax, but exclude applicable service/handling fees. Purchase tickets early for best available seats. In 2009, the CMA Awards sold out in advance.

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, Paul Miller is the director and David Wild is the writer. 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.

The Final Nominees for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” are:

Entertainer of the Year
Lady Antebellum
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Zac Brown Band

Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban

Album of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
Need You Now
Lady Antebellum
Produced by Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum
Capitol Records Nashville

Play On
Carrie Underwood
Produced by Mark Bright and Max Martin
19 Recordings Limited/Arista Nashville

Album of the Year (cont.)
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
Revolution
Miranda Lambert
Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
Columbia Nashville

Twang
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA Nashville

Up On The Ridge
Dierks Bentley
Produced by Jon Randall Stewart
Capitol Records Nashville

Musical Event of the Year
(Award goes to each Artist)
“Bad Angel”
Dierks Bentley featuring Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson
Capitol Records Nashville

“Can’t You See”
Zac Brown Band featuring Kid Rock
Southern Ground/Atlantic Records

“Hillbilly Bone”
Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
Reprise Records

“I’m Alive”
Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews
BNA Records

“Till The End”
Alan Jackson with Lee Ann Womack
Arista Nashville

Previously Announced in Nashville:

New Artist of the Year
Luke Bryan
Easton Corbin
Jerrod Niemann
Chris Young
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland

Single of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
“A Little More Country Than That”
Easton Corbin
Produced by Carson Chamberlain
Mercury Nashville

“Hillbilly Bone”
Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
Produced by Scott Hendricks
Reprise Records

“Need You Now”
Lady Antebellum
Produced by Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum
Capitol Records Nashville

Single of the Year (cont.)
(Award goes to Artist and Producer (s))
“The House That Built Me”
Miranda Lambert
Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
Columbia Nashville

“White Liar”
Miranda Lambert
Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
Columbia Nashville

Song of the Year
(Award goes to Songwriter(s))
“A Little More Country Than That”
Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress, and Wynn Varble

“Need You Now”
Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Josh Kear

“The House That Built Me”
Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin

“Toes”
Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Driskell Hopkins, and Shawn Mullins

“White Liar”
Miranda Lambert and Natalie Hemby

Music Video of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
“Hillbilly Bone”
Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
Directed by Roman White

“Need You Now”
Lady Antebellum
Directed by David McClister

Music Video of the Year (cont.)
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
“The House That Built Me”
Miranda Lambert
Directed by Trey Fanjoy

“Water”
Brad Paisley
Directed by Jim Shea

“White Liar”
Miranda Lambert
Directed by Chris Hicky

Musician of the Year
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar
Randy Scruggs – Guitar

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevrolet, Proud Sponsor of the CMA Awards and Official Ride of Country Music.

Visit www.CMApress.com for CMA Awards history, photos, press releases, and logos. Media can also visit this site for on-line media credential registration for the CMA Awards, beginning Sept. 1. This is a protected site for the media only with restrictions on use. The public should be directed to www.CMAawards.com.

BRAD PAISLEY AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD RETURN TO HOST “THE 44th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS,” LIVE FROM NASHVILLE ON NOVEMBER 10

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood reunite in 2010 to host “Country Music’s Biggest Night(tm)” for a third time. “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“Carrie and Brad have done a tremendous job hosting, and we are very happy to have them back again this year,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “They have developed a natural rhythm and have a great rapport with the audience – both in the house and with our fans watching at home. They each have a great sense of humor and timing, which are two essential ingredients for hosting a live awards broadcast.”

“The CMAs are different from any other awards night,” said Brad Paisley. “You’re looking at a roomful of people who love each other. And any new viewer will be pleasantly surprised at what they relate to on the Awards and what they like that they had no idea they would like. For that reason alone, this is the most important night of the year for country music.”

“It’s all about Country Music,” said Carrie Underwood. “We all live here. This is our community. The CMA Awards are in Nashville, the home of country music. It’s great to come here and celebrate that every year.”

Paisley has won 13 CMA Awards since receiving the Horizon Award (now the New Artist Award) in 2000, including Male Vocalist (2007, 2008, 2009) and Album (2006 for “Time Well Wasted”). He also won Musical Event three times, first in 2004 with Alison Krauss for “Whiskey Lullaby,” second in 2006 for “When I Get Where I’m Going” with Dolly Parton, and a third in 2009 for “Start a Band” with Keith Urban; Vocal Event in 2001 for “Too Country” with Bill Anderson, George Jones and Buck Owens; and Music Video of the Year three times, first in 2002 for “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song);” second in 2004 for “Whiskey Lullaby” (again with Krauss), and third in 2007 for “Online.” He is No. 5 on the list of top CMA Award winners of all time.

Paisley is a consummate artist, a singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer. He has garnered three Grammy Awards and has released eight critically acclaimed studio albums, with sales of more than 11 million units. His most recent album, “American Saturday Night,” was ranked as Time magazine’s 2009 No. 1 album of the year in any genre of music. His most recent No. 1 single, “Water,” was his 17th chart topper – the last 13 consecutive. Paisley’s innovative and entertaining “H2O World Tour” consistently sells out and will continue through November. His next album, “Hits Alive,” will include original studio tracks as well as live tracks from his concerts and will be released Nov. 2.

