The CMA is taking extraordinary measures to ensure the awards ceremony will be broadcast on CBS even if safety concerns cause the actual event to be canceled the day of the show.

Rehearsals for the awards show will be taped next week so something will be available to air on national television. The participating country music stars participating in the ceremony have been asked to attend rehearsals dressed for the show.

Every nominee in every category will be announced as a winner, so footage will be available for every possibility. A live acceptance speech from the winner, broadcast from a secret location, would be inserted into the taped show.

Security for the CMA Awards, set for live broadcast from 8-10 p.m. CST November 7, has been tightened after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“We don’t anticipate anything happening,” Ed Benson, executive director of the CMA, told The Tennessean newspaper. “There’s too much that Americans needs to hear that we have to say,” he added.

The CMA depends on the television broadcast of the annual show for a large part of its income.

“If the show doesn’t air, CBS doesn’t pay us,” said Kix Brooks of country duo Brooks & Dunn, who is also a member of the association’s television committee.

Vince Gill will host the show and stars scheduled to appear include Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Emmylou Harris, Clint Black, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss and Sheryl Crow.