Chesney nominated for 7 CMAs

NASHVILLE, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Kenny Chesney earned nominations for seven Country Music Awards, including the prize for Entertainer of the Year, it was announced Wednesday.

"The 42nd annual CMA Awards" is to be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville Nov. 12 on the ABC Television Network, the Country Music Association said.

Jennifer Nettles was nominated for six awards, George Strait and Sugarland were each nominated for five, and Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley were each nominated for four.

"Country music thrives on the talent and creativity of an outstanding group of artists and they are well represented with our nominees," CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese said in a statement. "These talented performers, musicians, songwriters, producers, and directors demonstrate the artistic depth and creativity of our format and the '2008 CMA Awards' will definitely reflect that in November."

"We look forward to this exciting time of the year when ABC spotlights the best and brightest of today's country music artists and their achievements," added Vicki Dummer, Senior Vice President of Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night at ABC Entertainment. "Today's announcement of these exceptional nominees begins our celebration of one of our biggest nights in programming, the 'CMA Awards.'"