Nominations for the Country Music Association Awards were announced Tuesday morning on Good Morning America. The top prize includes perennial favorites. But there are new names in 10 of the 12 categories.
Entertainer of the Year puts genre-crossing superstar Taylor Swift – now 21 years old – up against four of country music’s best known males – Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Keith Urban. It’s a repeat nomination for Paisley, who won CMA’s top prize last year and has now been nominated for a CMA every year since 2000.
Duo of the Year features several debuts including Thompson Square, a husband and wife team. The Civil Wars – who have shot to stardom in the last 12 months – are also up for their first award.
There’s no clear frontrunner in some of the biggest categories, says Steve Moore, CMA chief executive. He says that should heighten anticipation of the awards show in November, which will be broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena.
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