Did you miss last week's CMA Awards or the Music Festival Special?  Want a chance to see it again?  Well you are in luck!  CMT will be airing the 42nd Annual CMA Awards on the following dates and times:

Sat. 11.29, 9:00 PM ET

Sun. 11.30, 3:00 PM ET

Mon. 12.1, 9:00 PM ET

Tues. 12.2, 1:00 PM ET

Wed. 12.10, 9:00 PM ET

Thu. 12.11, 2:00 PM ET

 

GAC will be airing "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" on the following dates and times:

 

Sun. 12.7, 4:00 PM ET

Sun. 12.7, 8:00 PM ET

Mon. 12.8, 12:00 AM ET

Mon. 12.22, 8:00 PM ET

Tues. 12.23, 12:00 AM ET

 

 

As of today, the CMA Red Carpet can be seen on these ABC stations at 7:30ET/6:30CT.  Listed alphabetically by city.

ABC.com
Alexandria (KLAX)
Beaumont/Port Arthur (KBMT)
Bend (KOHD)
Billings ((KSVI)
Charleston/Huntington (WCHS)
Charlottesville (WVAW)
Chattanooga (WTVC)
Clarksburg/Weston (WBOY-D2)
Colorado Springs/Pueblo (KRDO)
Des Moines (WOI)
Dothan (WDHN)
Elmira (WENY)
Erie (WJEY)
Ft. Wayne (WPTA)
Gainesville (WCJB)
Grand Junction (KJCT)
Grand Rapids (WOTV)                                           
Grand Rapids (WZZM)                                           
Greensboro/High Point/Winston Salem (WXLV)
Greenville/New Bern (WCTI)
Greenwood/Greenville (WABG)
Harrisburg/Lancaster (WHTM)
Harrisonburg (WHSV)
Knoxville (WATE)
Lexington (WTVQ)
Lincoln/Hastings (KLKN)
Memphis (WPTY)
Monterey/Salinas (AABC)
New Orleans (WGNO)
Omaha (KETV)
Phoenix (KNXV)                                                     
Rapid City (KOTA)
Roanoke/Lynchburg (WSET)
Sioux City (KCAU)
Spokane (KXLY)
Springfield (KSPR)
Springfield (WICS)
St. Joseph (KQTV)
Tallahassee (WTXL)
Tampa/St. Pete Sarasota (WWSB)                          
Toledo (WTVG)
Topeka (KTKA)
Tri-cities (TN/VA) (WKPT)
Utica (WUTR)
Wheeling (WTRF-D3)
Yuma (NECY)

For those that have asked about the International broadcast schedule, here ya go!

AUSTRALIA - CMC Channel - November 15 / 7:00 PM
CANADA - City TV - November 12 / Simulcast
CANADA - CMT Canada - November 13 @ 8 PM and midnight
CANADA - CMT Canada - November 16 @ 11 PM and midnight
DENMARK - TV2 - Check local listings
FINLAND - Yleisradio OY - Check local listings
GEORGIA (former Soviet Union) - Telemidi - Check local listings
MIDDLE EAST - Middle East Broadcastion (MBC) - Check local listings
MIDDLE EAST - Middle East PBC/Tapesh TV - Check local listings
NORWAY - NRK - Check local listings
SCANDINAVIA, BENELUX, BALTIC - Non Stop Ent/Star Channel - Check local listings
SWEDEN - Kanal Fem - Check local listings
SWEDEN - SVT - Check local listings

Join in the excitement of Country Music's Biggest Night(tm) by showing your support for your favorite CMA Awards nominee! Play "My CMA Awards Picks" and see how your picks stack up against your friends' favorites.

Go here http://www.cmaawards.com/special/my_picks/ to make your picks, then watch "The 42^nd Annual CMA Awards" to compare your picks with the night's winners.

NASHVILLE - The star-packed lineup for "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" launches with the announcement today that nominees Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban will perform. "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.   

"The CMA Awards shine a three-hour spotlight on Country Music, exposing our artists and their music to the world" said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "This first group of performers continues to raise the bar not only for Country Music, but for all forms of entertainment. We are excited to showcase their amazing talents on the CMA Awards this year." 

Brooks & Dunn, who have won more CMA Awards than any other artist (19 Awards), are nominated this year for Vocal Duo (which they have won a record 14 times) and Album of the Year for Cowboy Town.  Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn could each receive an additional trophy for producing their Album with Tony Brown.   

