CMA Awards Performers Announced

The 45th annual edition of the show takes place Nov. 9 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The show, which is being hosted by Paisley and Carrie Underwood, airs live on the ABC television network between 8-11 p.m. ET.

The first group of performers is among this year’s top 2011 CMA-nominated artists. In addition to being nominated for entertainer of the year, Aldean, Paisley, Shelton and Swift each picked up nods in four other categories. 

Paisley, who was crowned the 2010 Entertainer of the Year, was also nominated for male vocalist, album for This is Country Music; and musical event and music video of the year for “Old Alabama” featuring Alabama. The singer-songwriter has been nominated every year since 2000, racking up 57 career nominations and 14 CMA awards.

Aldean earned his first CMA nominations this year. He’s also competing for male vocalist; album for My Kinda Party; and single and musical event of the year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson.

Shelton is also up for male vocalist; album for All About Tonight; and single and music video of the year for “Honey Bee.” Last year he walked away with the awards for male vocalist and musical event of the year.

Swift, who won the Horizon Award in 2007 and snagged the entertainer of the year award in 2009, is also up for female vocalist; album for Speak Now; music video for “Mean;” and song of the year for writing “Mean.” She can take home an additional trophy as the co-producer of Speak Now.

Urban received a second nomination for 2011 male vocalist. He previously took home that award for three consecutive years between 2004-2006, along with the 2005 entertainer of the year award.

Tickets for the CMA Awards go on sale to the public Saturday at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office.

For more information, click here for the CMA Awards’ website.