NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Brad Paisley racked up six nominations, including a nod for entertainer of the year, to lead the field of nominees for the 2009 CMA Awards, organizers announced Wednesday.
Paisley was also nominated for male vocalist, album for "American Saturday Night," single and song for "Then," and music video for "Start a Band" with Keith Urban.
Urban, along with Jamey Johnson, George Straight, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown (frontman of the Zac Brown Band), followed close behind with four nominations.
Swift became the first female artist to receive a nod for entertainer of the year since Faith Hill in 2000. Shania Twain was the last female artist to win the coveted honor, scoring her victory in 1999. In another first for the 19-year-old singer, she was nominated for album of the year for "Fearless."
Strait, meanwhile, now has 79 career CMA Awards nominations, tying him with Alan Jackson. He leads the trophy count with 22 during the course of his distinguished career.
Another artist looking to add to their trophy count is Carrie Underwood, who picked up two nods. The former "American Idol" star will be in search of her fourth straight female vocalist of the year title.
This year's list of nominees includes several new faces, including former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker, whose crossover to country was rewarded with two nods, including male vocalist of the year.
Rucker, along with Lee Ann Womack, announced nominations for five categories on Wednesday's "Good Morning America."
"It is great for the format and speaks to the strength of our music and talent of our artists that there are so many new faces on the list of nominees this year," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "With more than a quarter of the nominees making their debut in 2009, representing a variety of major and independent labels, there will be a heightened level of excitement and anticipation for the CMA Awards in November."
Paisley and Underwood will host the 43rd annual CMA Awards, which will be broadcast by ABC on Nov. 11.
Also see: CMA Awards 2009 Nominations List