Chesney, the reigning Entertainer of the Year (with three total wins in this category), is this year's top-nominated artist. He received seven nominations including Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates; Single and Music Video for "Don't Blink," (video directed by Shaun Silva); and two Musical Event of the Year nods (one with Reba McEntire for "Every Other Weekend" and the second with Strait for "Shiftwork"). Chesney could receive two additional trophies for producing his Album and Single with Buddy Cannon.

Jackson has 79 total career CMA nominations, the most of any artist in history. In 2008, he received four nominations: Male Vocalist; Album for Good Time (produced by Keith Stegall); and Song and Music Video of the Year for "Good Time," directed by Trey Fanjoy. 

Lambert received two nominations with Female Vocalist and Single of the Year (her first nomination in this category) for "Gunpowder and Lead," produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Strait received five nominations including Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for Troubadour; Single for "I Saw God Today" (which also received a Song of the Year nod for its writers Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell and Wade Kirby); and Musical Event of the Year with Chesney on "Shiftwork." Strait could also receive two additional trophies for producing his Single and Album with Brown.

Sugarland, the reigning Vocal Duo, received five nominations including Entertainer (their first nomination in this category); Vocal Duo; Musical Event for "Life in a Northern Town" with Little Big Town and Jake Owen; and Single and Music Video for "Stay," (video directed by Silva). Sugarland members Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles could each receive a second trophy for producing "Stay" with Byron Gallimore. Nettles also received a solo Song of the Year nomination as songwriter of "Stay."

 Reigning Horizon Award winner Swift received her first Female Vocalist of the Year nomination this year.   

Urban received two nominations this year, with Entertainer (which he won in 2005) and Male Vocalist of the Year (which he won three consecutive years in 2004-2006).

 Tickets for the 2008 CMA Awards are on sale now and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com;  calling (615) 255-9600; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Bronze-level seating (upper level), $327.75 for Silver-level seating (club level), and $382.50 for Gold-level seating (lower level). All prices include sales tax but exclude applicable service/handling fees.

 "The 42^nd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2008 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay® is the Official Beauty Sponsor of the 2008 CMA Awards.

You are hereby invited to take part in the 2nd Annual CMA Awards Online Auction. This could be your ticket to Country's Biggest Night. Packages, which include a variety of auction and VIP "buy it now" categories, and are limited and echo the excitement and prestige of the CMA Awards.

Be the first to bid on premiere CMA Awards packages including:

The Red Carpet Experience (includes two Platinum Level CMA Awards tickets plus hotel accommodations at Nashville's Downtown Hilton Suites and two tickets to the Red Carpet bleachers)

The Ultimate CMA Awards Experience (includes two Platinum Level CMA Awards Tickets, accommodations at the Marriott Nashville, tickets to the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, a CMA Awards Gift Bag, VIP entrance into the CMA Awards, and more)

Dine Like A Star (includes two Gold Level CMA Awards Tickets, a gift certificate towards a downtown Nashville four-star restaurant, and more)

These are just a few of the exciting packages offered for this year's CMA Awards Online Auction. Bid early or buy now as these will go fast!

Visit http://www.CMAawards.com/ for more detailed descriptions along with information on how to make bids and/or purchase VIP packages.

Your friends at the Country Music Association

Be a part of Country Music's Biggest Night!

The 42nd Annual CMA Awards takes place Wednesday, Nov. 12 in Downtown Nashville's Sommet Center and airs live 9/8c on ABC Television Network.

And you can be there, sitting among Country Music's hottest stars! Tickets to the general public go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 10. And being our friend, we'd like to offer you the opportunity to purchase tickets ahead of the pack.

Sign up for CMA Exclusive, our FREE periodical e-newsletter featuring news on your favorite Country artists, CMA events, "exclusive" opportunities, and more.Become a subscriber and receive info via the e-news on how you can take part in a special CMA Awards ticket pre-sale available only to our CMA Exclusive subscribers.

