(...Story Continued from Previous Page)

The CMA awards are set for Nov. 12, and will air on ABC.

Besides entertainer, album of the year and male vocalist, Chesney's nominations were for single of the year for "Don't Blink;" two musical event nominations, one with Reba McEntire for "Every Other Weekend" and one with Strait for "Shiftwork;" and music video for "Don't Blink."

"We work so hard on this music, the tours, the videos. It's so much the focus of what I do, how I live," Chesney said. "It's always a thrill to see that people are not just noticing, but recognize what we're all trying to do."

Strait's fifth nomination was for musical event for his project with Chesney. He now has 75 career CMA award nominations, trailing only Jackson's 79.

Sugarland's other nominations are for vocal duo, which they won last year; musical event for "Life in a Northern Town" with Little Big Town and Jake Owen; and music video of the year for "Stay." Singer Jennifer Nettles also has a solo nod for writing "Stay," which is nominated for song of the year, a category that goes to the songwriter and publisher.

"I almost spilt my tea this morning as I was watching," Nettles said. "Being in the Entertainer Of The Year category is such an honor. We've been lucky enough to be out on the road with Kenny Chesney for a couple of tours over the last two years. Looks like rock by osmosis really does work!"

Musical partner Kristian Bush called the nominations "simply awesome."

"It is one thing to play shows every week of the year and imagine ourselves striving to become entertainers of the year and another thing altogether to have the voting members of the CMA believe that it is possible," Bush said.

Page 2 of 2

Previous