Carrie is a triple nominee

Carrie is a triple nominee
Underwood one of 3 atop country awards.

By The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood led the nominees for Country Music Television's 2007 CMT Music Awards with three apiece Wednesday.

Rascal Flatts was nominated for Video of the year for their hit "What Hurts the Most.” The song also was nominated in the group video category along with "Life is a Highway,” the group's remake of a 1992 Tom Cochrane pop hit.

Underwood's "Before He Cheats” is up for female video, video of the year and director of the year, while Chesney's "You Save Me” is nominated for male video, video of the year and director of the year.

The Dixie Chicks received two nominations for the fan-voted awards: video of the year and group video for "Not Ready to Make Nice.”

Other nominees

Other double CMT nominees include Oklahoman Toby Keith (male video and video of the year for "A Little Too Late”), Sugarland (duo video and video of the year for "Want To”), the Wreckers (breakthrough video and duo video for "Leave the Pieces”) and Jason Aldean (breakthrough video and director of the year for "Amarillo Sky”).

This year's show will include a first-time category called "Wide Open Country,” intended to honor artists from outside mainstream country. Nominees include rockers Sheryl Crow and Sting for their duet "Always on Your Side” and Jimmy Buffett for "Bama Breeze.” Jeff Foxworthy will host the show, which airs April 16. Underwood, Chesney and Rascal Flatts are among the scheduled performers.