ABC'S "GOOD MORNING AMERICA" AND CMT'S "CMT INSIDER" TO AIR CMA AWARDS NOMINATIONS LIVE FROM NEW YORK CITY AND NASHVILLE WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10

Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift to Announce CMA Awards Finalists Live on "Good Morning America" From the GMA Studio in the Heart of New York City's Times Square ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

NASHVILLE - The announcement of the final nominees for the 2008 CMA Awards will be carried live Wednesday, Sept. 10, on network and cable television from the "Good Morning America" studios in the heart of New York City's Times Square on the ABC Television Network, and from the Sommet Center in Nashville on a special edition of  CMT's "CMT Insider."

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" will be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on ABC.

"Having 'Good Morning America' and 'CMT Insider' broadcast our CMA Awards final nominees live brings a heightened level of excitement to these highly-anticipated announcements," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. "These special broadcasts will allow fans across the nation to experience the same excitement our artists and industry feel as the names are announced for the first time by our hosts. It also demonstrates the enthusiasm of our network partner ABC, and the continued and valued support of 'Good Morning America' and CMT."  

The final nominees in select categories will be announced live on national television during "Good Morning America" with Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift on Wednesday, Sept. 10 during the 8:30 AM/ET half-hour of the morning news program.  

"We're excited to be a part of the live CMA nominee announcements on 'Good Morning America'," notes Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, who also serves on the CMA Board of Directors. "We had our first CMA win in 2002 and know how thrilling it is to hear your name called out as a nominee, so we're glad to be the one's to share that good news."

With the best selling Country Music tour for the first quarter of 2008, multi-Platinum Country group Rascal Flatts has played to 1.2 million fans over the last year and are currently on tour in support of their fifth studio album, Still Feels Good, with tour opener Swift. Since their career launched in 2000, Rascal Flatts has sold more than 17 million albums, scored nine No. 1 singles, 17 Top 10 hits and each of their five albums are multi-Platinum sellers. Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year for the past five consecutive years, Rascal Flatts has been honored with 12 CMA Award nominations and six wins. Their latest hit "Bob That Head" is rising on the Country singles charts.

"CMA provided me with one of the most amazing moments of my life, and it's an honor to be asked to announce this year's nominees with my tour mates Rascal Flatts," said Swift.

Reigning CMA Horizon winner Swift recently became the only Country female artist to have five consecutive Top 10 singles from a debut album on the Billboard Country charts. Swift just released in mid-July a Wal-Mart Exclusive CD and DVD, which includes "Beautiful Eyes," a song released just for Wal-Mart. The CD/DVD includes music videos, interviews and more for her fans. Her self-titled debut album released back in 2006 spawned five hits, including her latest, "Should've Said No."

Broadcasting live from Nashville, CMT's Katie Cook and Lance Smith will present exclusive coverage of the remaining 2008 CMA Awards nominee announcements in a special half-hour edition of "CMT Insider," premiering Wednesday, Sept. 10 (10:00 AM/ET; 9:00 AM/CT) on CMT. The special will re-air on CMT immediately following the live broadcast at 10:30 AM/ET (9:30 AM/CT); and Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10:30 AM/ET (9:30 AM/CT). Footage from the nomination special will also be available following the telecast at CMT.com.

Following the announcements on "Good Morning America," CMT will go live with two of the hottest and most innovative acts in Country Music today, Lady Antebellum and James Otto, as they reveal the remaining CMA Awards nominees. Following the nominations, Cook and Smith will interview nominees and examine the categories and evaluate the finalists. 

"We are so honored to have been asked by CMA to help them make this announcement," said Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott. "The CMA Awards are something we've dreamed about being a part of since Charles, Dave and I sat down to write our first song together. It is truly one of the most anticipated events of the year, and we are excited that we get to call the nominees names!"

Together since 2006, Country trio Lady Antebellum watched their first single "Love Don't Live Here Anymore," from their No. 1, self-titled debut album, reach the Top 5 on the Country radio charts. The group has opened for Country favorites such as Martina McBride, Kenney Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, and Alan Jackson. Their second single "Lookin For a Good Time" was just released and is already a Top 30 hit.

"This is Country Music's Biggest Night -- what an honor to be asked to participate in announcing the CMA Award nominations," says Otto. "I don't think there is a Country artist out there, including myself, who hasn't dreamed of winning a CMA Award. To be asked to announce the nominee's names that morning with Lady Antebellum is a moment I will always remember." 

