The Country Music Television Awards is almost here again!
Fans have until April 13 to vote for their favorites at CMT's website. The awards show, broadcast live April 16 from Nashville's Curb Event Center at Belmont University, is shaping up to be a memorable occasion for anyone who is passionate about today's country legends. CMT plan to simulcast the show live on its website and on CMT Radio.
Favorites include Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood, who are among the main contenders, but let's not forget The Dixie Chicks, Toby Keith, Sugarland, and newcomers Jason Aldean and The Wreckers who have two nominations each.
Video of the Year final nominees will be announced at the show, with fans voting at CMT's website or via mobile phone during the awards show, to decide the big winner. Underwood, Chesney, Keith, Dixie Chicks, George Strait, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland are all in the running.
The Dixie Chicks return for the first time since singer Natalie Maines criticized President Bush at a 2003 gig. The Chicks popularity apparently hasn't suffered the same fate George Bush's has since then; they have picked up three Grammy Awards for song, record and album of the year, not bad for a threesome who had allegedly fell out of favor with many in their music community so recently.
CMT's new category, Wide Open Country, honors artists from beyond mainstream country music. Jimmy Buffett, Johnny Cash and Sheryl Crow/Sting are all in the hat for the award in this its debut year.
Country comedian Jeff Foxworthy will host the event, and tickets are available.
The final nominees for this year's CMT Awards are:
Video of the Year
Toby Keith, "A Little Too Late"
Carrie Underwood, "Before He Cheats"
Dixie Chicks, "Not Ready to Make Nice"
Keith Urban, "Once in a Lifetime"
George Strait, "The Seashores of Old Mexico"
Sugarland, "Want To"
Rascal Flatts, "What Hurts the Most"
Kenny Chesney, "You Save Me"
Male Video of the Year
Toby Keith, "A Little Too Late"
Tim McGraw, "My Little Girl"
Josh Turner, "Would You Go With Me"
Kenny Chesney, "You Save Me"
Female Video of the Year
Carrie Underwood, "Before He Cheats"
Gretchen Wilson, "California Girls"
Faith Hill, "Stealing Kisses"
Sara Evans, "You'll Always Be My Baby"
Duo Video of the Year
Big & Rich, "8th of November"
Brooks & Dunn, "Building Bridges"
The Wreckers, "Leave the Pieces"
Sugarland, "Want To"
Group Video of the Year
Little Big Town, "Good as Gone"
Rascal Flatts, "Life Is a Highway"
Dixie Chicks, "Not Ready to Make Nice"
Rascal Flatts, "What Hurts the Most"
Breakthrough Video of the Year
Jason Aldean, "Amarillo Sky"
The Wreckers, "Leave the Pieces"
Kellie Pickler, "Red High Heels"
Taylor Swift, "Tim McGraw"
Wide Open Video of the Year
(consisting of videos featured on "CMT Wide Open Country," which showcases alt-country, bluegrass and Americana music)
Sheryl Crow with Sting, "Always on Your Side"
Jimmy Buffett, "Bama Breeze"
Johnny Cash, "God's Gonna Cut You Down"
Jack Ingram, "Love You"
Video with Best Direction
(accepted by the director and artist)
Gary Allan & director Paul Boyd, "Life Ain't Always Beautiful"
Jason Aldean & director Wes Edwards, "Amarillo Sky"
Kenny Chesney & director Shaun Silva, "You Save Me"
Carrie Underwood & director Roman White, "Before He Cheats"