Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill among Oklahomans receiving CMA nominations

by: The Tennessean
8/30/2007 1:11 PM

George Strait and Brad Paisley received a field-leading five nominations each for the 41st Annual Country Music Association Awards, which air Nov. 7 on ABC.

Oklahoma-native Carrie Underwood received three nominations, including female vocalist of the year. Other Oklahomans coming in with nominations include Vince Gill, who was nominated for album of the year with "These Days"; Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn; Rascal Flatts' Joe Don Rooney; and Reba McEntire.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill had the biggest tour in popular music last year, but neither of them received a top entertainer nomination. In fact, Hill joins Oklahoman Toby Keith in the "How could someone that popular get no nominations?" category.

No female artists are up for top entertainer or top album. But the Dixie Chicks are back in the CMA nominations business, vying for vocal group of the year against Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Emerson Drive, Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts.

The 41st Annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. on ABC.

CMA Awards nominees

Entertainer of the Year

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist

Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Josh Turner
Keith Urban

Vocal duo

Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
The Wreckers

Album of the Year (Awarded to artist and producers)

Brad Paisley's "5th Gear," producers Chris Dubois and Frank Rogers
George Strait's "It Just Comes Natural," producers Tony Brown and George Strait
Dierks Bentley's "Long Trip Alone," produced by Brett Beavers
Keith Urban's "Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing," producers Keith Urban and Dan Huff
Vince Gill's "These Days," produced by Vince Gill, John Hobbs and Justin Niebank

Horizon Award

Jason Aldean
Rodney Atkins
Little Big Town
Kellie Pickler
Taylor Swift

Vocal Group of the Year

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
Dixie Chicks
Emerson Drive
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts

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

"Anyway," Martina McBride, produced by Martina McBride, RCA Records
"Before He Cheats," Carrie Underwood, produced by Mark Bright, 19 Recordings Limited, Arista Records
"Lost in This Moment," Big & Rich, produced by Big Kenny and John Rich, Warner Bros. Nashville
"Ticks," Brad Paisley, produced by Frank Rogers and Chris Dubois, Arista Nashville
"Wrapped," George Strait, produced by George Strait and Tony Brown, MCA Nashville

Song of the Year (award goes to songwriter and primary publisher)

"Anyway," Martina McBride/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Delemmava Music/Bucky and Clyde Music.
"Before He Cheats," Josh Kear/ Chris Tompkins; That Little House Music/Mighty Underdog Music/Sony/ATV Cross Keys
"Give It Away," Bill Anderson/Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson; Sony/ATV Tree/Mr. Bubba Music/Slow Run Music/EMI Blackwood
"Lost In This Moment," John Rich/Keith Anderson/Rodney Clawson; Rich Texan Music/Warner-Tamerlane/Writer's Extreme/EMI April Music/Romeo Cowboy
"Stupid Boy," Dave Berg/Deanna Bryant/Sarah Buxton; Song Planet/That Little House Music/Cal IV Songs/BergBrain Music

Musical Event of the Year (Award goes to each artist)

"Because of You," Reba McEntire with Kelly Clarkson, MCA Nashville
"Find Out Who Your Friends Are," Tracy Lawrence, featuring Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney, Rocky Comfort Records/CO5
"Hey Good Lookin"'(live), Jimmy Buffett with George Strait and Alan Jackson, MCA Nashville
"Missing You," Alison Krauss and John Waite, Rounder Records
"The Reason Why," Vince Gill with guest vocalist Alison Krauss, MCA Nashville

Music Video of the Year (Award goes to artist and director)

"Anyway," Martina McBride, directed by Robert Deaton and George J. Flanign IV
"Before He Cheats," Carrie Underwood, directed by Roman White
"Moments," Emerson Drive, directed by Steven Goldmann
"Online," Brad Paisley, directed by Jason Alexander
"You Save Me," Kenny Chesney, directed by Shaun Silva

Musician of the Year

Eddie Bayers Jr., drums
Jerry Douglas, dobro
Dan Huff, guitar
Mac McAnally, guitar
Randy Scruggs, guitar