One of Country Music's hottest rising stars, Otto's debut album on Warner Bros. Records, Sunset Man, was released on April 8 and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200. The first single, "Just Got Started Lovin' You" produced by John Rich, spent two weeks in the No. 1 position on the Billboard, Mediabase and R&R top Country singles charts, and is Country Radio's most played song of 2008 to date according to Mediabase. Otto's second single, "For You" produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, is currently climbing the charts. Otto goes on tour with Alan Jackson and Trace Adkins in Fall 2008.

In addition to the nominee announcements, Bucky Covington and Chuck Wicks will announce the finalists for the 2008 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year in four categories (small, medium, large and major markets) as well as the finalists for the CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year.

The audio announcement of the CMA Awards nominees and Broadcast Awards finalists will be available via StarGuide from CMA's official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks. Premiere has provided outstanding, radio coverage of the CMA Awards nominations for more than a decade.

"For the past two years, being out at Country radio I get to see for myself every day how hard these people work and how difficult their jobs can be," said Covington. "Country radio has been really amazing to me so it's very cool to get to announce the deserving nominees and share in their excitement."

After competing on the fifth season of "American Idol," Covington's self-titled debut CD released in April 2007 and opened at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart with the biggest first week sales for any new male artist in 15 years. Covington, who is currently on tour, has released three hits from his album including the current single "I'll Walk" plus "A Different World" and "It's Good To Be Us."

"I am thrilled to be able to announce the Broadcast Nominees," explains Wicks. "Country radio has been so supportive of me and my music and I have made so many amazing relationships over this last year that I can't think of a better way to show my appreciation than to be a part of these special announcements."

One of Country's hottest new-comers, RCA Nashville recording artist Wicks found an instant hit with his first single, "Stealing Cinderella," from his debut release, Starting Now.  The single climbed to No. 5 and was the first single from a new Country artist to crack the Top 5 in 2008. Wicks follow-up single, "All I Ever Wanted," is soaring up the Country charts and marks his second consecutive Top 25 hit. After a hugely successful run as the opening act on the final leg of Brad Paisley's "Bonfires & Amplifiers" Tour earlier this year, Wicks rejoins Paisley on the road this summer as part of the "Hershey's Presents the Paisley Party" Tour.  

As part of their comprehensive 2008 CMA Awards radio package, Premiere Radio Networks will offer coverage of the nominee announcements, a preview special, Red Carpet features, a live feed of the Awards gala and a backstage wrap up show. Any Country radio station interested in receiving the radio package, including the nominations feed, may contact Premiere Affiliate Relations at (818) 377-5300.

The announcements will be made at the Sommet Center with Genovese and other guests starting at 9:00 AM/CT. The venue will open at 8:00 AM/CT for invited media and members of the music industry to watch the televised announcements on "Good Morning America."

"The CMA Awards are 'Country Music's Biggest Night' and this is certainly going to be Country Music's biggest morning," Genovese said. "I can't imagine a more exciting way to kick off the CMA Awards season and the excitement leading up to 'The 42nd Annual CMA Awards'."

The 2007 CMA Awards, held in Nashville during November Sweeps (Nov. 7), ranked behind only the Academy Awards and GRAMMY Awards during the 2007-2008 season for awards shows among total viewers. With "The 41st Annual CMA Awards," ABC won Monday evening in both total viewers (16 million) and adults 18-49 (5.4/13). According to Nielsen, research estimates that 34.6 million viewers watched all or part of the ceremony. 

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards were broadcast on NBC television for the first time - making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The show aired on NBC through 1971 and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005 before moving to ABC in 2006. 

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Producer and Paul Miller is the Director. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

ABC News' "Good Morning America" is anchored by Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts. Chris Cuomo is the news anchor and Sam Champion is the weather anchor. The morning news program airs live from 7:00-9:00 AM/EDT, Monday through Friday, on the ABC Television Network. Jim Murphy is the senior executive producer and Tom Cibrowski is the executive producer of ABC News' "Good Morning America."

CMT's weekly entertainment series "CMT Insider," hosted by Katie Cook, gives viewers their fix of Country Music news plus broader topics from the entertainment world, including the latest in movies, music, fashion and sports. "CMT Insider" premieres every Saturday at 1:30 PM ET/PT on CMT. Lewis Bogach serves as Executive Producer.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2008 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay® is the Official Beauty Sponsor of the 2008 CMA Awards.

