Broken Bow

The 2011 CMA Awards nominees were announced today (Sept. 6), revealing that Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift lead this year's pack with five nods apiece. It's particularly sweet news for Jason, who has never won a CMA. Among his nominations is the night's biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, for which the 'Dirt Road Anthem' singer will compete with Brad, Blake, Taylor and Keith Urban.

CMA nominee first-timers this year include Thompson Square (Duo, New Artist), Eric Church (New Artist), the Civil Wars (Duo), Grace Potter (Musical Event, Video), Colt Ford (Song) and Brantley Gilbert (Song).

Reigning Top Female Vocalist Miranda Lambert, who was 2010's leading CMA winner, will defend her vocalist title against buddies Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Martina McBride and Sara Evans, who scores her first CMA nod in five years. Miranda's hubby, reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton, has his first Entertainer and Album of the Year nominations among his five this year. He'll compete with Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban to hold onto the Male Vocalist honors. (See the full list of 2011 CMA Awards nominees below.)

Jake Owen and four-time nominees the Band Perry announced the first round of categories live on ABC's 'Good Morning America,' with Jake also performing his No. 1 hit, 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' on the broadcast. Jerrod Niemann and Thompson Square announced the finalists in seven more CMA award categories during a press conference at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will co-host the show for the third year in a row. The 45th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on November 9, 2011 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.

2011 CMA AWARDS NOMINEES

Entertainer of the Year

Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year

Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year

Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

New Artist

The Band Perry
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Thompson Square
Chris Young

Vocal Group

Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo

The Civil Wars
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Thompson Square

Album of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer)

'All About Tonight'
Blake Shelton
Produced by Scott Hendricks

'My Kinda Party'
Jason Aldean
Produced by Michael Knox

'Speak Now'
Taylor Swift
Produced by Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift

'This Is Country Music'
Brad Paisley
Produced by Frank Rogers

'You Get What You Give'
Zac Brown Band
Produced by Keith Stegall and Zac Brown

Single of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer)

'A Little Bit Stronger'
Sara Evans
Produced by Tony Brown

'Colder Weather'
Zac Brown Band
Produced by Keith Stegall and Zac Brown

'Don't You Wanna Stay'
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
Produced by Michael Knox

'Honey Bee'
Blake Shelton
Produced by Scott Hendricks

'If I Die Young'
The Band Perry
Produced by Paul Worley

Song of the Year
(Award goes to songwriters)

'Colder Weather'
Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey, and Coy Bowles

'Dirt Road Anthem'
Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford

'If I Die Young'
Kimberly Perry

'Mean'
Taylor Swift

'You and Tequila'
Matraca Berg and Deana Carter

Musical Event of the Year

'As She's Walking Away'
Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson

'Coal Miner's Daughter'
Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow, and Miranda Lambert

'Don't You Wanna Stay'
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson

'Old Alabama'
Brad Paisley featuring Alabama

'You and Tequila'
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter

Music Video
(Award goes to artist and director)

'Honey Bee'
Blake Shelton
Directed by Trey Fanjoy

'If I Die Young'
The Band Perry
Directed by David McClister

'Mean'
Taylor Swift
Directed by Declan Whitebloom

'Old Alabama'
Brad Paisley featuring Alabama
Directed by Jim Shea

'You and Tequila'
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter
Directed by Shaun Silva

Musician

Sam Bush - Mandolin
Jerry Douglas - Dobro
Paul Franklin - Steel Guitar
Dann Huff - Guitar
Mac McAnally - Guitar

 

More From TheBoot