CMA Award nomination announcements set

NASHVILLE, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Nominations for the 2011 Country Music Association Awards are to be announced by music stars in New York and Nashville next week, the CMA said.

The Band Perry and Jake Owen will announce the names of finalists in five categories live on ABC's "Good Morning America" from New York's Times Square Tuesday, while Jerrod Niemann and Thompson Square will announce the nominees in seven categories at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Also in Nashville, the JaneDear Girls will announce the finalists for the 2011 CMA Broadcast Award 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.

"Having country music's most eagerly anticipated announcements revealed on both 'Good Morning America' and on the Ryman stage, where the CMA Awards were first held, is a great way to start the morning," Steve Moore, CMA's chief executive officer, said in a statement Monday. "We appreciate the support of our partners including ABC, Gaylord Entertainment, CMT, and Premiere Radio Network in presenting the CMA nominations to the public, and we look forward to 'Country Music's Biggest Night' on Nov. 9."

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are to serve as hosts of the 45th annual CMA Awards show on ABC.