Underwood has received five CMA Awards in her career, including three consecutive wins as Female Vocalist (2006-2008), as well as Single of the Year (2007 for “Before He Cheats”) and the Horizon Award (2006). Underwood, who has also won five Grammy Awards, adds hosting the CMA Awards to a whirlwind year which includes headlining over 100 concerts throughout the U.S. and Canada on her critically-acclaimed “Play On Tour.”

Underwood has amassed more than 12 million in U.S. album sales since her debut CD in 2005. She’s consistently broken new ground by becoming the first “American Idol” winner to ever achieve 13 No. 1 hits and the first country music artist ever to achieve 10 No. 1 singles just on the strength of their first two albums. Her latest single, “Undo It,” is the third consecutive chart-topping smash from her platinum-certified “Play On” album. The song is one of seven tracks co-written by Underwood for “Play On,” and it becomes the sixth No. 1 of her career that she has co-written.

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive producer. Paul Miller is the director. David Wild is the writer. 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.

Visit www.CMApress.com for CMA Awards history, photos, press releases, and logos. Media can also visit this site for on-line media credential registration for the CMA Awards, beginning Sept. 1. This is a protected site for the media only with restrictions on use. The public should be directed to www.CMAawards.com.

CMA AWARDS NOMINATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED OVER TWO DAYS IN TWO CITIES

Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert Announce Five Categories Live From New York City
On ABC’s “Good Morning America” Wednesday, Sept. 1

Justin Moore and Chris Young Announce the Finalists in Seven Categories
At the Historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tuesday, Aug. 31

“CMT Insider Special Edition: 2010 CMA Awards Nominations”
Airs Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 11:00 a.m., ET

Steel Magnolia to Announce CMA Broadcast Awards Finalists in Nashville Aug. 31

Premiere Radio Networks to Carry All Announcements Live to Country Radio

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” Airs Live Nov. 10 on the ABC Television Network

NASHVILLE – “Country Music’s Biggest Morning” is too big for one day! CMA announced today that the final nominees for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will be announced over two mornings, from two cities.

On Wednesday, Sept. 1, Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert will announce the final nominees in five CMA Awards categories live from the “Good Morning America” studios in the heart of New York City’s Times Square on the ABC Television Network. The announcement will air in the 8:30 a.m., ET half-hour segment of the morning news program.

On Tuesday, Aug. 31, Justin Moore and Chris Young will announce the finalists in seven CMA Awards categories from Nashville at a press conference at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

In Nashville, Steel Magnolia will announce the finalists for the 2010 CMA Broadcast Award Personality and Radio Station of the Year in four categories (small, medium, large and major markets), as well as the finalists for the CMA National Broadcast Personality.

“CMT Insider Special Edition: 2010 CMA Awards Nominations,” featuring in-depth coverage of all the nominations, artist interviews and more, will premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 1 (11:00 a.m., ET). The 30-minute special will re-air on Saturday, Sept. 4 (1:30 p.m., ET), and again on Sunday, Sept. 5 (11:00 a.m., ET).

CMA’s official radio partner, Premiere Radio Networks, will carry the Awards and Broadcast Award nominations live to Country Radio as they are announced each day.

“The CMA Awards final nominations are the most anticipated annual announcements in Country Music,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “By making the announcements over two days, we hope to focus even more attention on all the deserving nominees and their accomplishments.”

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” known as “Country Music’s Biggest Night(tm),” will be broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

Capitol Nashville recording artist Bentley recently released his critically acclaimed album Up on the Ridge, featuring his new single “Draw Me a Map.” He has sold more than five million albums and scored seven No. 1 hits since the release of his self-titled debut. Bentley won the CMA Horizon Award (now New Artist of the Year) in 2005, and was named CMA’s International Artist of the Year in 2009.

Revolution, the Gold-certified third album from Columbia Nashville singer/songwriter Lambert, continues with back-to-back No. 1 singles, “White Liar” and the four-week No. 1 song, “The House That Built Me.” Her current single is the tongue-in-cheek “Only Prettier.” Following a year of impressive accolades and her first ever headlining tour, she will hit the road again this fall as the headlining act for “CMT on Tour: Miranda Lambert Revolution.”

The Valory Music Co. recording artist Moore was named Billboard’s New Country Artist of 2009. He has earned consecutive smashes from his self-titled debut album, including the No. 1 gold single, “Small Town USA,” the Top 5 “Backwoods” and his brand new Top 25 and rising hit, “How I Got To Be This Way.” Moore’s debut was lauded as one of the “Best Albums of the 2009″ by The New York Times. He is touring alongside Brad Paisley on the “H20 World Tour” thru the end of the year.

Big Machine’s Steel Magnolia broke a decades-old Billboard record and garnered a million downloads with their Top 5 break-out hit, “Keep On Lovin’ You.” Steel Magnolia is earning acclaim from fans and critics alike, having been nominated for four major industry awards so far this year. The duo are currently performing on Paisley’s “H20 World Tour” and their new single, “Just By Being You (Halo & Wings),” is already Top 40 and rising. Steel Magnolia, comprised of Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones, will release their self-titled debut album on Sept. 21.

