Jason Aldean Has a ‘Legitimate Shot’ at CMA Awards

Jason Aldean is in the midst of celebrating five CMA award nominations, including his first-ever CMA Entertainer of the Year nod. The singer says the recognition is further proof that he's heading in the right direction with his music and his career.

"I think we've got as good a chance as anybody," Jason says confidently. "I don't really care about nominations if we don't have a shot at winning. You don't show up to the game to sit on the bench. You show up because you want to play, and that's how I've always felt about it. I feel like this year was kind of our breakout year, so I think I have legitimate shot at actually winning one of them. I'm pumped up about the show and being there. It'll be a whole different experience being there this time than it's been before at awards shows."

But awards aren't the only thing on the mind of the Georgia native. While his latest album, 'My Kinda Party,' isn't a year old yet, Jason's already thinking about his next CD. Scoring two No. 1 hits from the last project, including his powerful duet, 'Don't You Wanna Stay' with Kelly Clarkson, Jason says he thinks his best music is still ahead of him.

The married father of two might even add a few self-penned songs to the new CD -- but he says that he's the first to turn down his own tunes. "I'm never going to be one of those guys that has eight, ten songs on my record," he explains. "It's just not the way I operate. I'm such a fan of so many other writers, and even though I may have a song that I think is cool and good it seems like I always find something that I like better and end up booting my own songs off the record."

Jason's latest single, 'Tattoos on This Town,' is currently in the Top 25 and climbing. He will wrap up the 2011 leg of his My Kinda Party tour in October. Keep track of his schedule here.

The CMA Awards, which will include a performance by Jason, will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on November 9, 2011 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.