Country Music's newest stars and industry veterans stood shoulder to shoulder at "The 41st Annual CMA Awards," as "Country Music's Biggest Night--" honored a variety of its biggest artists. 

Relentless touring phenomenon Kenny Chesney won his third Entertainer of the Year Award. "I can't believe that I get to stand on the stages I stand on every summer and sing the songs I get to sing," Chesney said. "I love Country Music and I love doing what I do." During the pre-telecast ceremony, Chesney won his first Award in the Musical Event of the Year category, sharing the honor with Tracy Lawrence and Tim McGraw for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are." Chesney performed current single "Don't Blink," from his latest album Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates.

Lawrence was a first-time winner. "This is something that we wanted to sing," Lawrence said of his friends backstage. "We all related to it. I'm proud to have the friends I have. It wouldn't have happened without these guys."

In such a relatively short career, Carrie Underwood continues to rack up awards, winning her second consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year Award and adding a Single of the Year Award for smash hit "Before He Cheats," produced by Mark Bright. "Here I go again, the waterworks have started," an emotional Underwood said. "If you had told me years ago that I would be nominated with the people I was nominated with I would have thought you were insane." Underwood performed "So Small" from her sophomore album Carnival Ride, which sold more than 500,000 copies in its first week's release.

Nominated seven times for Male Vocalist of the Year, Brad Paisley finally won his first Award in the category. "I can't tell you what this means to me," Paisley said. "I have always wanted to win it once and this will do." Paisley got emotional when talking about his father, "who carried amplifiers and ran sound even though he didn't know what he was doing."

The Brentwood High School Marching Band introduced Paisley's performance of "Online" with an instrumental cadence. Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift, who made cameos in the Music Video of the Year winner "Online," directed by Jason Alexander, joined Paisley on stage to dance with some members of the marching band.

Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait added another CMA Award to his mantle, winning his fourth Album of the Year Award for It Just Comes Natural, produced by Tony Brown. "Of all of the Awards I was nominated for tonight, this was the one I wanted to win the most," Strait said. Strait performed "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls" from It Just Comes Natural.

Strait's "Give It Away" won the Song of the Year honor for songwriters Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson. Country Music Hall of Fame member Anderson commented, "Y'all have been letting me do this for 50 years and I love you." Johnson jokingly thanked his ex-wife who "deserves half of this song and half of this Award too," referencing the lyrics of the song about a wife leaving her husband and all of their belongings behind.

Rascal Flatts, the top-selling artist of 2006 in all genres, proved why when they won their fifth consecutive Vocal Group of the Year Award. The group opened the show with "Still Feels Good," the title track from their mega-selling new album, and closed out the broadcast with a duet with Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx ("Ray")

Breaking a six consecutive year win streak by Brooks & Dunn, a stunned Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland accepted their first Vocal Duo of the Year Award by paying tribute to those that came before. "All of our success," said Nettles, "it's because we are standing on the shoulders of giants. We are happy to be receiving this Award." The duo performed a stripped down "Stay" from their Platinum album Enjoy the Ride.

Seventeen-year-old Taylor Swift performed "Our Song" before winning her first CMA Award, the coveted Horizon Award. "I can't even believe that this is real," the high school senior said. "I want to thank God and my family for moving to Nashville so I could do this. The fans – you have changed my life. This is definitely the highlight of my senior year!"

Vocal Duo and Single of the Year nominee Big & Rich dedicated their performance of "Loud" to the late Porter Wagoner. Fourteen-time Vocal Duo of the Year Brooks & Dunn performed the poignant "God Must Be Busy."

The crop of Horizon Award nominees showed why Country Music's future is bright. Rodney Atkins performed his No. 1 hit "These Are My People" from his album If You're Going Through Hell. Jason Aldean served up the carefree "Johnny Cash," a tribute to the Man in Black's restless nature. "American Idol" alum Kellie Pickler offered the heart-wrenching "I Wonder," a song she wrote about the mother who abandoned her when she was 2 years old. Little Big Town, who were nominated for Vocal Group of the Year as well as Horizon, performed their hit "Boondocks." 

Josh Turner, who was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, exploded on screen and with the audience at the Sommet Center with his hit "Firecracker" from his new album Everything Is Fine. Fellow Male Vocalist nominee Keith Urban performed "Everybody" from his Platinum album Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing.

Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Miranda Lambert hit the target with her rocking "Gunpowder and Lead," from her sophomore album Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Fellow Female Vocalist nominee Reba McEntire, one of Lambert's heroes, performed "When You Love Someone Like That" with LeAnn Rimes from her monumental Reba Duets album. Alison Krauss, a six-time Female Vocalist nominee, performed "Simple Love" with her band, Vocal Group of the Year nominee Union Station featuring Musician of the Year winner Jerry Douglas on dobro.

Legendary group the Eagles made their awards show debut, performing "How Long" from their new album Long Road Out of Eden, their first studio album in 28 years.

The 2007 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame – Ralph Emery, Vince Gill and Mel Tillis – were recognized for their career accomplishments in a video montage.

The CMA Awards featured a new format this year with multiple segment hosts sharing hosting duties throughout the broadcast. ABC Television personalities James Denton of "Desperate Housewives," Kimberly Williams-Paisley of "According to Jim" and Kate Walsh of "Private Practice" split hosting duties with Country stars Sara Evans and Rimes.

Presenters included Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, Sheryl Crow, Jewel with Ty Murray, Kid Rock, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton and Gretchen Wilson.

The winners of "The 41st Annual CMA Awards" are:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Brad Paisley

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Carrie Underwood

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Rascal Flatts

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Sugarland

HORIZON AWARD
Taylor Swift

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
It Just Comes Natural
George Strait
Produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
MCA Nashville

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
"Before He Cheats"
Carrie Underwood
Produced by Mark Bright
19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
"Give It Away"
Bill Anderson / Buddy Cannon / Jamey Johnson
Sony/ATV Tree / EMI Blackwood / Run Slow Music

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Tracy Lawrence featuring Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney
"Find Out Who Your Friends Are"
Rocky Comfort Records/CO5

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
"Online"
Brad Paisley
Directed by Jason Alexander

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jerry Douglas – Dobro

In 1958, CMA was the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music.  Its membership includes nearly 6,000 companies and music industry professionals around the globe.

"The 41st Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Walter C. Miller is the executive producer and Robert Deaton is the producer. Paul Miller is the director. David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound and Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2007 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay® is the Official Beauty Sponsor. Additional promotional partners include AOL, LLC., Borders® Books & Music, Carl Black Chevrolet, CMT®, Coca-Cola®, Dr Pepper®, Dunkin' Donuts®, Fidelity Investments, Gibson Guitar®, Greased Lightning® Cleaning Products, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, Kellogg Company, Mr. Coffee®, Purity® Dairies, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., T.G.I. Friday's® and The Yankee Candle Company.

ABC Television, the official broadcast home of "Country Music's Biggest Night,--" is getting the festivities started early with programming celebrating the best of Country Music leading up to the big gala, "The 41st Annual CMA Awards" airing live Wednesday, Nov. 7 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET), on the ABC Television Network from the Sommet Center in Nashville.

From daytime to primetime and on ABC.com, America's network is home to Country Music. Highlights include:

Now through Thursday, Nov. 8 – Disney-ABC Television Group will be presenting exclusive coverage leading up to "The 41st Annual CMA Awards" with "The Countdown to Country Music's Biggest Night" on ABC.com. The coverage will include nine daily shows and one live event, which will also be available at CMAawards.com and will be distributed to our mobile partners and ABC affiliates. ABC Digital Media will be producing a daily five minute show for the nine days prior to the CMA Awards, hosted by former Miss Tennessee, Ashley Eicher and Capitol Records recording artist Luke Bryan. In an entertainment/news format, "Countdown to Country Music's Biggest Night" will cover the events that take place during the days leading up to the CMA Awards. It will also feature interviews with Country Music artists, coverage of the "Nashville Celebrates Country" events surrounding the Awards, and much more. The first show went live on Wednesday, and a new show will premiere every day through Wednesday Nov. 7. On Nov. 7, ABC.com will stream a three-hour live CMA Awards Red Carpet show from 5:00-8:00 PM/ET, leading up to the premiere of "The 41st Annual CMA Awards" on ABC. The live Red Carpet show will also be simulcast on ABC Mobile - a network first. The final and ninth daily show is a post-event/party wrap-up show that will be available online Thursday, Nov. 8. The daily and live Red Carpet shows are produced in full by the ABC.com Digital Media Group.

