Strait and Paisley Lead the Pack for CMAs

The Country Music Awards are fast approaching. Nominations for the award show have been released for this year. Topping the list are veteran crooner George Strait and fellow entertainer Brad Paisley, tying for the lead with five nods each. Both are nominated for "Entertainer of the Year," the coveted top prize. Paisley and Strait will vie with Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, and Keith Urban for the trophy.

Besides the top entertainer nod, Paisley is also up for top male vocalist, album, single and music video categories. George Strait, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is also up for male vocalist, album, and single, as well as for an award for best musical event.

The women of country music who received nomination nods for Female Vocalist of the Year include: Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, and former Idol winner Carrie Underwood. The other slots for Male Vocalist, aside from Strait and Paisley, include Josh Turner, Urban, and Chesney. Group of the Year awards are between Rascal Flatts, the Dixie Chicks, Emerson Drive, Little Big Town, and Alison Krauss with Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. Meanwhile, Duo of the Year is up for grabs between Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland, and The Wreckers. The Horizon Award will be between rookies Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, and Little Big Town.

The 41st annual CMAs are to be held on November 7th. The award show will be broadcast on ABC.