RCA Nashville recording artist Young recently earned his second consecutive No. 1 single when “The Man I Want to Be,” the title track to his current album, spent three weeks at the top of the chart. The album also includes his first No. 1 smash, “Gettin’ You Home,” and his new single, “Voices.” Young is currently touring with Rascal Flatts.

The audio announcement of the CMA Awards nominees and CMA Broadcast Awards finalists will be available via satellite and FTP from CMA’s official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks. Premiere has provided outstanding radio coverage of the CMA Awards nominations for more than a decade.

As part of their comprehensive 2010 CMA Awards radio package, Premiere Radio Networks will offer the 2010 CMA Awards Nominations Special hosted by Senior Producer of Country Programming Rosemary Young, a preview special, Red Carpet features, a live feed of the Awards gala, backstage wrap-up show and a “CMA Awards, Look Back” weekend special. Any Country radio station interested in receiving the radio package, including the nominations feed, may contact Premiere Affiliate Relations at (818) 377-5300.

Historically one of the top-rated awards specials of the year, the 2009 CMA Awards ranked third for the week in the 18-49 demographic and was ranked fourth for the week in Total Viewers during a very competitive sweeps period. It was ABC’s biggest Wednesday audience with a non-sports program in more than four years and the Awards’ highest Adult 18-49 rating in two years. According to Nielsen research, 35.8 million unique viewers ages 2+ watched six minutes or more of the program.

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 plus industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. The first “CMA Awards Banquet and Show” was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards were broadcast on NBC television for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The show aired on NBC through 1971 and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005 before moving to ABC in 2006.

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. 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.

Bentley, Lambert, and Moore are among the performers featured on “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock,” a three-hour special that airs on Wednesday, Sept. 1 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. The special is hosted by Tim McGraw and spotlights the first network television performance of Taylor Swift’s new single, “Mine.” Additional performers include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Uncle Kracker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band.

ABC News’ “Good Morning America” is anchored by Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Sam Champion and Juju Chang. The Emmy Award-winning morning news broadcast airs live Monday through Friday from 7:00-9:00 a.m., ET on the ABC Television Network. Jim Murphy is the senior executive producer and Tom Cibrowski is the executive producer of ABC News’ “Good Morning America.”

“CMT Insider” is a weekly magazine show that explores all things in the world of entertainment that interest the Country Music audience — star interviews and news, chart action, new CD releases, new videos, what’s new in movies, fashion and fun and behind-the-scenes reports. Hosted by Katie Cook, “CMT Insider” premieres weekly on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m., ET/PT on CMT. Lewis Bogach and John Hamlin serve as executive producers. Ray Sells serves as supervising producer. Jennifer Meyer serves as senior producer.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevrolet, Proud Sponsor of the CMA Awards and Official Ride of Country Music.

For Information, visit www.CMApress.com for CMA Awards history, photos, press releases and logos. On-line media credentialing for the CMA Awards begins Sept. 1. This is a protected site for the media only with restrictions on use.

“THE 44th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” TO BE BROADCAST LIVE, NOVEMBER 10 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

The Country Music Association and ABC Television Network have announced that “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will air WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

“The CMA Awards is ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’ and is one of the most highly anticipated events for our industry each year,” said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. “It’s a night to recognize and honor our finest performers, songwriters, record producers, musicians and music video directors.”

The 2009 CMA Awards came in No. 3 for its telecast week in the Adults 18-49 demo and No. 5 for the week in Total Viewers, according to Nielsen. Held during November Sweeps (Nov. 11), “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” on ABC dominated the night, ranking No. 1 in all six half-hours of the night in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49 (5.3/14). In fact it was a clean sweep on the night, as the net also took top honors of the evening across all key Adult, Men and Women demographics (18-24, 18-49, 25-54), as well as registering as the top-rated broadcaster with Teens (12-17) and Kids (2-11). The program beat second-place CBS by 5.7 million viewers, with 17.3 million people tuned in. The CMA Awards gave ABC its biggest Wednesday audience with non-sport programming in well over four years and its highest Adult 18-49 numbers in two years. An estimated 36 million viewers watched all or some portion of the live, three-hour broadcast.

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. Winners of “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

“The CMA Awards recognizes the best of our format. Our artists and music resonate with people from all walks of life, and that’s what makes this ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night,’” said Moore.

The eligibility period for the 2010 CMA Awards is July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. All voting for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards” will be conducted online. The first ballot and instructions will be emailed June 29 to CMA members in good standing who are eligible to vote. Voting for the first ballot closes at 5:00 PM/CT, July 15.

The second ballot will be emailed to CMA members Aug. 10. Voting for the second ballot closes at 5:00 PM/CT, Aug. 23. The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced in early September.

The third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members Oct. 15. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends at 5:00 PM/CT, Nov. 2.

“The 44th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the executive 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.

The first “CMA Awards Banquet and Show” was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast on NBC Television for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The Awards aired on NBC through 1971, and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevy: the Official Ride of Country Music.