First Round Of Performers Announced For 'The 39th Annual CMA Awards' In New York City

First Round Of Performers Announced For 'The 39th Annual CMA Awards' In New York City

Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney and Country Superstars Faith Hill, Alan Jackson and George Strait to Perform on "Country Music's Biggest Night"

NASHVILLE, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The star-packed lineup for "The 39th Annual CMA Awards" is taking shape with the announcement today that reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney, former Female Vocalist of the Year Faith Hill, the superstar artist who holds the record for most career CMA Award nominations Alan Jackson, and the legendary George Strait will perform when the CMA Awards airs live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, Tuesday, Nov. 15 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the CBS Television Network. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of superduo Brooks & Dunn return in 2005 to host the CMA Awards.

"The CMA Awards is the industry's biggest single event for expanding the format and reaching a broad audience," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "And we have a strong slate of nominees and an incredible pool of music to draw from. The move to New York City for this one year is not about changing the CMA Awards program, but taking our best show and our most compelling performers to the media and marketing capital of the world and changing minds about the viability and popularity of the format there. We are dedicated to delivering the best-of-the-best and this is a great start."

Two-time CMA Award winner Chesney is nominated for Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year this year bringing his career nominations to 14. Three- time CMA Award winner Hill has 17 career nominations to date. Jackson, who has received 16 CMA Awards, currently holds the title of most career nominations with 72. Jackson is nominated for 2005 Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year. Strait, who has received 15 CMA Awards and 65 nominations during his career, is nominated for three Awards this year, including Male, Album for Somewhere Down in Texas, and Musical Event (with Lee Ann Womack) for "Good News, Bad News."

The CMA Awards are produced by Walter C. Miller and directed by Paul Miller. David Wild will script the ceremonies. MJI Programming, a division of Premiere Radio Networks, is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, which includes Red Carpet coverage and a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. Chevy, an American Revolution, is the official automotive sponsor of the 2005 CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2005 CMA Awards. Additional promotional sponsors include Prilosec OTC and Crème Savers. Charles Fazzino is the official graphic artist of the 2005 CMA Awards.

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl, +1-615-244-2840, or Scott Stem, +1-615-244-2840, both of CMA; or Beth Stoller-Feldman of CBS-NY, +1-212-975-3183

Web site: http://www.cmaworld.com/ http://www.cmaawards.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: For CMA Awards information, history and high-resolution images visit CMApress.com. Media may also register for credentials at this site which is for media only and is not intended for public use. The public should be directed to CMAawards.com

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