Friday, Nov. 2 – "Jimmy Kimmel Live." CMA Awards segment host, LeAnn Rimes stops by the show to perform a single from her new album, Family. Rimes has sold more than 37 million records and has scored numerous hit singles, among them "One Way Ticket," "I Need You," "Nothin' 'Bout Love Makes Sense," "Probably Wouldn't Be This Way," "Can't Fight The Moonlight" which was a No. 1 song in 11 countries, and "How Do I Live," which was the longest running single ever on the Billboard Hot 100, spending a record-setting 69 weeks on the chart. She has written children books, acted in film and on television and has become a musical icon both in the U.S. and in Europe.

Sunday, Nov. 4 – "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Country superstar Wynonna travels to Cheyenne, Wyoming and visits the construction site of the Miller family, a passionate, animal loving family whose lives and home have been dedicated to saving unwanted and abused animals, many of which were close to being put to death in shelters. Wynonna, an animal lover herself, performs a heartfelt cover of the Foreigner song "I Wanna Know What Love is" for the volunteers. Wynonna also helps welcome the family back home, along with Ty and the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" gang, at the reveal when the Millers are presented with a new dog and cat day care space, in addition to their newly, renovated home. A world-renowned vocalist and entertainer, Wynonna has accumulated sales totals as a solo artist in excess of 10 million units and 13 Top Ten hits on the charts and has celebrated 20 No. 1 hits and a multitude of Gold and Platinum records throughout her 23-year musical journey. Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and her life story, this phenomenal music icon continues to touch the hearts and souls of many with her powerful, soulful voice and presence. 
 
Monday, Nov. 5 – "The View." Country Music superstars Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of the multi-Platinum duo Brooks & Dunn will perform a song from their new album, Cowboy Town. The most lauded duo in CMA Awards history, Brooks & Dunn are nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year again in 2007. They have won the category a record 14 times and have received more CMA trophies than any other artist in history with a total of 19.

Tuesday, Nov. 6 – "Dancing with the Stars." On the eve before the CMA Awards, it's Country Music night at "Dancing" and LeAnn Rimes performing two songs. The next night on the CMA Awards, Rimes will be performing "When You Love Someone Like That," a duet with Reba McEntire. She will also be sharing segment hosting duties during the three-hour gala with Country star and "Dancing" alum Sara Evans and ABC stars including James Denton, Kate Walsh, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

Wednesday, Nov. 7 – "Good Morning America." CMA Awards multiple-nominated duo Big & Rich (John Rich and Big Kenny Alphin) will wake up America and then celebrate into the night on the CMA Awards. The "Good Morning America" concert event will take place on The Chevy Stage at the Sommet Center's outside plaza at the corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenue in Nashville and is presented by Chevrolet. The duo scored multiple CMA Awards nominations in 2007, including Vocal Duo and Single of the Year for "Lost in This Moment" (which they also produced). Rich was also nominated as a songwriter with Keith Anderson and Rodney Clawson for "Lost in This Moment," Big & Rich's first No. 1 single.

Country Music's superstars and the industry's elite will gather to recognize and celebrate the best and brightest performers, songwriters, record producers and music video directors on "The 41st Annual CMA Awards."

Performers will include Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. Reba McEntire will perform a duet with LeAnn Rimes. Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Rascal Flatts will open the show and later perform a duet with Academy Award winning entertainer Jamie Foxx.  And the Eagles will make their first-ever awards show performance.

CMA Awards presenters announced include Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, Jewel with Ty Murray, Kid Rock, Montgomery Gentry and Dwight Yoakam. Emerson Drive will present CMA Awards in pre-telecast festivities. Segment hosts for the three-hour broadcast include Sara Evans, James Denton, LeAnn Rimes, Kate Walsh and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

Tickets for the 2007 CMA Awards are on sale now and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (615) 255-9600; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $164 (excluding applicable service/handling fees), with prices increasing depending on seating level.

"The 41st Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Walter C. Miller is the executive producer and Robert Deaton is the producer. Paul Miller is the director. David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound and Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2007 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay® is the Official Beauty Sponsor. Additional promotional partners include AOL, LLC., Borders® Books & Music, Carl Black Chevrolet, Coca-Cola®, Dr Pepper®, Gibson Guitar®, Greased Lightning® Cleaning Products, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, Mr. Coffee® and The Yankee Candle Company.